SearchOwl | A CWRU Student Startup Story

Four SearchOwl Founders (top down; left to right): Cullen, Jadon, Dale, Ryan

We are excited to shout out some of our micro-grant recipients, Jadon, Dale, Cullen, and Ryan of SearchOwl! SearchOwl is a groundbreaking startup focused on revolutionizing the way consumers search for products. Under the leadership of CEO Jadon and his exceptional team, SearchOwl is set to redefine the E-Commerce landscape with a unique focus on connecting consumers and vendors through an ad-free shopping platform and an advanced search engine.

SearchOwl's leadership team comprises a diverse group of individuals, each bringing a unique skill set and a passion for innovation. Jadon, the CEO, is a dynamic visionary with a background in Accounting and Finance, and a strong desire to make a mark in business and entrepreneurship. "I didn't know what to study at first," Jadon recalls, "but I did know I wanted to be in business and eventually an entrepreneur."Jadon is not alone on this entrepreneurial journey. He is supported by an experienced team, each with their unique background and expertise. Dale, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), has a background in Data Science and Analytics. Cullen, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), brings his expertise in Mechanical Engineering and a strong focus on the business side of engineering. Ryan, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), specializes in International Business in Finance and brings a diverse international perspective.

SearchOwl was founded with a clear mission - to empower consumers to make well-informed decisions and to support small businesses. This mission is reflected in the core of the platform's capabilities. SearchOwl offers a specialized search engine designed to cater to the skincare industry. This innovative tool allows users to find precisely what they need, with a focus on ingredients and search terms. Traditional search engines, on the other hand, often fall short of delivering accurate and personalized product recommendations.

One of the key differentiators for SearchOwl is its commitment to an ad-free search experience. Traditional search engines often overwhelm users with advertisements and sponsored content, making it challenging to access unbiased information. Search Owl's dedication to an ad-free platform ensures that users can trust the recommendations and information they receive.

The founders’ vision for SearchOwl extends beyond skincare. While initially focused on revolutionizing the skincare industry, the team aspires to expand its platform into other industries, aiming to create a versatile tool that provides hyper-personalized product support. "We want to help people find exactly what they are looking for," Jadon asserts, underlining the core mission of SearchOwl.

The impact of their venture has been further catalyzed by the support of the Student Entrepreneurship Fund through CWRU's LaunchNET program. The microgrant awarded to SearchOwl has been instrumental in moving the idea beyond the concept phase, allowing them to establish a legitimate company and operate from Delaware while working out of Ohio.

Jadon shared his enthusiasm for this validation, saying, "The microgrant manifested the idea beyond the idea. It has allowed us to build a website and start development on our MVP. The funding has helped cover a lot of costs this year and has opened up more opportunities for customer discovery." 

As for the future, SearchOwl's team is poised to bring about a paradigm shift in how consumers search for products, beginning with the skincare industry. The mission is clear: to provide a seamless and ad-free search experience, ensuring that users can access precise and unbiased product recommendations. Their vision for expansion into various industries holds great promise, with the ultimate goal being to help people find exactly what they are looking for.

For further information or media inquiries, please visit SearchOwl's website at Searchowl.us or connect with the team on LinkedIn and Instagram. The SearchOwl team welcomes personal outreach and is eager to share their journey and insights in entrepreneurship.