Never stop networking

By

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14 August 2023

Neutroon is a cloud platform simplifying advanced connectivity of machines and humans with cloud/edge applications at scale.

Please introduce yourself and your startup Neutroon to our readers!

I grew up in Osorno, a small city near the entrance to the Patagonia region in southern Chile. After becoming an industrial engineer, I joined McKinsey and engaged in M&A transactions with multinational corporations across Latin America. Later on, I delved into the startup ecosystem by joining as a C-Level renewables company, which grew from a mere startup to a company valued at $100 million.

I then shifted to Barcelona with my wife, spurred by the thriving tech startup scene in Spain and Europe. After finishing an MBA at the IESE Business School, I decided to found Neutroon together with Alberto Villalobos from 5G Ventures. Neutroon is a cloud platform simplifying advanced connectivity of machines and humans with cloud/edge applications at scale. Think about connecting hundreds of autonomous robots to an AI application. We make that simple for our customers.

How did you get the idea of Neutroon?

My original vision for Neutroon was completely different from what it is today. I sought to develop a product for smart cities that would enable the deployment of networks and offer the capacity on-demand to third parties. However, we quickly realized that the timing wasn’t suitable for this type of product. The market for private networks was growing rapidly though, so we switched the focus of Neutroon to focus on private 5G, delivering our first network in August 2021. We haven’t looked back since.

Why did you decide to start with Neutroon?

I mentioned my early role in the startup world was with Anpac, a renewable energy firm. This was an enriching journey which fueled my ambition to establish a venture of my own. After participating in an accelerator at Singularity University, I moved to Barcelona along with my wife to tap into the opportunities present in the tech startup ecosystem of Spain and Europe.

I began collaborating with a team including Alberto Villalobos, a seasoned tech professional with a passion for fostering new entrepreneurs like myself. His mentorship paved the way for my foray into novel areas, subsequently leading to the inception of Neutroon. I realized the potential that 5G and its convergence with other technologies like cloud, edge and AI will have in our lives and got excited to build something in the space

What is the vision behind Neutroon?

By offering cutting-edge connectivity between IoT devices and apps in the most effective, reliable, and affordable way possible, Neutroon strives to make it easier for organisations to grasp and embrace the power of 5G and edge computing. As a B2B service, we primarily target corporations in the infrastructure, energy, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing industries as well as large and midsize connectivity providers including telcos and system integrators.

How difficult was the start and which challenges you had to overcome?

Some of the main challenges were getting a reliable team in place and, for me, balancing personal and professional relationships. They can become mixed and emotionally taxing when one is also trying to run a business. Having to make tough decisions and prioritising things can also pose a challenge, and success can only come with many sacrifices.

Who is your target audience?

Neutroon’s clients work within telecommunications, system integration, and infrastructure sectors. Some of our customers include major corporations such as Fujitsu, Ferrovial, and Vantage Towers.

What is the USP of your startup?

Neutroon enables enterprises to run private 5G wireless networks in a simpler and very scalable way. These networks operate on an exclusive wavelength that is not shared by common domestic and business communications networks, enabling more reliable and faster data transfer speeds and reduced latency. Our platform gives enterprises straightforward tools for controlling and modifying all their internal 5G networks from a single pane of glass and API.

The fact that 5G is the world’s first programmable wireless network is what makes this possible for the first time in history., Neutroon can adjust the networks on-demand via APIs to provide the most reliable experience we can imagine.

Can you describe your typical workday?

My typical workday starts with a cup of coffee and my laptop in my living room. I enjoy the silence and calm in the morning before my 2 kids wake up. It gives me time to put my ideas in order and plan for the day ahead. Once the kids are up I spend some time with them and bring them to school. After that, the day becomes non-stop for me! There are lots of virtual meetings, mostly with potential partners, customers and investors, apart from the 1-on-1s with my team; I try to concentrate these meetings on a Monday.

Lunch is always on the go or replaced by coffee, not the most healthy diet, I know! I usually finish work at around 7 pm, put the kids to bed, have dinner with my wife, and then I usually spend 1-2 more hours at night scratching off the last items of my to-do, doing follow-ups and reading the latest industry news.

Where do you see yourself and your startup Neutroon in five years?

I believe Neutroon is well-positioned to become a major actor in this growing space of more open and flexible private 5G networks. The operational model is changing and big players need to adapt to a distributed architecture where platforms like Neutroon are required for reaching scale and efficiency. We have bold plans for the future. This year, for example, we have launched in the US and are on track to achieve significant milestones and growth there.

