Ignite Startups: Melis Dural on Redefining Community Engagement in the Hybrid World with Ekos | Ep61

In the episode of the Ignite podcast, host Brian Bell welcomes Melis Dural, founder and CEO of Ekos.ai, to discuss her journey and the evolution of her community engagement platform designed for hybrid community building. The episode begins with introductions and a brief background of Dural's early experiences in the U.S. and the challenges she faced, which influenced her decision to create a tool that enhances networking and community interactions. Dural explains the core functionalities and benefits of Ekos, emphasizing its ability to streamline community management by consolidating multiple tools into one platform. She highlights the unique features that Ekos offers, such as automated networking, efficient event management, and data integration, which collectively reduce the friction for users to network and build community. The discussion delves into the specifics of why Ekos stands out against conventional platforms like Slack and Eventbrite, focusing on its ability to foster more relevant and engaging interactions among community members. Further into the conversation, Dural discusses the broader implications of Ekos in the context of today’s digital and hybrid environments. She articulates her vision for Ekos as a ubiquitous solution that not only supports community managers but also facilitates deeper connections between community members themselves. This part of the discussion provides insights into the potential future applications of Ekos and its role in shaping the landscape of community engagement across various sectors. The podcast episode concludes with a broader discussion on the importance of community in the digital age, reflecting on how platforms like Ekos can serve as the "third place" in cyberspace where people can connect, collaborate, and find a sense of belonging. The conversation wraps up with Dural sharing personal anecdotes about her motivations and the entrepreneurial challenges she faced, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for listeners interested in technology, community building, and startup culture. Chapters: 1. Introduction of Guest and Episode (00:01.39 - 00:26.46) 2. Ekos Origin and Purpose (00:26.44 - 01:37.13) 3. Understanding Ekos Functionality (01:37.13 - 03:11.79) 4. Advantages Over Traditional Tools (03:11.79 - 05:30.70) 5. Role of Ekos in Creating Digital Third Places (05:30.70 - 06:54.22) 6. Expanding Ekos' Market and Features (06:54.22 - 08:53.19) 7. Community Impact and User Engagement (08:53.19 - 10:37.55) 8. Challenges in the Development and Deployment (10:37.55 - 13:25.96) 9. Vision for the Future of Ekos (13:25.96 - 17:00.99) 10. Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up (17:00.99 - 20:55.40)