London-Based Startup Launches Restaurant Management Solutions Internationally Using Advisors

Fayez Nadem, a London-based entrepreneur and former attorney, founded a company called SmartServe in 2015 with a vision to revolutionize the restaurant and hospitality space with a mobile app and smartwatch. As CEO, he laid the foundation for the product launch and business strategy for the company. While the product was still in development, Fayez recognized that a board of directors could help him work through the planning process for a go-to-market strategy. To do this, he had to look beyond his traditional network to source candidates that would meet this business needs.

Fayez was searching for a talented team of board members with experience in technology, foodservice, business development and sales and marketing. However, starting a business and developing an innovative product left him little time to find a board on his own. He turned to AdvisoryCloud to help him with his search.

THE EXPERIENCE

“When I heard that AdvisoryCloud connects businesses with individuals for advisory and board roles, I knew it could potentially supply me with the resources I needed to bring my product to launch. After about one week of posting my opportunity, I received a list of candidates to interview. I admit I was surprised by the quick turnaround and the number of high-caliber candidates.”

Fayez worked with AdvisoryCloud to schedule a series of interview with six qualified candidates. After completing the interviews, Fayez ultimately chose his entire board of directors from AdvisoryCloud' member base. Coincidentally, the London-based Fayez, selected a team of board members that were all based in the U.S. After contracts were signed, Fayez and the current acting chief operations officer of SmartServe, Curtis Barlow, held their first official board meeting in Austin, Texas.

THE ADVISORY BOARD

In the first meeting, the board members discussed the company's business strategies, market opportunity and company policies that promote the company’s culture and vision.

Fayez was originally not planning to launch his product concurrently in the U.S. and U.K., but upon discussions with his board, he now has the contacts and expertise to launch in both markets. Fayez opened an office in New York City to focus on the Northeast restaurants and Austin, Texas to serve as the center of SmartServe’s U.S. operations, including customer service and marketing.

“Part of where we’ve landed and the direction our company is going is due to AdvisoryCloud’ role in the process. That’s something I’m very grateful for,” he says. “Thank you, AdvisoryCloud, for connecting us with an amazing team of individuals whom we are proud to have on board!” says Fayez.

As Fayez looks to the future, which includes not only the restaurant/hospitality space, but also retail and the security industry, he sees using AdvisoryCloud as a catalyst for success. “What I absolutely loved about AdvisoryCloud is the level of care and customer service, from the initial call, all the way through the end review. They connected me with a group of top performers, all of whom I’m proud to have on my board of directors.”

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