We currently have 24 staff members and we hope to expand our numbers to 30 by the end of this year and reach 50 by 2024. To achieve these goals we are currently planning a €4.5 million funding round to be closed by the end of this year. A major strategic investor has already committed part of the round and we are inviting more investors to join.

What 3 tips would you give to founders?

Never stop networking: The number of people I have met on LinkedIn and at industry events in a short period of time is insane; in fact, one of our biggest early deals originated when I sent a LinkedIn message to a business leader I admired after watching one of his webinars. A year later, we were on stage together and his company was an investor in Neutroon.

Never stop learning: The industry is constantly evolving and it is hard to keep up with all of the new features coming out. Put processes in place to learn continuously from the top minds out there

Have an ecosystem view: With hyper scalers getting into the business, and retailers launching 5G services, it’s vital to have an open mind and explore partnerships even with those that may be your competitors.

Thank you Chris Gehlen for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

The power of UX – or no UX makes no difference?

By

StartupValley

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14 August 2023

0

How do you motivate your customers to buy more online? Which features in your mobile or web app are necessary and which are just confusing? How do you design your app so that it noticeably drives your business?

Spoiler: You can achieve this not only with your offer and clever marketing, but above all with an exceptional user experience (UX).

Maybe you don’t like to book with Airbnb, because there is also criticism of the business model… But then when you want to book your vacation accommodation somewhere else, it’s somehow more complicated, more cumbersome, less clear and just not as intuitive as on… you know. That’s why you end up booking with Airbnb again. Of course, there’s often less choice elsewhere, too. But what came first, chicken or egg? UX or supply/demand?

What UX has to do with market dominance

Airbnb, like other tech giants, is a leader because its UX is great. Google has also cemented its market power with UX, among other things. You don’t have to read a manual to use the various apps from Maps to Photos to Docs to Calendar. They are intuitive to use, reliably available, always up to date – and only fulfill the exact function that the user expects from them – and they do this quite excellently.

That brings us to a very important point. Some time ago, Ackee developed a mobile app for a large, international freight forwarder. The app was supposed to take paperwork away from drivers and provide management with automated reports and a better overview for better decision-making. Those are tough audiences to match.

Why UX designers go offline for better digital results

Knowing that different audiences have very different needs and that an app’s success stands or falls on meeting them, one of our UX designers sat down in the truck with a trucking company driver for a day and literally watched him go through the motions.

This is time-consuming, but not unusual!

And in the process, we learn not only what tools the driver uses at all – even beyond the work tools – but also his emotions about it. That is, whether he likes using them or whether he grumbles because they are cumbersome and steal his time.

After the day, our colleague had a pretty good idea of how app screens and flows need to be structured so that drivers can use them easily, while having the motivating feeling that the app is really taking work off their hands.

Without a UX process – that is, without really knowing the target audience well and tailoring the app to them – there probably would have been a revolt at launch. So there was just a bit of gnashing of teeth. The target group is not necessarily open to technological innovations. In the meantime, however, the app has been running for a while, everyone has gotten used to it, and it actually reduces bureaucracy, thus saving time and facilitating management decisions.

Why a successful app is never finished

By the way, satisfaction with an app grows when user feedback is taken up and transformed into improved usability by UX designers.

This is actually an ongoing process. An app is never finished. External circumstances are constantly changing, there are new versions of iOS and Android, for example, and the app must be adapted promptly – otherwise it is deleted in a flash. Cell phone storage space is precious!

Of course, the users can also be the company’s own employees or cooperation partners. Our example involves a multinational delivery startup that delivers goods to packing stations for end customers.

In the meantime, it has become apparent that the couriers waste too much time scanning the goods in the warehouse. Another problem is that packing stations are already full. This naturally leads to great frustration among the drivers, who are often under time pressure anyway. That’s why scanning in the warehouse is now no longer necessary.

The parcels are scanned anyway when they are delivered to the packing stations – in practice, this is sufficient. In addition, the app will show in the future whether the destination packing station still has space, what alternative there is and, if necessary, immediately sends an automatic notification to the customer about the new pickup location.

We were only able to find all of this out because we gathered feedback, but above all because the company assigned someone to watch the couriers at work. So the feedback was very detailed and we knew exactly what was working and where things were sticking. In addition, we actually had our own small packing station in the office and were able to test whether all the steps in the process worked smoothly. We then improved the product in several sprints according to the feedback.

