Abby Alkury is the Co-founder and CEO of Brandripe, a startup that helps brands outsource their graphic design. Before Brandripe, he was CEO of SHAVES2U, a subscription-based razor and personal grooming startup.

👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

We offer brands a simple and scalable way to outsource their graphic design through an on-demand, easy-to-use collaborative platform. My focus is to continuously seek our customers' pain points to provide them with a better experience.

🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I started making money online in 1998 by running banner ads on websites that I would build using a program similar to WIX. Then, I would go to the school computer lab during lunch, open up my website on each desktop, and click on my banners.

My parents always wondered how a 12-year-old kid was getting $150 paychecks in the mail every month.

🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

I initially came to Malaysia to do a 3-month internship. I would do odd sales jobs during that time to make some cash (Interns don't get paid much). Three years later, I became the CEO of the company I was selling products for on the streets.

🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

Designing for Web3.0, including NFTs. It's a great way for creators to have ownership. I'm hoping for a more eco-friendly solution for minting.

💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Just start. Oftentimes, we procrastinate for too long. If you spent that time actually starting something, then you would already be ahead of your goal.

There is no shame in failing. You miss all the shots you don't take.

🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

The NBA! I love basketball, and I'm a huge Raptors fan.

🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Sopranos. Way ahead of its time. But currently, I would say The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel!

🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

Chocolate ice cream, infused with brownies, of course!