Mar 07, 2016 8 Questions with: Alejandro Rioja
This 8Qs interview was happened upon by chance, and it goes to show you that opportunities to connect are everywhere, sometimes even invading your Instagram timeline as a sponsored ad. Alejandro Rioja is the co-founder of Flux Ventures, and he has created two companies Flux Chargers and Flux.LA. Born and raised in Bolivia, Alejandro is a young entrepreneur and also a student at UCLA (Class of 2017). Yes, he has done more than most of us will do in a lifetime, and yet he has only just begun. Alejandro took some time to share some tidbits about who he is and what he has accomplished, so please enjoy.
How and why did you get started with Flux?
The idea for Flux Chargers came about when my future co-founder Miles Anthony and I went to a party and my phone died. As I was looking for juice, one of my friends gave me her charger. Her charger was ugly and bulky and, while it did the job of charging my phone, it felt like a big pain to carry it around. That was the epiphany for the Flux Card.
After researching the market and exploring the then-current solutions, Miles and I decided to form a company to solve the need we saw for portable power banks. We went through the StartupUCLA program in the Summer of 2015, and we launched the Flux Card in September 2015.
What has been hardest part of running the company?
Having to balance school and work has been challenging, as some deadlines occur during the same period and sometimes I need to prioritize either the business or school at the expense of the other. However, everything about running Flux has been an upside for me. I am learning how to manage people, run marketing campaigns, do SEO, and be able to communicate the value proposition of my company.
What are you guys currently working on?
We have just launched Flux.LA, a company that provides web and app development for individuals. We have delivered work for Google, UCLA and many other companies. Our designs and products are used by 140,000 people each day.
Our mantra at Flux.LA is different than most other firms in that we partner with our customers and become investors in the ideas that they present, so we are essentially “invested” in the success of our customers. We specialize in small startup development, as we not only provide software services but also marketing strategies and great connections in the startup scene.
If you had a chance to collaborate with someone or another company what would it be?
I am already stoked to have partnered with UPS but if I could partner with other companies, it would definitely be large electronic distributors so I can get the Flux Card into international markets more quickly. I think a partnership like this would be key for the success of Flux Chargers.
What does your work day look like?
Since I am still a student at UCLA, most of my day is still packed with classes and assignments. However, I like to fit in as much work for Flux as I can, so I am working whenever I have class breaks and at nights. I would say my work/school life is blended.
As a kid, what did you want to be?
I always wanted to be an inventor/entrepreneur. I remember as a kid dreaming about making my own inventions and experiments. This naturally led me to study Computer Science and Engineering in college, because I loved the notion of being able to build things and develop my ideas.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love watching Youtube videos from Eric Thomas, Tony Robbins, Brendon Burchard, and Brian Tracy. I love learning from them and highly recommend these videos to anyone.
Also, I am a big fan of Jony Ive, Apple’s CDO. I find his designs fascinating.
What is your favorite post work destination?
I love going to the gym at the end of my day. It helps me wind down and relax. Also, sometimes I rap or make funny videos on my snapchat account @youngslacker.
You can learn more about Alejandro on his website.