Can you open and close the box with the app? The Ackee development team has its own test boxes in the office.

What turns customers away from buying

Another example: A common problem with web shops is that customers put products in the shopping cart but then don’t click “buy”. What do you do? This can actually have various causes. On the one hand, as a web shop operator, you want customers to buy as much as possible and then suggest other products that “go with it” or are “on offer,” but on the other hand, you want them to complete their purchase.

With this conflict of interest, many customers get lost: they get distracted, lose interest, decide differently. Sometimes it helps to make the buy button more eye-catching. Airbnb uses bright pink buttons that immediately catch the eye, on otherwise white pages with black text.

If you’re sure that all related info is meaningfully bundled for the user, the page has a clear, symmetrical layout, you’re only asking for the absolutely necessary info from your users at the absolutely necessary time, then make the button more eye-catching accordingly and watch if the data improves. If not, the only thing that helps is to ask users why they didn’t complete the purchase.

Why you need to dig deeper despite user feedback

“No matter how much effort you put in, the first solution is never perfect. You always have to do some trial and error and figure out how to make it work better. Then, through repeated iterations, you get to the ideal user experience. The key is to really listen to users and understand their actual needs,” Roman Gordienko, Lead UX Designer at Ackee.de.

As US automotive pioneer Henry Ford noted 100 years ago, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

Pictures: Copyright: Ackee.de

Author:

Michal Mikolaj is Senior UX Designer at Ackee.de. Ackee has been developing apps for the German Bundestag, VW WeShare, Ethereum, FlashSports etc. Successful apps are always based on an excellent UX

Website

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Successful Team Management: The Art of Recruitment, Employee Retention, and Organizational Culture

By

meetmarkus

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10 August 2023

0

A well-functioning team is the backbone of every successful company. The ability to build and motivate a team is crucial for long-term success and sustainable growth. In this article, we examine the key elements of successful team management: the right recruitment, effective employee retention, and the development of a positive organizational culture.

Recruitment: The Foundation of Success

Thorough recruitment is the first step toward building a high-performing team. The selection of candidates should be meticulous, considering not only their professional qualifications but also their soft skills and cultural fit. By actively seeking employees who share the company’s values and drive the company’s vision forward, the foundation for a strong team dynamic is established. Additionally, a diverse workforce brings a broader perspective and fosters innovation.

Employee Retention: Celebrating Success Together

A successful team can only endure when employee retention is fostered. Besides offering competitive salaries and benefits, recognizing and appreciating individual contributions are of great importance. Regular feedback discussions and personal development opportunities make employees feel valued and supported. A pleasant work environment, work-life balance, and the opportunity to have a say in business decisions promote loyalty and identification with the company.

Organizational Culture: The Core of Success

A strong organizational culture is the core of a well-functioning team. Transparent communication at all levels builds trust and fosters a sense of belonging. A culture of openness and acceptance of mistakes encourages employees to try out new ideas and find creative solutions. Leaders should act as role models and live the shared values. When the organizational culture inspires and motivates employees, it creates a fertile ground for innovation and continuous improvement.

Conclusion:

Building and motivating a successful team require a holistic approach. Recruitment of talented employees, targeted employee retention, and the development of a positive organizational culture are inherently interconnected. Companies that master these aspects will not only attract highly skilled professionals but also maximize their performance and creativity.

THE END

Photo/Source: stock.adobe.com – REDPIXEL

Embrace Challenges as Opportunities

By

Sabine Elsässer

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7 August 2023

0

Trailblazer Zakaria Jaiathe Revolutionizes Cross-Continental Trade with Waanda Startup

Please introduce yourself and your startup Waanda to our readers!

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and technology, Zakaria Jaiathe has emerged as a trailblazer, leading the charge in revolutionizing cross-continental business interactions. At the helm of the groundbreaking startup Waanda, Jaiathe has orchestrated a transformational platform that is redefining the way African SME producers connect with European retailers.

Zakaria Jaiathe’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for leveraging technology to drive social and economic change. With a solid academic foundation, holding dual master’s degrees in computer software engineering from Bordeaux INP and ENSIMAG, Jaiathe combines academic excellence with a hands-on approach to business. His experience as a software engineer and technology executive advisor at SAP, a global technology giant, further honed his skills and insights in information systems engineering, lean startup methodologies, and project management.

Waanda, the brainchild of Zakaria Jaiathe, is a transformative SaaS-enabled B2B marketplace that serves as a conduit between African SME producers and European retailers. The platform’s innovative approach breaks down geographical barriers, enabling seamless trade and collaboration across continents. In just over 1.5 years, Jaiathe has propelled Waanda to remarkable heights, with over 1000 users spanning 10 countries.

