Dream Business: Why Active Leisure Suits Everyone

Interview with Denis Gumerov, the founder of the travel startup "Clumus" – a marketplace for selecting active and themed tours with lottery services and crowdfunding.

Hello, Denis. Can you tell us how long the service has been in existence?

We officially launched the current format on July 13, 2015. However, this is our second launch. The initial prototype was launched in February 2014, but after a month, we realized it needed refinement. While some sales were made through it, the prototype was far from perfect. We identified the need to make it more user-friendly and accessible.

Why did you have to refine the website and what challenges did you face?

Our initial concept focused on making travel more accessible to everyone. We aimed to emphasize lotteries based on random selection models and collective tour financing. However, the service was conceptually unclear for both partners and users in terms of usability. There was excessive control by managers, information upload inconvenience, poor design, and outdated search functionality. While our system aimed for automation and scalability, the marketing and usability aspects were lacking. Over a year, we refined the system's marketing approach, information perception, and significantly revamped the project's architecture. Substantial changes were made to program filtering, the lottery model, and the overall partner-user interaction. Previously functioning as an online travel agency, we now operate as a SAAS service facilitating organizers to list and sell programs online while allowing travelers to purchase tours and win adventures.

How did the startup get its name?

Clumus is essentially an abbreviation derived from "Club of Mutual Sponsors," based on the idea of collectively funding tours through travel lottery services and crowdfunding traveler projects. In crowdfunding, there is usually a reward offered by the project creator. Meanwhile, the travel lottery service concept was akin to the mutual assistance funds from the past, where people pooled money with the monthly distribution benefiting those most in need. Essentially, the lottery service was based on random selection, relying on the belief that the world often knows who deserves the opportunity to bring something to life.

How was the color scheme chosen and what was the idea behind it?

The color scheme was chosen intuitively while adhering to design principles. Warm and cool colors like blue and orange harmonize well with each other. Being colorblind, I struggle with distinguishing shades, but blue and orange are distinct. Additionally, blue is a personal favorite color.

What is the main objective of Clumus?

Tourism is a global phenomenon, prompting us to develop a service centered around active and themed tourism without geographical or linguistic limitations. International multi-service platforms are scarce, and cultivating a global booking system where organizers and travelers worldwide can interact on one platform is intriguing. By creating a community akin to couchsurfing through communication and linguistic exchanges, we facilitate experiential sharing. Our goal is to present the market for active and themed travel in its purest form to consumers, enabling travelers to find service providers directly without intermediaries.

There are numerous travel startups. What sets you apart?

We provide a comprehensive tool for individuals eager to realize their travel dreams. Everyone dreams of traveling. Some prefer purchasing tours, while others may not have the means due to varying price ranges. Our service offers lottery options, allowing individuals to access tours at significantly reduced costs. This accessibility is beneficial for individuals facing financial instability as well as those with stable income. Everyone can seize the opportunity to embark on a tour with minimal expenses.

Through crowdfunding, private travelers can seek financial support for their tours while delivering significant ideas or unique projects. People can fund these projects and feel a sense of involvement.

How does the service generate profits?

Travelers purchase tours at provider prices with discounts. Providers offer us commission rewards from successful transactions.

What is the main advantage of the service?

Multi-currency support allows users to diversify currency risks since organizers operate in different countries with varying currencies, necessitating fixed prices. Multilingualism facilitates uniting all providers and travelers on a single platform. Travelers can connect with people from different countries and find travel companions worldwide. This is especially valuable for individuals who cherish cultural exchanges and sharing experiences. Automated processes within the system expedite project scalability.