#StartupsEverywhere Profile: Sofia Stolberg, Founder & CEO, PilotoMail
This profile is part of #StartupsEverywhere, an ongoing series highlighting startup leaders in ecosystems across the country. This interview has been edited for length, content, and clarity.
Mail Management for Coworking Spaces and Mailbox Operators
PilotoMail is ushering in a new age for mailroom automation and virtual mailboxes. While she is focused on growing her business and navigating the US Postal System, Founder and CEO Sofia Stolberg is also on a deeply personal mission to strengthen the Puerto Rican ecosystem. We heard from her about challenges and successes in the Puerto Rican startup ecosystem, regulatory changes that impact her company, and her goals for the future.
Tell us about your background. What led you to create PilotoMail?
About ten years ago, I founded Piloto151, the first coworking space in Puerto Rico. Back then, Puerto Rico's startup ecosystem was just starting to take shape. We wanted to create a hub for startups, fostering the local entrepreneurship scene and boosting economic development.
Over time, we successfully made coworking a viable business model with virtual offices. The membership provided entrepreneurs and individuals with a business address where they could receive mail and access workspaces as well. As we scaled our virtual offices, the influx of mail became overwhelming to manage.
In an attempt to better handle these issues, we turned to software solutions still available in the market today. However, existing software fell short as it proved insufficient in automating burdensome compliance processes or addressing the overwhelming volume of mail we were receiving, which reached up to 500 pieces daily. To solve this, we developed PilotoMail.
What does PilotoMail do?
PilotoMail is an end-to-end postal mail management and handling platform that helps flex spaces and mailrooms manage large volumes of mail efficiently, comply with all postal regulations, and increase revenue.
Regulatory changes can be tough for any business, but especially for startups. How do you think the government could do a better job limiting negative impacts on startups?
Effective communication about regulatory changes with startups and small businesses and actively involving them in the process is key to mitigating the potential negative impacts of policy implementation. Last year, there was an overhaul of regulation around Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRA), impacting both the postal mail industry and the global flexible office market. Before the changes were made, businesses offering private mailboxes or virtual offices were considered CMRAs. This designation is meant to protect businesses and consumers from mail fraud and illicit activity.
Last July, the Postal Service changed the regulation to go from a fully analog process to a more digital approach. We applaud that, but in the absence of an application programming interface, the implementation of the well-intentioned updates created even more manual labor for operators and has made it even more difficult to comply with regulations.
On top of that, they expanded the definition of a CMRA, increasing the number of organizations that need to abide by CMRA rules, many of whom are unaware that these regulations now apply to them or are confused with the process.
What are your goals for PilotoMail moving forward?
Moving forward, a core goal for me as a founder is to continue building on the momentum of what the next generation of mail management will be. As for PilotoMail as a company and a team, our goal is to actively contribute to the modernization of the postal industry, ensuring increased access and security in postal mail delivery and management in a digital era.
All of the information in this profile was accurate at the date and time of publication.
Engine works to ensure that policymakers look for insight from the startup ecosystem when they are considering programs and legislation that affect entrepreneurs. Together, our voice is louder and more effective. Many of our lawmakers do not have first-hand experience with the country's thriving startup ecosystem, so it’s our job to amplify that perspective. To nominate a person, company, or organization to be featured in our #StartupsEverywhere series, email advocacy@engine.is.