Under Zakaria Jaiathe’s leadership, Waanda has not only disrupted traditional business models but also forged impactful partnerships and secured multiple funding rounds. These achievements underscore Jaiathe’s ability to cultivate collaboration and garner resources to fuel the platform’s growth. With an unwavering commitment to empowering African SMEs and expanding opportunities for European retailers, Jaiathe’s vision is resonating with investors and partners alike.

How did you get the idea of Waanda?

Startup ideas often arise from identifying gaps in the market, solving existing problems, or combining different concepts in innovative ways. In the case of Waanda, it seems that Zakaria Jaiathe’s idea emerged from his background in technology, retail, and logistics, coupled with his deep desire to contribute to Africa’s development. His exposure to the African community during his time at SAP, coupled with his involvement in the African think tank, likely played a significant role in sparking his vision.

Inspiration can come from various sources, such as observing successful models like Alibaba, Faire, Ankorstore, and Orderchamp. Reading books, attending masterclasses, and studying these platforms may have given Zakaria a foundation to understand the mechanics of B2B retail

and how they could be adapted to the unique context of connecting African SME producers with European retailers.

Over time, as Zakaria’s experiences and knowledge converged, he likely started envisioning a platform that could digitally transform the export of retail goods from Africa to Europe. Through continuous refinement, feedback, and strategic thinking, his initial idea would have evolved into the comprehensive concept that Waanda represents today.

It’s important to note that the process of ideation is often dynamic and nonlinear. Ideas can be shaped by personal experiences, industry trends, technological advancements, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact.

Why did you decide to start with Waanda?

Zakaria Jaiathe’s decision to start Waanda likely stemmed from a combination of his personal passions, expertise, and a clear understanding of the market’s needs. While I don’t have access to his personal thoughts, I can offer some insights into why he might have chosen to pursue Waanda as his entrepreneurial venture:

Passion for Africa’s Development: Zakaria’s desire to contribute to Africa’s development was a driving force in his career. His involvement in the African think tank and his dedication to empowering the continent’s businesses and economies could have motivated him to create a platform that directly addresses challenges faced by African SME producers.

Market Gap: Identifying a gap in the market is a common starting point for many entrepreneurs. Zakaria likely recognized that there was a lack of efficient and streamlined platforms connecting African SME producers with European retailers. This gap presented an opportunity to create value by bridging this connection and enabling cross-continental trade.

Expertise: Zakaria’s background in technology, retail, and logistics provided him with a unique skill set to tackle the challenges involved in building a platform like Waanda. His experience in these areas likely gave him insights into the complexities of supply chain management, digitalization, and cross-border trade.

Inspiration from Successful Models: As mentioned before, Zakaria drew inspiration from successful B2B retail platforms like Alibaba, Faire, Ankorstore, and Orderchamp. These platforms demonstrated the potential of connecting suppliers and retailers in innovative ways, which could have fueled his desire to create a similar model tailored to the African-European trade context.

Networking and Partnerships: His involvement in the African think tank and his interactions with other Afro Diaspora influencers and leaders might have exposed him to various perspectives and ideas. Collaborating with like-minded individuals could have inspired and validated his vision for Waanda.

Personal Growth and Impact: Entrepreneurs often have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Building a platform like Waanda aligns with Zakaria’s mission to leverage technology for social and economic change, providing a platform that could potentially uplift countless businesses and communities.

What is the vision behind Waanda?

Waanda’s vision is to facilitate and digitize trade between African producers and European business buyers. The company aims to bridge the gap between African SME producers who often face challenges in reaching the global market and European retailers who are seeking unique products with high margins. By creating a B2B wholesale marketplace and a digital ecosystem that connects these two segments, Waanda envisions empowering African producers to access global markets and European retailers to discover and source authentic products. Ultimately, Waanda’s vision is to contribute to the economic growth of African SME producers, improve the lives of families, and foster sustainable trade relationships that benefit both continents.

How difficult was the start and which challenges you had to overcome?

The initial stages of starting a company like Waanda would likely have posed various challenges, as is common in any entrepreneurial venture. While I don’t have access to specific details about Waanda’s journey, here are some general challenges that startups in the B2B marketplace and cross-continental trade space might face, along with potential difficulties Waanda could have encountered:

Market Entry and Adoption: Introducing a new platform to both African producers and European retailers could have been challenging due to factors like awareness, trust-building, and convincing these two distinct groups to adopt a new way of conducting business.

