New start-up is focused on turning moments into memories
VenturUs was first unveiled publicly at “The Pitch” competition, hosted by FoundersForge.
In a world overflowing with material possessions, Ryan Maderic places immense value on creating core memories. For him, exploring new horizons and trying new things with his family is far more valuable than the latest toy, piece of technology, or article of clothing.
“In a generation captivated by technology and constant innovation, we often forget to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life,” Maderic said. His new company, VenturUs, aims to change that by encouraging people to gift experiences over material items.
VenturUs was first unveiled publicly at “The Pitch” competition, hosted by FoundersForge at the TVA Federal Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City. Each emerging founder presented their company to a stadium full of community supporters. (See teknovation.biz article here).
The idea behind VenturUs is to launch a website where people can curate and pre-pay for entire itineraries of experiences to gift their loved ones. Initially focusing on the Tri-Cities area, Maderic plans to expand the service to different regions over time.
“The idea emerged from my experience as a transplant to this region,” Maderic explained. “I’ve been here for about five years, and through my full-time job at Cumberland Marketing as Director of our video production team, I’ve been lucky to help market many small, experience-based businesses.”
His role at the marketing firm has allowed him to go whitewater rafting, ziplining, off-roading, and participate in many other exciting activities, all within an hour of his home. These experiences combined with another holiday season creating Christmas lists for his family, led to the creation of the company.
He has a 10-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son who enjoy exploration nearly as much as he does.
“We have all the material things we could ever need. Our world is like that—go to Amazon, and within a few clicks, items arrive at the door. But experiences are more special and more sought-after. I want to teach my kids to value those moments,” he said.
VenturUs is on the path to becoming a legitimate company. Maderic is close to completing the minimum viable product (MVP), which will launch a website with a few local experiences listed. He is actively looking for more adventure companies to list their activities on VenturUs.
Despite only starting a few months ago, Maderic is surprised by the momentum and community support for the site. He said “The Pitch” certainly helped in getting the message out.
“It always comes back to my core mission: to empower and encourage people to get out and make memories with their friends and loved ones,” he says.
By focusing on creating meaningful experiences, Maderic hopes VenturUs will help people reconnect with what truly matters—each other.
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