Inside Needle, a truly mobile startup (photos)
Needle is currently running its mobile contact center out of a large RV. Though the company will be returning to a normal office, it is showcasing how startups can set up shop almost anywhere.
Morgan with the RV
SAN FRANCISCO -- Needle CEO Morgan Lynch stands in the doorway of the RV his startup leased to set up shop on the road. Though the company -- which contracts with companies to provide experts to do live chats with end users--also has an office in Salt Lake City, it has been driving the RV around to showcase the idea that startups can be located anywhere, even on the road.
Morgan on the roof deck
Lynch sits on the roof deck of Needle's RV. Here, employees can sit and work, hold meetings, or chill out with a beer under an umbrella.
Doug working
Doug Fleming, a former professional video game player, works inside the RV while it's parked in San Francisco today. Fleming is helping Astro Gaming by doing live chats with the company's customers about its gaming headphones.
Working
Two Needle employees sit in the back of the RV -- the "conference room" -- chatting with customers on their computers.
The RV
The Needle RV as seen from across the street in San Francisco's South Park neighborhood.
Mi-Fis
At any given time, the people working aboard Needle's RV can get online via one of three wireless networks. Needle has set up three Mi-Fis, giving those on board the best chance of getting online.
Office hutch
This may look like the smallest office in the world, and it may be. Tucked into a corner of the RV, this hutch provides someone with enough room to set up a laptop and work.
Printer crackers Mi-Fi
In the "kitchen" area of the RV, Needle has set up a printer, some crackers, and one of three Mi-Fi.
Mobile contact center
The front of the Needle RV, otherwise known as the "Mobile Contact Center."
Morgan in the driver's seat
Morgan Lynch is not just Needle's CEO, he's also the driver as the company's RV moves from city to city.
Headphones hanging
A set of Astro Gaming headphones hangs on a hook in the Mobile contact center.
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