We’re StartHey
Turning cities into playgrounds of discovery since 2023
Our Story Began with a Simple Question
“Why is it so hard to find genuinely useful local recommendations?”
It was 2020. Our founder, Anatoly Koptev, had just moved to US. Armed with countless “best of” lists from the internet, she spent weeks visiting mediocre restaurants and overpriced tourist traps. The breaking point? A “hidden gem” café that turned out to be a Starbucks.
That’s when it hit her: The internet was drowning in content, but starving for curation.
StartHey was born from that frustration. We decided to do what nobody else would — actually visit every place, verify every detail, and share the kind of insider knowledge you’d get from a local friend.
By the Numbers
127
Cities Covered
From Austin to Zagreb
3.2M
Monthly Readers
Making better choices
15K+
Venues Reviewed
Every single one visited
4.8★
User Rating
On Trustpilot
What We Stand For
🎯 Accuracy Over Everything
We physically visit every venue. No aggregation, no automation. If we haven’t been there, it’s not on our list. Period.
💚 Local First
We prioritize independent businesses and hidden gems. Chain restaurants? Only if they’re genuinely exceptional.
🌍 Inclusive Discovery
Every budget, every dietary need, every accessibility requirement. Great experiences shouldn’t be exclusive.
Meet the Humans Behind StartHey
42 passionate explorers across 6 continents, united by curiosity
Anatoly Koptev
Founder & Chief Explorer
Former Google Maps PM who believes the best algorithm is human curiosity
Marcus Johnson
Head of Content
Travel writer who’s eaten at 3,000+ restaurants and remembers every single one
Ana Rodriguez
Community Lead
Connects our global network of local experts who keep our guides authentic
What Our Community Says
“StartHey saved my Tokyo trip. Found a tiny ramen shop that became the highlight of our honeymoon. No tourist would ever find it without their guide.”
— Maria K., New York
“As a local in Austin, I’m amazed how they found spots even I didn’t know about. Now I use StartHey to explore my own city!”
— James T., Austin
“The accessibility notes are game-changing. First travel site that actually tells me if I can get my wheelchair in.”
— Sophie L., London
Our Commitment to Tomorrow
🌱 Sustainable Discovery
We’re carbon-negative as of 2024. Every guide we publish includes eco-friendly transportation options and highlights businesses with sustainable practices.
Our “Green Gems” series specifically features venues leading the way in environmental responsibility.
🤖 AI + Human = Magic
We use AI to process data and spot patterns, but every recommendation is verified by human experts. Technology amplifies our ability to discover; it doesn’t replace our judgment.
Our proprietary “TasteGraph” learns from millions of user interactions to surface hidden connections between venues you’ll love.
Ready to Explore?
Join 3.2 million explorers discovering the extraordinary in every city
© 2025 StartHey. Made with ❤️ and lots of coffee in cities around the world.
