Tech Talk: Arianna Sartzetakis, Uncover More Founder
We chat with Arianna Sartzetakis, the founder of the new app "Uncover More", on all the hidden secrets New York City has to offer, making us feel like NYC locals (although no one truly is).
Coming from someone who has lived in NYC for upwards of three years, I am still nowhere near a "local". The unspoken rule in the city the never sleeps is that you can't even give yourself the title "a New-Yorker" unless you have lived there for more than 10+ years. Many people don't make it.
Uncover More Founder: Arianna Sartzetakis
Will I make it? Who knows... but I do know that Uncover More may help. Moving to a big city, it's very hard to find the local spots. It takes many trials and errors, time, (and embarrassments) to find your favourite spots. On Instagram it appears too easy, leaving you wondering if there's some information that you're missing out on. Well, Uncover More is claiming to share it with you now.
Uncover More already has a strong Instagram following, guiding the people of NYC to the most delicious pizza or the best secret libraries. The app will take this to the next level. Users will no longer have to even scroll through the curated feed to find recommendations. It's now all on one centralized app that allows you to save your favorites and create lists (a planner's dream come true). Uncover More also states they will provide "real-time" updates of what is going on in your city, so you never have to miss a beat.
I was lucky enough to sit down with the founder, Arianna Sartzetakis, for a quick chat on all things Uncover More:
What was the idea behind Uncover More?
Uncover More actually came by accident! A few years ago, the experimental marketing world started to explode: Popups were appearing weekly in NYC, restaurants were creating new food trends to draw crowds in, and people were looking for fun things to do! I saw the need for quick, tailored, and vetted recommendations, so I created Uncover More to fill that gap.
What propelled you toward making an app as opposed to sticking with an Instagram channel or blog?
The app came out of a personal need: I was tired of scrolling through multiple top 10 lists, Instagram feeds, and articles to find something to do. Since that didn’t exist, I set out to create it! On the app, there are recommendations for what to eat, see, do, as well as where to shop and where to stay, based on an area you choose. The recommendations are vetted, with additional commentary to help you to find your best fit.
The best part of the app is its ability to spread information more quickly and efficiently. There will always be an Uncover More web and social presence, but the app allows for more creativity and offers people a more streamlined experience right on their phones.
What are some inside tips from Uncover More that we can share with our NYC readers?
The Uncover More app has tons of insider tips built-in when you browse, such as what to order at a restaurant, nearby attractions for after a date, and secret perks. Some insider tips: to find the best view of the city, head to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. If you’re looking for a city “escape,” head to Wave Hill or the Cloisters!
Have you found a certain "type" of New Yorker that's in need of this App (i.e. someone who just moved to the city)?
The Uncover More app is for everyone – whether you are new to NYC and don’t know where to go, or a native New Yorker looking for something to do, everyone and anyone can use it! One of the things I’ve learned is that there is always something to uncover, whether you’ve been somewhere a hundred times or once, things are constantly changing and adapting.
What's next for Uncover More?
The next step will be expanding to other cities so everyone can uncover more! Stay tuned for Long Island in the summer and upstate New York this fall.
Ready to find the best cup of coffee in Brooklyn? The Uncover More app is launched and live. Download it now via the Apple Store.