Two-Sided Marketplace: Establishing and balancing a two-sided marketplace (producers and retailers) requires careful management to ensure that there are enough offerings for retailers to find value, while simultaneously attracting producers to list their products.

Cultural and Business Norms: Overcoming differences in business practices, cultural expectations, and negotiation styles between African and European partners could have required adaptability and sensitivity.

Logistics and Shipping: Managing efficient and cost-effective logistics for cross-border trade could have been complex due to varying shipping regulations, customs procedures, and the challenge of ensuring timely deliveries.

Quality Control: Ensuring the quality and authenticity of products listed on the platform is crucial to maintain trust among retailers and avoid issues related to counterfeit goods.

Payment and Currency Conversion: Facilitating secure and seamless payments, especially across different currencies, while also considering financial regulations, could have been a significant hurdle.

Technology Infrastructure: Developing a robust platform that supports seamless interactions, secure transactions, and scalability while minimizing technical glitches and downtime is a common challenge for tech startups.

Regulatory and Legal Challenges: Complying with international trade regulations, data privacy laws, and business registration requirements in both African and European markets could have posed legal complexities.

Customer Acquisition and Retention: Convincing retailers to shift from traditional methods to a digital platform and retaining them as consistent users can be a gradual process, requiring effective marketing strategies.

Building Trust: Building trust among all stakeholders, including producers, retailers, and partners, is crucial for the long-term success of the platform.

Who is your target audience?

Waanda’s target audience comprises two main groups: African SME producers and European retailers. The platform aims to connect these two segments and facilitate trade between them. Here’s a breakdown of Waanda’s target audience:

African SME Producers: Waanda seeks to empower African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce a variety of products, which can range from crafts and fashion items to unique goods with cultural significance. These producers often face challenges in reaching global markets due to limitations in resources, access to distribution networks, and exposure. Waanda’s platform offers them an opportunity to showcase their products to a larger audience of European retailers, potentially increasing their sales and expanding their business reach.

European Retailers: The platform caters to European retailers who are on the lookout for distinctive products to offer to their customers. These retailers could include concept stores, gift shops, decor stores, and other businesses seeking to diversify their product offerings with unique, culturally-rich goods from Africa. By connecting with African producers through Waanda, European retailers gain access to a curated selection of products that align with their values and customer preferences.

Waanda’s unique value proposition lies in bridging the gap between these two groups, enabling producers to access broader markets and retailers to discover authentic products that resonate with their target customers. The platform’s digital ecosystem facilitates communication, transactions, and logistics between African producers and European retailers, ultimately benefiting both sides of the trade equation.

What is the USP of your startup?

The Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Waanda, the B2B marketplace connecting African SME producers with European retailers, lies in its distinctive features and value that set it apart from other platforms. Here are some key aspects of Waanda’s USP:

Geographic Focus and Expertise: Waanda focuses specifically on connecting African producers with European retailers, leveraging its understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within these markets. This specialized approach allows Waanda to tailor its services to the needs of both regions and provide effective solutions for cross-continental trade.

Curated and Unique Product Selection: Waanda differentiates itself by offering a curated selection of products from African SME producers that are not commonly found on mainstream platforms. European retailers can access unique and culturally rich goods, allowing them to stand out in their markets and cater to customers seeking distinctive offerings.

Low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Waanda addresses a common challenge for retailers by offering low MOQs, allowing them to explore new products and test market demand without committing to large quantities. This flexibility encourages retailers to experiment with diverse offerings.

Free Shipping and Customs Services: By offering free shipping and customs clearance, Waanda simplifies the logistics of cross-border trade for retailers. This reduces costs and administrative burdens, making it more attractive for European retailers to source products from African producers.

Social Impact: Waanda’s commitment to making a positive impact on Africa’s economic growth is a powerful selling point. By providing a platform for African SME producers, Waanda supports job creation, sustainability, and empowerment within local communities.

Diverse Team and Expertise: The diverse backgrounds of Waanda’s founders, including experience in marketplaces, retail, logistics, and technology, contribute to a well-rounded and capable team that understands the intricacies of both African and European markets.

Partnerships and Government Relationships: Waanda’s collaborations with governments and partnerships with organizations, such as the Moroccan government, demonstrate credibility and open doors for potential support and recognition.

