There are as many link-in-bio instruments accessible for creators because the variety of hyperlinks they sometimes show on their pages. However there may be yet one more addition to it. Sequoia-backed startup Bento is launching its device to let customers show their work in a sublime method throughout each desktop and cell.
Bento, which has been beneath closed beta for the previous couple of months, is now accepting all customers. Presently, the location affords well-designed pages with choices to resize and reorganize widgets simply. The nice factor is that you simply simply have so as to add hyperlinks to totally different pages, and the location will generate a wealthy preview for you. That makes it simpler for folks to spotlight particular elements of their work aside from linking to a generic web page like a LinkedIn profile.
Picture Credit: Bento
The startup says that whereas hyperlink technology options can be found on different link-in-bio platforms, it has made it simpler so as to add hyperlinks and transfer round widgets even on cell. Customers also can use the desktop web site to edit their cell structure.
The positioning affords some customization to hyperlink previews like exhibiting the final three jobs from the LinkedIn profile, the previous couple of pictures from Instagram and the newest GitHub tasks.
Picture Credit: Bento
Bento’s long-term plan is to let folks eat content material on these pages. As an illustration, sooner or later, customers visiting a web page will be capable of play a YouTube video with out leaving the location. For the time being, if creators need to present a video on their Bento web page, they’ll add a file on the location as a substitute of a hyperlink.
The thought behind the product
Zurich-based Bento was based by Sélim Benayat and Mugeeb Hassan. Benayat beforehand constructed RosieReality, a startup engaged on augmented actuality tech, and Hassan was the corporate’s first rent. The AR firm was acquired in 2020, however the founders didn’t say by whom.
Benayat and Hassan began constructing Bento in Might 2022 to help creators who need to make a dwelling on-line by serving to them perceive and develop their viewers.
“Mugeeb and I consider in an upcoming generational shift in how we work. Away from working at large corporations and extra in direction of launching inventive companies and private manufacturers. With Bento, we need to help this shift. We really feel strongly about empowering the inventive and the courageous to enterprise out and construct their very own enterprise,” Benayat mentioned in a dialog with TechCrunch.
Picture Credit: Bento/Nayella
The co-founders consider that a number of instruments available in the market simply act as routers to different platforms. They need Bento to be a “vacation spot” for creators the place they’ll host their work, develop their viewers and generate profits as effectively.
Benayat mentioned link-in-bio instruments typically simply redirect shoppers to different platforms, the place creators won’t personal instruments for distribution or monetization.
“The reason being that social platforms deal with CTRs on adverts, reasonably than serving to makers maximize the worth extracted per follower. There are vastly misaligned incentives. Makers don’t personal their viewers nor the pipes to interact with them. All is mitigated by algorithms optimizing for platform-wide engagement,” he mentioned.
The corporate
The startup has raised $1.6 million in a pre-seed spherical led by Sequoia Arc together with participation from NextBlue and Gaingels Community.
Bento has a ton of competitors within the link-in-bio instruments area. Linktree is already a large within the area. Final yr, the Australia-based startup grew to become a unicorn with its $110 million Series C funding.
Different rivals embody a16z-backed Beacon and CRV and Crossfeed Ventures-backed Snipfeed. Facetune app fame Israel-based firm Lightricks and livestreaming startup Streamlabs have additionally launched their link-in-bio instruments. Should you assume this record will not be sufficient there may be Shorby, Milkshake, Tap.bio, lnk.bio, Link in Profile, bio.fm and Campsite. So a reasonably packed area general.
The important thing differentiation could be how Bento permits customers to generate profits out of their pages. The corporate needs to begin this course of by introducing widgets for donation acceptance — which is launching this week — and product choices. To start with, Bento received’t take a reduce from these donations.
“The considering is — if we assist Bento-owners extra effectively transact and promote on Bento, we consider it’s truthful to take part in that success. It aligns the incentives of the customers and us,” Benayat mentioned.
Within the coming months, aside from enabling monetization choices for creators, Bento needs to begin rolling out options that can assist them construct a group.
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