I discovered that many students weren’t aware of the local businesses right around campus, even though they were constantly looking for ways to save money. I saw this problem show up again and again through everyday conversations with other students and by watching how often people defaulted to the same familiar chains simply because they didn’t know what else was nearby.

That insight became even clearer when I worked in food delivery. Despite delivering from businesses located just minutes from campus, less than 5% of orders were going to students. Most students either didn’t know these places existed or didn’t realize they were accessible or affordable. At the same time, local businesses were trying to attract student customers but didn’t have a reliable way to reach them.

I realized the problem wasn’t demand, it was discovery. Students wanted better options and ways to save, while local businesses wanted student traffic, but there was no simple system connecting the two in a way that felt natural to student life.

That realization became the foundation for 9Yaps. What started as a simple student-run newsletter has since evolved into a fast-growing app, helping students discover local businesses around campus while giving those businesses a direct, authentic way to reach the student community.

The Story of 9Yaps

Nicholas Eisengrein
Founder of 9Yaps