In an insightful interview with MeetInc, Zach Ciappara, the founder and CEO of FreeHour, shared the inspiring journey of Malta’s leading student platform.

With a robust following of 70,000 on Instagram and a significant presence in the educational tech space, FreeHour has become a staple for Maltese students.

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From Concept to Leading Platform

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Zach began by recounting the early days of FreeHour, which started as a simple idea during his time at junior college. “I was failing my exams and knew I wanted to do something different,” he recalled. The app, initially designed to help students share their schedules, quickly gained traction. “We reached 90% of all students in Malta within two years,” Zach noted, emphasizing the rapid growth and adoption of the platform.

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Adapting and Expanding

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Over the past five years, FreeHour has evolved from a timetable app to a comprehensive media platform. “Moving into the media side gave us much more opportunity to grow the team and the types of projects we do,” said Zach. Today, FreeHour employs 15 people and collaborates with some of Malta’s biggest clients, leveraging its strong social media presence and high engagement rates.

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Challenges and Learning Curves

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Zach spoke candidly about the challenges he faced, particularly the pressure of leading a growing company at a young age. “It’s a lot to deal with at 23,” he admitted, describing the turbulence and learning experiences that came with managing a team and scaling a business. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between innovation and operational efficiency, as well as the significance of building a strong company culture.

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Community and Engagement

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A key factor in FreeHour’s success has been its ability to connect deeply with its audience. “Attention is our biggest currency,” Zach explained. The platform’s strategy of humanizing its brand through active engagement and relatable content has fostered a loyal community. “We use people to humanize the brand, allowing us to be really close with our followers,” he added.

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Future Aspirations

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Looking ahead, Zach is optimistic about the future as FreeHour aims to continue its transformation with state-of-the-art technology and expanded infrastructure. “The best is yet to come,” Zach stated confidently. He also stressed the importance of adapting to new trends and staying ahead in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

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The journey of FreeHour, from a simple idea to Malta’s leading student platform, is a testament to Zach Ciappara’s vision and perseverance. As the company continues to grow and innovate, it remains committed to providing value to its users and staying true to its roots.

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For more information about FreeHour and its services, visit their official website and follow them on Instagram.