Jellema start-up ZeroMail gets Citrix backing

Bart Jellema, one of Australia’s leading tech entrepreneurs, has gained access to up to $400,000 in funding after his start-up was accepted into the multinational Citrix Startup Accelerator.

Jellema’s concept, ZeroMail, was picked by Citrix for its highly sought-after program, which provides participants with office space in Silicon Valley for 18 months, mentorship and significant funding opportunities.

As reported by StartupSmart earlier this year, ZeroMail aims to provide a new model for email, which Jellema claims has been stuck in a rut for several years.

The system provides filtering for automated emails such as newsletters, keeping inboxes free for “real” people.

It also gives email a to-do list function, allowing users to “snooze” emails, add them to projects or prioritise them.

The Sydney-based start-up was created by Jellema, who founded online coupon site Tjoos in 2007. He went on to launch Startup Camp, an initiative designed to unearth new entrepreneurs.

He says: “It’s a great boost for us. The people behind the program have a wealth of experience and provide us with excellent advice and guidance.

“Their new facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is top-notch and it’s great to be around other inspiring entrepreneurs. We hope to spend more time here over the coming months while we work on fixing email.”

“When you send someone a request, then you expect a response. But currently there is no way to deal with this. After you send the email, it goes to your sent items with no way of tracking that you’re expecting a response and by when. It amazes me that this hasn’t been solved yet.”

“Email clients haven’t changed much in the last decade, so a redesign is well overdue. It’s time for ZeroMail – email done right.”