Tanner McCraney of rumie
Photo courtesy of The University of MIssissippi
An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Tanner McCraney (co-founder and CEO) of rumie, which was honored in our:
Tell us the origin story of rumie – what problem were you trying to solve and why?
After moving into my dorm as a freshman, I realized my mom had left me with seven lamps. I didn’t need that many lamps (obviously), so I tried using Facebook Marketplace to get rid of them. Long story short, I ended up getting robbed in a Walmart parking lot, which sparked my mission to find a safer way for students to buy and sell secondhand items without leaving campus.
I started asking other students how they managed this, and the answers varied wildly: GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, private Facebook Groups – you name it. Everyone was piecing together their own solution to the same problem: universities didn’t provide a safe, centralized platform for students to buy, sell, or trade on campus.
This led me to join up with my co-founders Patrick Phillips and Catherine Field to bootstrap an MVP: a private student marketplace at the University of Mississippi that required users to sign in with their .edu email addresses. The response was overwhelming – it went viral on campus, gaining a few thousand users in just the first month. We went on to win several student business competitions, which helped us build early traction and connect with angel investors who enabled us to scale the platform nationwide.
Since then, we’ve pivoted to a B2B model, partnering directly with universities. This approach allows us to offer an even more robust platform with features like campus chat and event calendar integrations, ensuring students get a safe, comprehensive solution tailored to their needs.
What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?
The biggest challenge has been navigating the sales cycles and organizational structures of universities. Each institution operates differently, with unique decision-making processes and priorities. Understanding these nuances and tailoring our pitch to align with their initiatives, whether it’s improving campus safety or enhancing student engagement, has been a steep learning curve.
What does the future hold for rumie?
We’re on the verge of launching exciting new features, including campus chat and stories, which will further transform the app into an all-in-one marketplace and communication hub for students. Our goal is to continue growing our university partnerships, ensuring the platform delivers value to both students and administrators. By fostering safer, more connected campus communities, we’re shaping Rumie into a must-have resource for college life nationwide.
What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Mississippi?
While Mississippi isn’t traditionally known for tech, organizations like Innovate MS are working tirelessly to change that narrative. They provide critical support, from guidance to funding, which has been invaluable for startups like ours. Their team is passionate about growing the state’s tech ecosystem, and I’m optimistic that their efforts will not only retain talent, but also attract new opportunities to Mississippi.
What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Every failure is a learning experience that brings you closer to success. It might not happen with your first venture, but when that once-in-a-lifetime idea comes along, you’ll be prepared. Start today – the lessons you gain now will set the foundation for your future success.