Trending Startups: Interview with David Johnstone Founder of ChariTable Bookings

ChariTable Bookings is a free app that enables customers to book at over 3000 participating restaurants while raising £1 per diner for their favourite charity. This is the only restaurant booking app which enables individual to raise money for their favorite charity at no cost to themselves.

The platform is free for charities and is an easy way to help them raise extra funds. For once charities are not having to ask their supporters to give money from their own pocket rather go about their daily lives in the knowledge that when eating out they can now help their charity.

Giving back has never tasted so good!

Create a way in which to help thousands of people less fortunate, through a simple everyday thing.

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Our aim is change the way people book a restaurant and know that while the diner is enjoying themselves, they are also helping a cause close to their heart which in time can lead to a great deal of money for that charity and help them reach their goals.

My business partner, Lord Fink, who is a great Philanthropist  has worked hard throughout his life and now has the opportunity to make a difference for causes close to his family’s hearts.

How did you make it happen? Did you write a business plan, had a clear strategy and a business model or did you just started doing it and then figured it out in the process. Has your initial vision changed since the launch?

We had 2 years planning and an extraordinary team that allowed us to fast track our business model.  The core vision has stayed the same but the App is constantly evolving.

What’s the biggest risk that you’ve ever taken and how did it turn out?

Putting 2 years into research and development without launching in haste.

-= Advice: From launch to funding=- 

What would be your tip for someone looking for an investment? How did you find your investors? 

Believe in the business, the more passionate you are about it the more likely it will work.  Know the team well and make sure you are all aligned to the same goals.  He was a client of one of my businesses.

What 3 pieces of advice would you give to startup founders?

It will take you 4 times longer than you think. There are no days off and no weekends! Keeping everyone believing.

What do founders need to focus on in order to be successful?

Focus on the end game and make sure one is not derailed by the daily obstacles.

-= Productivity & Constant Learning=- 

What are your favourite apps that make your live easier and media sites that you read every day to stay up to date?

The Times, Twitter for instant information, What’s app for being in contact with people across the world.

Have you had any mentors or role models that have influenced you? Who do you learn from how to grow your business?

Peter Orton , former Founder and Chairman from HIT Entertainment.

-= Future=-

Where do you see your company in a few years’ time and what are your thoughts on the future of your industry how is it changing?

I see ChariTable Bookings becoming the Uber of restaurant bookings.

What kinds of companies or particular technologies are you most excited about right now and what trends do you think are over-hyped?

I am excited by the technology of Drones and where it will takes us. There are many social media apps which I feel are overhyped and do not help others in need.  All we wish to do is help thousands of charities raise money for their causes without creating a headache.