Atlanta-based app maker highlighted at SXSW Accelerator

Imagine arriving at your local airport and knowing that the short-term parking is full, or that the security lines are miraculously short at the other terminal entrance. What if you discovered that a friend or colleague was on your flight? Atlanta-based start-up Zamp envisions this reality where flying is no longer a stressful undertaking, but a social experience filled with limitless possibility.

Zamp, a mobile location-based social travel service “aims to connect travelers with relevant information in real time and lets travelers provide feedback to travel service providers” explains Sam Zebarjadi, co-founder of Zamp. The mobile app brings the best of social media to the airport, allowing fellow travellers to connect and collaborate in one of the most stressful places anyone could go. With over 150 million frequent fliers traveling thousands of miles for business each year, Zamp intends to build a community for people to connect, even when they are on the road. Business travelers “always want to meet new people and try new things, so why not start with what they love to do?” explains Zebarjadi.

The development of Zamp was inspired by the founders’ own passion for travel. Zebarjadi traveled far and wide while working for corporate powerhouses Nokia, Sprint-Nextel, Teliasonera, and JPMorgan Chase. Thus, the Zamp team has a unique insight into the community. Frequent fliers “love the game of flying,” be it racking up miles or traveling to the most destinations, says Zebarjadi, “there is a little vanity in that.” The Zamp app creates ways to map where you are, track where you have been, and share it with your social networks.

But tapping into the passion for travel is not the only goal. Zamp creates an opportunity for travelers to connect with service providers. “There is tremendous opportunity in the whole social media space for fliers and companies to actually connect on a more meaningful level,” explains Zebarjadi. He anticipates that in the near future, Zamp will function like much like Klout, and will identify opinion leaders amongst travelers. This information can influence how service providers deliver their products and could improve the overall travel experience.

Potential users concerned about privacy should be assured that the Zamp team has anticipated concerns about security. Zebarjadi says that “like any social media, Zamp will offer ways for people to opt out” on what information they share. However, Zamp offers a “fantastic opportunity to share with coworkers, family, and friends where you are, because of safety issues,” he added. With Zamp updating family members on a loved one’s location, the app provides vital bits of information that could make traveling even safer.

Zamp makes its debut at SXSW Interactive as one of the 2012 Accelerator finalist alternates. Along with Mowgli Games, Zamp brings recognition to the emerging Atlanta start-up community, which includes innovators in social media, gaming, and mobile. With several major universities in the region, including Georgia Tech, a major airport with flights to other tech hubs, and an affordable operating cost, Atlanta is an emerging tech hub. The recognition that accompanies the honor of being an Accelerator finalist will not only advance Zamp’s ambitions, but also raise the profile of the entire Atlanta tech community.

For innovators looking to launch their idea, Zamp co-founder Sam Zebarjadi advises them to “not give up, keep pursuing it” and “network, network, network.” He notes that there is a “false sense of stealth mode” in the start-up community that discourages innovators from sharing their ideas. However, Zebarjadi dismisses that, saying “there’s plenty of ideas out there, its all about execution.” Start-ups would do better to “socialize their ideas” by talking to other innovators and entrepreneurs, and building up allies and supporters who will “get excited about that idea” advises Zebarjadi.

As for Zamp, Zebarjadi looks forward to his first SXSWi experience with great anticipation. “You never know who you’re going to meet,” he says. SXSWi will present Zamp with “a lot of opportunities for working with these other players,” and developing partnerships with fellow innovators. With air travel more stressful and arduous than ever before, and an industry notorious for poor customer service, Zamp could be the breath of fresh air to change the course of traveling for the best.
Learn more about Zamp here.