September 22, 2017

When Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola were sophomores at Drexel University, they created a solution to 2am ice cream cravings and frantic last minute trips to the closest convenience store. The pair developed goPuff: an app that allows users to order anything from food to supplies to electronics with a click of a button.

Since the young entrepreneurs got their start, the Drexel alumni’s app has been refined, expanded to dozens of cities across the U.S., and raised over $8M in investment capital.

“I wish the Close School was around when we first started,” said Ilishayev. “Making connections with fellow student entrepreneurs and utilizing the incubator’s resources would have been really helpful during our early stages.”

Since Close School classes are starting back up, this means the return of late-night study sessions, stocking up on food and home supplies for your dorm, and making sure you’re prepared for classes. Read this list of goods that’ll help make this year your best one yet!

School supplies

Whether you don't have a binder for your class in an hour or you're looking to unwind with a coloring book, but forgot your colored pencils back home, goPuff has you covered. The app currently has a full section dedicated to school supplies, so all you have to do is select your favorite brands!

And yes, you can even order fidget spinners.

Home goods

The last thing any student wants to do after a long day of classes and studying is going back out to a convenience store to pick up one thing. Don't stress the small stuff! Take a look under "Human Needs" for all of your day-to-day essentials like paper towels, dish soap or makeup remover.

Pet products

You don't have to worry about squeezing in time to head to the pet store, the goPuff app allows you to purchase products for your furry or aquatic friends! Order food, toys, and treats for your pet, so you have more time to play! Scroll through the "Pet City" section of the app to find whatever your pet may need.

Electronic equipment

Your purchases don't have to be strictly for food and supplies. Treat yourself! Kick your walk to class up a notch with fresh headphones or entertain your new roommates with your shower singing skills and order yourself a Bluetooth shower speaker. Find this gear and more under the "Electronics" section.

Beneficial bites

The college years certainly help sharpen students' budgeting skills, but that usually comes at a price. Many students do not have the finances or the time to shop for nutritional food. The goPuff app has a section especially for those who are trying to eat healthy, but stay frugal. Find healthful snacks, drinks, and even frozen dinners and fruit under the "Healthies" section!

Interested in learning how the founders of this on-demand delivery market got their start? Register for a special event at the Charles D. Close School (3230 Market Street, Philadelphia - Pearlstein Building, Suite 402) to hear about their journey from Drexel students to entrepreneurs!