How a TMU alumnus helps companies engage users in product research
Pat Sathiensamrit’s Lightster platform empowers users to create innovative products. This month, Lightster (external link) , a Toronto-based tech startup founded by TRSM alumnus Pat Sathiensamrit, launched its mobile app.
The Lightster app provides a platform for companies to connect with their target audiences to receive feedback, involving users in the co-creation process of products they love. Anyone can sign up for Lightster for free and be compensated at one dollar per minute, as well as receive exclusive product access for contributing to company research.
“Ultimately, Lightster empowers users to create innovative products without needing to be subject matter experts - they just need to be themselves and voice their genuine opinions,” says Sathiensamrit.
What sets Lightster apart from other market research platforms is that the app puts you in direct contact with product creators. It also connects users to companies where they qualify, so no time is wasted applying to countless projects and not hearing back. “Today, if you have ideas about how a product can be improved, you’re limited to primarily filling out surveys or writing reviews,” says Sathiensamrit.
Master’s research turned tech app
Sathiensamrit started developing Lightster between 2015 and 2017 while he was completing his master’s of business administration at TMU.
“My MBA played a pivotal role in where I am today – it gave me the entrepreneurial toolbox to launch Lightster,” says Sathiensamrit. “My master’s research plan was based on the initial concept for Lightster and was the launching pad for the business. The program supercharged my career by giving me the job opportunities that served as the training required for my personal development.”
Joining the DMZ
After graduating, Sathiensamrit met his co-founder, Natthawut Phothipianthong, and in 2021 they joined the Bootcamp program at the DMZ. Lightster then joined the DMZ’s flagship Incubator program in March 2022.
The DMZ is a world-leading tech incubator that helps cultivate success by connecting its members to investors, target customers, industry-leading experts and community events. It started in 2010 as a resource for TMU student entrepreneurs and since then has grown to include founders beyond the university.
“[At the DMZ,] I received mentorship in areas such as Finance and Marketing, areas in which I didn’t have as much experience. The mentorship primarily allowed me to see the big picture of how everything connects into a unified strategy to be successful. Most importantly, the network with other founders also contributed in a big way, as I have been able to learn from others' experiences, take inspiration from others and adapt it to my own context,” says Sathiensamrit.
Lightster is presently in the Incubator program and on track to graduate in September 2023. For the remainder of their time in the program, Sathiensamrit and Phothipianthong plan to work on helping as many startups co-create and get continuous feedback from users on the Lightster app as possible.
To become involved in the co-creation process or receive user feedback on your startup, find more information on the app or visit www.lightster.co (external link) .
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