Using patented geolocation technology, Derrick Denicola’s Findaspot app works to find convenient meeting places halfway in between people.
Denicola, a Walker native who moved to Los Angeles after graduating from LSU in 2007, was inspired to make the app after finding himself in heavy traffic while on his way to a meeting.
Denicola, who works as the app’s CEO, remembers thinking at the time there’s an app for everything, but he couldn’t find one that would help him find a place in the middle of where they were both coming from.
“I kept digging and realized this is an everyday problem, especially for bigger cities,” Denicola says. “The solution seemed simple because GPS and navigation already exists.”
From conception to development, the endeavor took more than seven years, Denicola estimates. A former version of the app, MiddleGround, was less user friendly and lacked the vision of the final product. He credits his Findaspot co-founder and Chief Product Officer Mitch Lucas for helping create an app that’s simple enough for his mom to use.
“That was one of my goals—if my mom cant use it, we can’t put it in the app store,” Denicola says.
The app launched in the Apple store in April and for Android last month. As of Friday, roughly 4,500 people have downloaded Findaspot, with the app averaging about 20 downloads a day, Denicola says.
The company is currently focusing on growing its user base for the ad-free app, but starting in the new year, Denicola says they hope to begin licensing for other businesses to use the software. They’re targeting dating, calendar, social media and GPS navigation apps to integrate Findaspot’s technology as a feature.
Throughout the entire app development and launch process, Denicola says his biggest challenge has been integrating himself into the tech industry.
“I got degree in theatre performance, but knew I wanted to seize the opportunity,” Denicola says. “I had a lot of support and faith that Findaspot was a good idea … I really value time. We’re not making more of it and we’re running out of it. I want the app to empower people to go out and meet face to face.”