E-commerce Solutions for African Producers: Waanda goes beyond being just a marketplace by providing African producers with ERP/CRM mobile apps that help them manage their businesses more efficiently, enhancing their overall trading experience.

In summary, Waanda’s USP lies in its specialized focus on facilitating trade between African SME producers and European retailers, offering a curated product selection, low MOQs, free shipping and customs services, a commitment to social impact, and a well-equipped team with expertise across multiple domains. These elements collectively position Waanda as a unique and valuable platform in the B2B trade ecosystem.

Can you describe your typical workday ?

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: News and Industry Updates Zakaria starts his day by staying informed about the latest news and trends in the e-commerce and retail industry. He reads newsletters and updates from organizations like Bundesverband E-Commerce und Versandhandel Deutschland e.V. and other relevant sources to gain insights into the current state of the market.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Customer Engagement and Activation During this hour, Zakaria focuses on customer-related tasks. This involves addressing customer inquiries, ensuring smooth onboarding for new customers, and resolving any issues that may arise. By prioritizing customer engagement, he aims to create a positive experience for both producers and retailers using the Waanda platform.

9:00 AM: Team Standup Meeting Zakaria leads the team standup meeting, which provides an opportunity for the entire team to come together and discuss ongoing projects, challenges, and potential solutions. This daily meeting helps foster communication, collaboration, and alignment among team members.

Morning: Administrative Tasks and Compliance The morning is dedicated to handling various administrative tasks to ensure the company’s compliance and operational efficiency. Zakaria manages tasks related to partners, service providers, tax, government regulations, and other administrative aspects that contribute to the smooth functioning of the company.

Afternoon: Strategic Focus and Growth Initiatives In the afternoon, Zakaria’s focus shifts to strategic initiatives aimed at driving the company’s growth. Depending on the goals for the week and month, he might engage in activities such as sales efforts to acquire new retailers, business development to explore partnerships, or fundraising to secure financial resources.

Continuous Focus on Financial Health As the CEO, Zakaria’s ongoing priority is to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the company. He monitors the company’s financial situation, explores avenues for revenue generation, and strategizes to secure funding that supports Waanda’s growth and expansion.

Where do you see yourself and your startup Waanda in five years?

In five years, Zakaria Jaiathe and the startup Waanda could have achieved significant growth and impact in the B2B marketplace space that connects African SME producers with European retailers. Here’s a potential vision for where Zakaria and Waanda might be in five years:

Expanded Global Presence: Waanda could have expanded its reach beyond the initial 10 countries to include a broader network of African SME producers and European retailers. The platform might have established a strong presence in additional African regions, connecting more producers with retailers globally.

Increased User Base: Waanda’s user base could have grown substantially, with a larger number of both African producers and European retailers using the platform to trade goods. The platform’s success in simplifying cross-continental trade might have attracted a diverse range of users seeking unique and culturally rich products.

Diverse Product Catalog: The product catalog on Waanda could have become even more diverse and extensive, offering a wide range of products from African producers. This could include not only traditional crafts but also innovative and modern goods that cater to changing consumer preferences.

Enhanced Technology Solutions: Waanda’s technology solutions might have evolved to provide even more streamlined and efficient processes for producers and retailers. The platform could offer advanced tools for inventory management, order tracking, and customization, making it easier for businesses to trade across borders.

Stronger Social Impact: Waanda’s commitment to creating social impact could have made a tangible difference in the lives of African producers and their communities. By facilitating trade and generating income opportunities, Waanda might have contributed to job creation, empowerment, and improved living standards.

Collaborations and Partnerships: Waanda could have forged collaborations and partnerships with a wider range of organizations, governments, and industry stakeholders. These partnerships might amplify the platform’s reach, enhance its credibility, and provide additional resources for expansion.

Financial Sustainability: With a successful track record and a growing user base, Waanda might have achieved a higher level of financial sustainability. The platform could have secured multiple funding rounds, revenue streams, and profitable operations, ensuring its continued growth and development.

Recognition and Influence: Zakaria Jaiathe and Waanda could be recognized as leaders in the B2B marketplace ecosystem, with their success story featured in media outlets and industry events. Their expertise and insights could contribute to discussions on e-commerce, cross-border trade, and economic development.

Continued Innovation: Waanda might continue to innovate and introduce new features that cater to the evolving needs of producers and retailers. These innovations could further enhance the platform’s user experience, making it a go-to destination for B2B trade.

Positive Economic Impact: Through its growth and success, Waanda could have contributed significantly to economic growth in African regions by enabling producers to access larger markets and retailers to diversify their product offerings. This positive economic impact could extend to both continents involved in the trade.

