It's easy to dismiss some "X for Y" startups as empty elevator pitches, like the Uber for Marijuana, the Tinder for Jobs, or even the Airbnb for Toilets, but sometimes the cloned business model actually makes perfect sense for the new market.
Take BabyBin for example, a brand new Chicago startup that's out to be the TrunkClub for new moms. Here's how it work: Moms are paired with a BabyBin "Mommy Advocate" that assembles a custom box of everyday essentials for newborns, from diapers to cold medicine and developmental toys to clothes.
And though TrunkClub is about personal style, BabyBin is about personal convenience - delivering the right items at the right time. Also, unlike a Birchbox or a Loot Box - subscription services that deliver one set of items to all of their clients weekly/monthly - BabyBin handles every customer individually.
"Every box is different because every baby is different" said CEO and Founder Brian Feldkamp. "We spend a lot of time learning about our users and their babies so that we can put together the perfect box for every single client."
Because each box is custom, BabyBin will send its users a digital checklist with every item they're about to receive, allowing them to un-click anything they do not want or need. This process also lets BabyBin learn more about their clients, enabling them to make smarter, faster decisions months down the line.
"I realized the need for this startup when I was visiting my sister and little niece a year ago" said Feldkamp. "New parents have so much on their minds, I just wanted to create something that gave them one less thing to worry about."
New parents can sign up for the service here and, just in time for Mother's Day, BabyBin Gift Cards are available here.
Also, with Mother's Day around the corner, here are a couple other Chicago startups offering great gifts and services for the holiday:
The DEFY MFG. Co.: The Ravenswood-based company manufactures hand-made, American-made bags and totes, as well as hats and belts. The bags aren't necessarily "men's" or "women's:" they're just beautiful, Chicago-built accessories. Check them out.
Whittl: The three-year-old, fast-growing platform allows users to easily find and book appointments at local services, like salons and spas, as well as compare prices. So, find your mom a great deal and book her an hour of relaxation.
Mumzy: Kickstarter for moms, Mumzy helps entrepreneurial moms raise money for their ideas and then provides them with the resources to help build, launch, and grow their projects.
(Image via BabyBins)
