FRIENDS INTRODUCING A CLOUD READER TO REDUCE THE HASSLE OF COSTLY TEXTBOOKS
Virdocs Software, a Chicago based startup operating out of their River North office, serves as the parent company behind redshelf.com. The site provides a simple and cost-effective digital platform enabling content creators (academic book publishers) to securely distribute their materials while avoiding device limitation for consumers (college students). Like most digital e-readers on the market, students can highlight sections, take notes, or bookmark pages. However, as a cloud based reader that converts all content to HTML5 software, redshelf.com provides unique value to students by giving them access to content on their account anytime, anywhere, and on any WiFi enabled device. While some digital content providers limit access because of software, browser, or download requirements, RedShelf eliminates this hassle by providing the flexibility and mobility today’s college students require. Not to mention the superior pricing options redshelf.com offers for cash strapped college students always looking for ways to save a few bucks here and there.
With RedShelf gaining more and more popularity, Virdocs Software has taken off over the past year thanks to the determination of Tim and Greg, but the journey from high school friends to startup execs was far from conventional for the two entrepreneurs. Seeing an opportunity to make their lives and their classmates' lives a bit easier while in college, the two struck a deal with a professor at MSU to organize a digital document distribution of the professor's course pack. The idea continued to grow as Tim and Greg kept in touch throughout college. Eventually, they began working with local copy shops to print lab manuals or course packets, which would be distributed to students in the form of secure PDFs. One thing lead to another and Tim and Greg decided to make running and growing Virdocs Software a full time job just a couple years after graduating.
Virdocs Software works out of Chicago - a city known for its community of up and coming tech startups – and its founders couldn’t be happier with their location. “In terms of talent and people, Chicago has been amazing for us,” Greg explains. While they recognize the difficulty of finding large scale investments in Chicago compared to companies popping up out west in Silicon Valley, the duo remain undaunted and insist Chicago’s talent pool will be a huge catalyst for their success in the future. “First things first is finding the right people; the money will come second,” said Fenton. The two friends and founders agree that the ability to grind it out since day one of founding Virdocs has contributed greatly to the company’s growth. The fall semester is just starting for many students, but midterms will be here before they know it. Just don’t be too surprised if you find a college student near you cramming for that last minute econ exam with the help Virdocs Software and redshelf.com
Check out the video below for a better explanation of RedShelf's Cloud Reader