Tech start-up BookBottles is heading to Chile.
The Minneapolis-based business, which lets people make reservations at nightclubs, will take part in Start Up Chile, a Chilean government program that encourages entrepreneurs to use the country as a place to grow their business and network. Chile isn't known for its entrepreneurship, but the program's goal is to make the country the innovation hub of Latin America.
Start Up Chile gives participating companies a one-year work visa in Chile and up to $40,000 to invest in their business. BookBottles is the first Minnesota company to participate in the program, which includes 154 start-ups from 33 countries.
"It's a good chance to start up the company and gain global contacts to expand the company quickly," said CEO Adam Link, who has never been to Chile before.
BookBottles plans to expand its business with nightclubs in Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Link said there are 41 venues alone in Chile that could use its product.
BookBottles charges clubs $125 to $300 per month to use its platform depending on the size of the venue. There is no charge to the guests that use BookBottles' service, but an additional fee is charged to the club for each guest that uses it in addition to the monthly platform fee. So far, the platform is available in seven Twin Cities nightclubs.
BookBottles said it will remain based in Minnesota and keep a sales and marketing team here. Link said he plans to be in Chile for six months.
