Ignite Startups: Harnessing Video Content for Local Business Discovery with Michael Ebel
Episode 96 of the Ignite Podcast
In the latest episode of the Ignite podcast, Brian Bell sits down with Michael Ebel, the CEO and founder of Atmosfy, a video-first platform designed to revolutionize how people discover dining, nightlife, and travel experiences. If you don’t have time to tune in, this blog post will walk you through the key highlights and insights from Michael’s fascinating journey—from his time in the U.S. Air Force to leading a tech startup that’s transforming how we explore cities around the world.
A Path Less Traveled: From Military Service to Tech
Michael Ebel’s career trajectory is anything but conventional. He began his professional journey as a U.S. Air Force officer, where he served for several years, eventually rising to the rank of captain. His time in the military taught him invaluable lessons in leadership, decision-making, and discipline—skills that he continues to draw upon in his entrepreneurial endeavors. Michael shared how his military experience gave him the structure and resilience needed to tackle the unpredictable world of startups.
After leaving active duty, Michael transitioned to the corporate world, working in management consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) before moving on to a role at Meta (formerly Facebook). At Meta, he worked as a global project manager in machine learning operations, where he began to see the potential of video as a medium for discovery and engagement. This experience would later become a cornerstone of his vision for Atmosfy.
The Birth of Atmosfy: A Platform for Discovery
Atmosfy was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: to create a better way for people to discover local experiences through video content. Michael observed that traditional review platforms like Yelp often suffer from negativity bias, where negative experiences are disproportionately represented. He believed there was a better way to showcase what cities have to offer, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when local businesses were struggling to survive.
Michael’s experience as a bartender during his college years at Washington State University also played a role in shaping his vision. He saw firsthand how difficult it was for local establishments to gain visibility and realized that video content could be a game-changer in helping businesses connect with potential customers. With this insight, he set out to create a platform that could bring communities together by making it easier for people to find and share positive experiences in their cities.
Challenges and Triumphs: Building a Global Network
Building Atmosfy was no small feat. Michael faced numerous challenges, from convincing people of the value of video content for discovery to navigating the complexities of launching a global platform during a pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Atmosfy quickly gained traction by rallying creators around the mission of supporting local businesses. Michael’s decision to build a global creator network rather than focusing on a single city was a bold move that paid off, allowing Atmosfy to scale rapidly and reach users in over 10,000 cities across 150 countries.
The platform’s success can also be attributed to its unique value proposition: a video-first discovery experience that bridges the gap between entertainment and utility. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, which are primarily designed for entertainment, Atmosfy is built to answer the question, “Where should I go?”—whether you’re looking for a great restaurant in your hometown or planning a trip to a new city.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Atmosfy
As Atmosfy continues to grow, Michael remains focused on expanding the platform’s capabilities and user base. New features, such as messaging and enhanced gamification, are in the pipeline, aiming to make the platform even more engaging and useful for its users. Michael also discussed the importance of maintaining balance as a startup founder, emphasizing the need for discipline and self-care to navigate the stresses of entrepreneurial life.
For those interested in the future of Atmosfy, Michael envisions the platform becoming the go-to resource for discovering what’s happening in cities around the world. He sees immense potential in the global creator network Atmosfy has built, which enables users to share and discover experiences wherever they go.
Final Thoughts
Michael Ebel’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and vision in the face of challenges. From his early days in the military to leading a cutting-edge tech startup, Michael has consistently applied the lessons he’s learned to drive success. Atmosfy is more than just a platform—it’s a community-driven movement that’s changing the way we explore and experience the world around us.
If you’re intrigued by Michael’s journey and the evolution of Atmosfy, but don’t have the time to listen to the full podcast episode, this blog post has covered the essential insights. However, for a deeper dive into Michael’s experiences and the detailed discussions on leadership, startup challenges, and the future of digital discovery, the podcast episode is definitely worth a listen.
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Chapters:
· Introduction and Background of Michael Ebel - 00:01 - 01:18
· Michael’s Military Experience and Transition to Tech - 01:19 - 03:30
· The Inspiration Behind Atmosfy - 03:31 - 05:45
· Early Challenges and Platform Development - 05:46 - 09:54
· Growth and Global Expansion of Atmosfy - 09:55 - 12:09
· Atmosfy's Unique Value Proposition - 12:10 - 17:55
· Fundraising and Strategic Decisions - 17:56 - 19:28
· Collaborations with Celebrities and Brand Building - 19:29 - 21:06
· Monetization Strategy and Timing - 21:07 - 22:08
· Long-Term Vision for Atmosfy - 22:09 - 24:29
· Leadership Philosophy and Lessons Learned - 24:30 - 26:59
· Rapid Fire Questions: Favorite Projects and Key Lessons - 27:00 - 29:22
· Challenges and Evolution of Atmosfy - 29:23 - 31:26
· Timing and Market Positioning - 31:27 - 33:02
· Books That Influenced Leadership Style - 33:03 - 34:30
· Balancing Visionary Leadership with Being a "Nice Guy" - 34:31 - 36:28
· Firing and Tough Decisions as a CEO - 36:29 - 37:50
· Personal Milestones with Atmosfy - 37:51 - 39:08
· Upcoming Features and Closing Thoughts - 39:09 - 39:38