Ready For Zero
ENT526 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Behavior
Professor Alison Kemper
Elevator Pitch
Today a large some of the world’s population live with financial debt. Whether it is a credit card, car loan, student loan, or a mortgage, most adults in the developed world of all backgrounds, and all types of incomes often find themselves in some form of financial debt. There are multiple factors that lead people into debt. Some individuals are simply financially irresponsible and do not know how to manage money, while others find themselves in debt due to unforeseeable circumstances, such as job loss or an illness. Another factor is that most individuals like to live a comfortable lifestyle rather than get out of debt. Being in any kind of debt is unquestionably a stressful experience.
ReadyForZero Inc. is a Silicone Valley USA based startup that plans on aiding people in managing and reducing debt automatically. ReadyForZero takes an individual’s financial information and creates a personalized plan that focuses on getting them out of debt in the fastest and most efficient way possible. ReadyForZero pride themselves on their simplicity. Their formula focuses on a payment plan that emphasizes the repayment of the loan that carries the highest interest first. The software is also capable of sending reminders about upcoming bills, so they get paid accordingly.
Company Overview
Today ReadyForZero employ 12 fulltime employees. In 2013 ReadyForZero helped their customers pay down over $125 million in debt, which was an increase of 400% from 2012. The company also experienced a revenue growth of 4000% from 2012. The management at ReadyForZero put great effort into differentiating themselves from other financial services by stating that “We are nor a debt settlement, credit counseling, or credit repair company” (www.readyforzero.com/about-us). It is easy to see how ReadyForZero is nothing like a
Bibliography: Robert Schroeder, (September 17, 2013) The Wall Street Journal, “U.S. debt now about 73% of GDP, CBO says” http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-debt-now-about-73-of-gdp-cbo-says-2013-09-17-1091240, Sam Frizell, (Feb 19, 2014) Time Business & Money, “Americans Are Tacking on Debt at Scary High Rates” http://business.time.com/2014/02/19/federal-reserve-debt-bankrate-consumers-credit-card/ Courtney Boyd Myers, (March 10, 2011) “Debt Disruption: Are you “Readyfor Zero”?’ http://thenextweb.com/apps/2011/03/10/debt-disruption-are-you-ready-for-zero/#!wUbPq https://www.readyforzero.com/about-us https://www.readyforzero.com/handbook