In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman chats with Jared Lerner, co-founder and CEO of Nappr, a marketplace redefining hotel stays by letting travelers book rooms for short, flexible durations. Jared shares how his own struggles with sleep sparked the idea, what it takes to build trust with hotels, and how Napper attracts both travelers and partners. They dive into Napper’s booking experience, marketing approach, and the differences between building in New York versus San Francisco. Jared also teases what’s next — from expanding hotel partnerships to launching a consumer hosting platform.

00:00 Introduction to Nappr

02:28 Understanding the Nappr Experience

05:05 The Founding Story and Mission

07:56 Navigating the Booking Process

10:49 Marketing Strategies and Brand Awareness

12:57 The Startup Scene: New York vs. San Francisco

18:31 Future Growth and Expansion Plans