What 3 tips would you give to founders?

Embrace Challenges as Opportunities: When faced with significant challenges, don’t be quick to pivot your startup’s direction in search of an easier path. Instead, view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. By addressing challenges head-on, you might discover unique solutions that could become your startup’s distinguishing factor in the market.

Thoroughly Prepare Before Fundraising: Prior to initiating the fundraising process, ensure that you have all your essential materials ready. This includes a well-crafted pitch deck, a meticulously organized data room containing relevant information, investment contracts, and a carefully curated list of potential investors. Being well-prepared showcases your commitment and professionalism to potential investors.

Prioritize Exceptional Team Building: Recognize that the success of your startup heavily relies on the caliber of your team. Strive to attract and retain top talent in your industry. Don’t compromise on hiring; seek individuals who are passionate, skilled, and share your vision. Offering equity to team members can foster a sense of ownership and motivation to contribute to the company’s growth.

Thank you Zakaria Jaiathe for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

ansā coffee Secures $9M in funding to Boost Market Penetration

By

StartupValley

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1 August 2023

0

A greener brew: ansā’s hi tech micro-roaster to sweep the North American coffee landscape

CoffeeTech startup ansā Roasting Inc. announces it has secured a total of USD 9M funding. Leading this fruitful round is Jibe Ventures, a Tel Aviv based early-stage fund. Additional participants include Closed Loop Ventures, New Climate Ventures, Millennium Food-tech, and Sweetwood. The new capital fast-tracks full commercial roll-out of ansā’s hi-tech coffee micro-roaster across North America designed specifically for the away-from-home coffee segment.

The visionary coffeeTech entity is leading a new era in the USD 300M coffee industry through elevating the pleasure of savouring fresh coffee while nurturing a kinder, more harmonious relationship with the planet.

ansā has created a fully autonomous mini roaster that serves as a sustainable alternative to the huge, noisy, smoking industrial roasters. It comfortably sits onto any countertop making it the perfect addition to any commercial space such as a hotel lobby, restaurant, café or shared work environment. The compact, sleek appliance is quiet, smoke-free, and cool to the touch.

The start-up’s sleek countertop device introduces the on-demand roasting of bespoke raw green coffee beans, facilitating their transformation into a delightful brew right before consumption. It can roast a single serving of coffee in a few minutes or be programmed to roast any desired amount by a set time using the ansā Roasting app.

Subscribers enjoy a supply of specialty grade, 100% arabica beans delivered straight from the coffee field in bulk recyclable boxes. The result: a host of environmental benefits that slash carbon emissions and simultaneously endow a transcendent coffee-drinking experience. Moreover, coffee farmers can finally reap their rightful share of the rewards.

Ansa’s novel approach to sourcing and supplying coffee beans dramatically cuts the distances coffee beans need to travel by minimizing their transport between farms, roasting facilities, and customers while eliminating the reliance on single-use capsules and other environmentally polluting packaging.

“We are excited to invest in ansā, a CoffeeTech startup that embodies our business philosophy hand-in-glove,” commends Danny Hadar, Co-founder and Partner at Jibe. “Coffee is a global favorite beverage with an immense market. ansā not only offers a strong eco-friendly angle but is breaking new ground in the way we enjoy coffee, paving an exciting and greener future for the industry. Our investment strategy places great emphasis on supporting companies that promote sustainability and that have the capacity to make a profound impact.”

The fresh injection of funds will be channeled to fuel commercial rollout of the micro roaster in workspaces across the United States and beyond. “Our micro-roaster is ready-to-market. During 2023 we secured commercial contracts nationwide with a lineup of top-tier distributors eagerly anticipating launching the service in prominent locations such as Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Seattle, and more!” states Yuval Weisglass, co-founder, and CEO of ansā. “We are committed to broadening our coffee services geographically to meet the growing demand for sustainable coffee solutions, and to bring our unique coffee concept to a wider audience.”

The e23 micro roaster developed by ansā revolutionizes the concept of roasting, going beyond simply downsizing the industrial roaster. Breaking away from traditional roasting methods which have for decades relied on gas operated convection heat at temperatures surpassing 200°C, ansā brings an entirely fresh approach to the art of coffee roasting. Their patent pending countertop appliance energizes the beans from their core to the shell, without emitting any noise, heat, and unwanted by-products. This fully automatic appliance is equipped with a myriad of sensors and computer vision AI algorithms to ensure a consistently even roast for preparing the perfect freshly brewed cup of coffee.

