February 6, 2025
Zack Oates always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur. His early success in starting a business in middle school, as well as other experiences along the way, validated that he belonged in entrepreneurship. His journey led to founding Ovation, a guest experience platform for restaurants that facilitates real-time feedback to improve service and customer satisfaction.
“I grew up in restaurants and love hospitality. One of the most frustrating things was not having the dining experience I expected — cold food or missing items — and then having to take a 50-question survey to give feedback,” Oates said. “I usually wouldn’t go back because I hate leaving negative reviews. As a result, the restaurant never knew what they needed to improve. So I created Ovation.”
Ovation’s unique approach to customer feedback starts with a two-question survey, which uses proprietary AI and follow-up methods to deliver insights that help businesses win back unhappy customers and keep loyal ones returning. With these quick, easy surveys sent via text, restaurants usually see a significant increase in feedback compared to traditional long-form surveys.
To support his growing business, Oates turned to mentors and advisors who consistently provided excellent support and advice. This, in turn, helped him find the funding his company needed.
“I went to successful people I knew and asked for advice, which led to me getting funding! I remember getting my first check from an investor. It was so wild. Feeling like someone can believe in me made me believe in myself as well.”
Local organizations, such as Silicon Slopes, have been instrumental in introducing Oates to investors at events.
“I have since learned how to properly fundraise. In the last 6 years, I’ve had close to 500 investor meetings to run a real process with angel investors and venture capitalists.”
When asked about advice to other entrepreneurs, Oates said, “Just remember: the key to a startup is to stay alive and excited long enough to get lucky. Whatever you do, don’t run out of money. Stay excited and fall in love with the problem you’re solving, not the solution you created. Get lucky by keeping your eyes and ears open, looking for your chance.”
Oates emphasized his love of Utah and its entrepreneurial community, “I love the connection I can have with other entrepreneurs in Utah. I’ve lived in some of the biggest hubs for startups in the country. It is like nowhere else I’ve lived.”
The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.