What is the 30under30?
30under30 is an Anthill initiative launched in early 2008 to encourage and promote entrepreneurship among young Australians.
Each year, we invite our readers to nominate young Australian entrepreneurs deserving of recognition for their outstanding entrepreneurial endeavours. More.
Jessica Ruhfus, NSW (b. 1991)
Name: Jessica Ruhfus
Age: 25
Known for: Collabosaurus
Jessica working in both fashion and lifestyle public relations, as well as small business marketing when she identified a gap in the B2B market connecting likeminded, complementary brands together for mutually beneficial strategic alliances. “And Tinder was getting popular, admittedly acting as an inspiration for Collabosaurus,” she says.
Founded in 2014, Collabosaurus is now a matchmaker for brand partnerships operating in over 5 countries, for over 3,300 brands who are looking to collaborate on events, social media, products or referral partnerships. The likes of Topshop, Redbull, Sydney Restaurant Group and Cocolux have signed up to source great collaborations. Collaboration marketing is up to 30 times less expensive than other digital advertising, so the potential is huge.
Jessica says her biggest setback so far has been an ongoing financial juggling act.
“With Collabosaurus funded only by family and myself, I held at least two other jobs because I prefer not to pay myself a salary out of the business for the first 2.5 years. Instead, I funnelled profits back into the business and worked as a barista, waitress and english tutor on the side.
“I honestly don’t regret any of it though, it makes any success more appreciated and earned. Now, we’re attempting to raise capital for Collabosaurus, so fingers crossed this won’t be a set back!”
Anthill asks: What motivates you as an entrepreneur?
My activities are driven by a desire to prove the naysayers wrong! I know that Collabosaurus legitimately improves the marketing potential for brands of all sizes, but I ran into a lot of doubters ‑ particularly in the early stages. I love it when I can prove them wrong, which is almost always. I’m also motivated by the clear need for a partnerships platform in the space! I’m essentially building a product that I wish was available to me in growing Collabosaurus. Belief is therefore a big motivator for me. Collaboration marketing through Collabosaurus is up to 30x less expensive than other digital ads. That’s a big motivator.
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