Member Interview – Quizmates founder Matti Spencer

(Left-right) OS members Alex Woodrow, Aliza Amlani, Tom Rendell & Matti Spencer

 Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do, and your project?
My name is Matthew Spencer; I graduated from Edinburgh University in 2009 with a degree in Biological Sciences. Since then I have been trying to get a place studying Graduate Medicine, in which I was successful this year and will be starting in Swansea in September. Since leaving university I have had a number of jobs and been involved in a number of different projects.

In February/March this year I set up QuizMates – it’s a unique social event that lends some elements from your standard Pub Quiz and some from speed dating. We also throw in some comedy, prizes and a charity focus just for good measure

What prompted you to start quizmates?
I was working in a pub in Clapham North and started hosting my own pub quiz (the incentive of my own bar tab seemed a good offer). Often I would make my friends who turned up team up with other friends they might not have known – by the end of the night everyone always seemed to get along pretty well and I realized it was the perfect setting for people to meet one another.

I felt the nature of a quiz forces conversation naturally and also allows you to get a pretty good feeling off the people you’re meeting.

Who have you gotten involved so far?
A number of people from everywhere.

Most importantly my sister who has helped from the beginning and pretty much designed everything. Friends and family are always great for advice. Open Society members have been particularly useful in pointing me in the right direction for help, ways to save money, spreading the word etc.

Finally the internet – it’s an amazing resource for anyone with an idea and a bit off motivation to see it through. From web-design, marketing, making the quizzes, accepting ticket payments, any thing really, I have learnt from scratch but there is always a useful forum or website that is there to give help.

How was the launch?
Amazing! Thanks to all that turned up and made the night what it was. We had a turn out of just over 50 people and a hard fought contest that went right down to the wire – congratulations Quiz Akabusi for their deserved win.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it was great to see all the work that had gone into the night be worthwhile. We also raised over £200 for the featured charity – The Tour d’Afrique Foundation.

What are your plans to develop it?
I am off on a holiday to Africa where I will spend a lot of time deciding where to take QuizMates from here. I am hoping the next event will be in mid July.

Where do you see Quizmates going?
I think it has the potential to go far. I think it’s a great time to start something that is a bit different to your standard night out and I think that’s exactly what people find so appealing about QuizMates – its fun, different, and you get a chance to meet new people!

Do you have any other irons in the fire?
Ha. Is that a real saying? I like it. Mmm apart from medical school and QuizMates not really. Although I do help manage my brothers cycling exploits – he is the fastest man to cycle across America (North-to-South, East-to-West) and this week will finish an epic 4 month cycle from Cairo-to-Cape Town. So I will be having to give his website (www.yeshesmad.com) a bit of an update!

How long have you been a member of Open Society? Have you been involved in any OS projects so far?
I have been a member since the beginning and have loved watching Open Society grow. Other than helping out when I can and making the most of the socials this is really my first OS project but am just waiting to jump on board another one.

Do you need anything or anyone to get involved from Open Society?
At the moment – just continued spreading the word. But when I am back from Africa I do expect to be needing some help again!

Are you gong to be at the Social this Wednesday?!
2-4-1 cocktails at Miss Q’s? Count me in – I will be at the pool table ready to beat all challengers.

The Open Society Social is happening this Wednesday 11th May at Miss Q’s in Earl’s Court from 7-11pm. Find out more here: www.meetup.com/open-society-social

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