Interview: Quiqup Co-Founder Bassel El Koussa

Bassel El Koussa has spent his life growing up in an entrepreneurial household. His family business in Lebanon is in industrial manufacturing of bakery products distributed through the one of the largest logistics operations in the country. After graduating from the American University of Beirut, he pursued two masters degrees at the School of Oriental and African Studies and Imperial College. In between the degrees he spent two years starting the family business operation expansion in Riyadh and then moved on to work within Private Equity. He later returned back to London where he worked in venture capital.

1)What is Quiqup? 

Quiqup is an on-demand delivery service, revolutionising the way in which companies and consumers connect to local London retailers and restaurants. Whatever you need, from food and drink to useful items and gifts, simply place your order via the app and Quiqup will collect and deliver it to your door within the hour. Quiqup is currently available as a smartphone app, on both iOS and Android, and a web platform.

2) How did you come up with the idea for Quiqup? 
Quiqup was launched in September 2014 by co-founders Bassel El Koussa, Tim Linssen, Federico Ferraro, Rami Idriss and Danny Hawkins. The idea for the business came about following the realisation that time is an increasingly important commodity for both consumers and businesses in London. Quiqup allows users to purchase the items they need, when they need them, with just a few clicks.

3) What makes it different to all the other delivery applications?
On-demand delivery is an exciting space to be in right now, as there is strong user support for these types of services. Quiqup is different to the likes of Deliveroo, as it’s not limited by a specific vertical such as delivering food or partnership agreements, thus Quiqup can provide a far wider range of products and services. For example, if a user would like a michelin star meal, as long as the restaurant offers a takeaway option, Quiqup can fulfil this request. Furthermore, it can stop off to pick up any accompanying items you need.

It’s also different to services like Amazon, as rather than delivering generic stock from a warehouse, Quiqup works with London-based retailers and high-street shops and restaurants, supporting and championing local businesses. Quiqup also prides itself on its cutting edge technology and design, its wide range of partners and consumer offering. [A few others we may be asked about include Jinn, Postmates, Just-Eat and Henchmen].

4) Where will the apps go in the future? 
In todays climate, mobile applications play an important role in most of our lives. The majority of people who have a smart phone are connected with each other via advanced mobile technology which is expanding and will continue to so. Whether its food, fashion or everyday services, mobile apps have certainly resulted in a dramatic increase in mobile traffic on websites and increased sales. Thus, to stand ahead of the competition in this wobbly mobile marketplace, an outstanding mobile application is necessary – and that’s where companies like Quiqup come in.

5) What inspired you to go into business? 
My inspiration to start my own business has always been the freedom I would get in being able to challenge the status quo within an industry and do things differently without constraints. Making a difference in the world and having the freedom to do it is definitely my source of inspiration.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a mobile app? 
My advice would be to put all of your focus into building a beautiful product that people love. If the business starts to then have traction, investors will seek you out and your business will grow. I always work with like minded people and believe that building a strong team is the key factor in our success.