Startup Profile: NutshellMail.com
May 27, 2008
Houston-based NutshellMail.com is a free, web-based service that enables users to access, manage, and monitor messages from all their e-mail and social networking accounts through any inbox they already use. NutshellMail is the only known solution that enables employees to access personal messages in the workplace without violating most corporate email policies and security safeguards.
NutshellMail works by taking a copy of messages sent to a user’s various e-mail and social networking accounts. The header information (sender, subject and timestamp) for each message is then compiled into a single e-mail message (the “Update”). The Update displays a snapshot of all newly received messages in an easy-to-read format. Lastly, the Update is delivered to the user’s primary e-mail address on a recurring user-defined schedule.
NutshellMail offers several ways for a user to read messages. Through the e-mail Update, a user can request for any message to be forwarded directly into their primary e-mail account by simply clicking on the “Boomerang” icon located next to the message. A User can also use the Update as a portal into their various providers’ websites by clicking on the logo of the account they want to access. Additionally, a user can access all their messages through a consolidated inbox on NutshellMail.com, which enables them to view messages from all accounts in a single web-interface.
Mark Schmulen and David Lyman started the company back in September of last year, raising a private angel round. They are looking to start raising professional capital this summer so keep your check book handy. Mark and David explain why they started the company,
We started NutshellMail because we were frustrated with the traditional and limited options for managing multiple email accounts. This is a common issue as nearly 70% of email users maintain at least three accounts. In addition, many of us were employed by corporations that block access to third-party messaging sites. While companies restrict access for good reason, we believe employers can provide for a better work-life balance by allowing employees to securely access personal messages in a way that does not undermine security, regulatory, and productivity concerns. NutshellMail is the ultimate compromise that keeps employees happy and productive; and companies, secure and compliant with regulators.
Mark (in addition to reading this blog, of course) is an avid reader of: TechCrunch and Mashable - to stay up to date on the latest web-based applications and industry news, StartupHouston.com - to stay involved in the Houston-area entrepreneur scene and to know when the next great local event is (Houston has a thriving but under-marketed startup community) and WallStreet Journal - to stay informed about general conditions in the economy and the world. The WSJ is a must read for any business person.
When I asked Mark who is hero/mentor was he explained, “My grandfather, Herman “Jack” Fleishman was a successful business person and entrepreneur. He died when I was two years old; however he continues to influence me and live on through the his legacy. My grandfather was not only loved by his family and friends but also by his employees and community because he gave back to society through charitable works and his contribution to the economy. I hope to one day live beyond my years by leaving my mark on the world in a similar manner.”
Mark and David work out of a condo explaining, “We have all worked for large corporations and vow never to go back. We truly love what we do. In addition, we learned from both bad and good managers about how to keep each other motivated and how to be constructive with our criticism. No matter how big we get, we want to remain a startup in culture.”
Their 1/3/5 year goals are:
- Our first year objective is to launch as a free consumer service; we hope to acquire at least 200,000 users one year after our public launch.
- Our 3-year plan is to be established as the standard SaaS solution for companies that want to enable employees to stay on top of their personal lives in a way that does not compromise security or IT policy.
- Our 5 year goal is to be acquired and move on to the next great idea. We are all entrepreneurial. We love what we do and want to keep introducing useful and new applications to the World
| Name | Mark Schmulen |
|---|---|
| Your Title |
President
|
| Phone | (713) 893-8355 |
| mark@nutshellmail.com | |
| Your blog (you have a blog don’t you?) | http://getthenut.com/ |
| Linked Profile Page | http://nutshellmail.com/about/team/ |
| Twitter Profile | http://twitter.com/mschmulen |
| Company Name |
NutshellMail.com
|
| Web Site | http://nutshellmail.com/ |
| Company Founded | 1 September 2007 |
| Key Executive (include name and title) |
Mark Schmulen - President
|
| Key Executive (include name and title) |
David Lyman - Vice President
|
| How is your startup funded? |
Private Angel Round. The Company will begin its next capital raise in Summer 2008.
|
| Number of Employees |
7
|
| Yearly Revenue (2007) |
undisclosed
|
| Estimated Revenue (2008) | undisclosed |
| Estimated Revenue (2009) | undisclosed |
| Company Elevator Pitch | |
| NutshellMail.com™ is a free, web-based service that enables users to access, manage, and monitor messages from all their e-mail and social networking accounts through any inbox they already use. NutshellMail is the only known solution that enables employees to access personal messages in the workplace without violating most corporate email policies and security safeguards. | |