“ansā is rewriting the coffee narrative by bringing aromatic fresh coffee ‘from shrub to cup’ sustainably,” enthuses Matan Scharf, ansā’s co-founder, and CMO. “The coffee landscape has long yearned for a rejuvenation. Our mission is to provide consumers with an extraordinary coffee experience, allowing them to engage with green coffee beans while indulging in superior quality coffee at its freshest. And all in the knowledge that they are protecting our planet and the livelihoods of coffee farmers.”

Picture: Danny Hadar, Partner at Jibe and ansa team: Yuval Weisglass, Ayelet Dar Wohl, Matan Scharf & Yehonatan Scharf

Source NUTRiPR

Don’t be afraid to be first to market

By

Sabine Elsässer

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1 August 2023

0

VARYCON SaaS platform to produce media content independently and in-house at the highest quality level

Please introduce yourself and your startup VARYCON to our readers!

My name is Lars Reinartz, together with Christian Behrens and Dr. Bernd Brassel, I am one of the three founders and managing directors of VARYCON. Since 2019, we have been developing our B2B software platform to help companies, in particular larger enterprises, to create tailor-made content for their international media production faster, easier and more cost-effectively.

Today, brands need to reach their customers with graphic and video content on different channels as quickly and efficiently as possible. Accordingly, personalization, internationalization, scalability as well as easy adaptations are topics that many marketers and companies are concerned with when it comes to content production. Our team of content and AI experts has many years of experience in media production and knows how important the aforementioned points are, but especially why they often lead to problems when multiple parties are involved in the process.

For this reason, we have combined our skills and experience in creative content production with our expertise in computer science and software development to create VARYCON, which is a digital operating system that makes it easy for everyone – from interns to marketing directors – to create scalable cross-format media content without having to rely on external service providers. With our software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution we help our enterprise customers save time and money and achieve the fastest possible time-to-market for their content.

These factors are becoming increasingly important, especially for larger companies, in order to reach their customers directly and, above all, optimally with customized content on various online and offline channels.

Why did you decide to start a business?

As a founding team, we have already worked together on various projects and companies for several years. Before we started developing VARYCON in 2019, we noticed in our work with our predecessor company RECORDBAY, a media production agency, how lengthy the processes in creative content production are. From the first briefing to the delivery of final, and often adapted, content pieces, the production process always involved many external service providers who often only unnecessarily complicated and delayed individual steps.

This got us thinking and prompted us to design a digital “Creative Content Automation” platform. VARYCON is the result of this ideation and design process. By now, our B2B SaaS tool is being successfully used by numerous customers as an operating system for their enterprise content. After several years of development work, we are ‘corporate-ready’ with our platform – which is proof for us that there is not only a market and a need for our software, but that we can also serve it perfectly with our proprietary solution.

What is the vision behind VARYCON?

We are constantly researching the latest digital tools and developments as well as the marketing-related problems of large companies in different industries. Accordingly, we are always working on further developing VARYCON for content creation and distribution on various online and offline channels. Among others, Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important topic related to our work at the moment. The generation, analysis and use of data after the elimination of 3rd party cookies and thus the expansion of the ‘production line’ for enterprise content are also significant topics for us, on which we are already working.

Taking all this into consideration, our vision is to offer our customers an always up-to-date and optimal B2B SaaS solution to make their content production as efficient and automated as possible.

To this end, we do not simply provide VARYCON as a digital operating system, but also continuously improve our product in close exchange with our customers. Our goal is to offer our enterprise clients a comprehensive and holistic approach to solve their pain points. This starts with the analysis of their problems and the definition of clear goals, continues with the establishment of VARYCON inside a company, including all interfaces and legals, and ends with the onboarding of employees and the establishment of feedback and review workshops to make the use of our tool even more efficient.

From the idea to the start, what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?

So far, we have financed our company completely independently and thus, as founders, we were always in control of our development. This allowed us to create our product without any dependencies, always pursuing our mission and vision since the start. On the one hand, this helped us to clearly think through all necessary steps up to the current state of VARYCON, but at the same time we carried the risk of not having a “backup” in case things got tight or we made a wrong decision.

With the help of our first major customer, we were able to build up a lot of know-how in the early years on how to successfully establish a platform like VARYCON inside a client’s organization. We were able to gain a lot of important insights into which interfaces are needed, how optimal processes look like and which legal requirements have to be considered. In the meantime, VARYCON has various interfaces, offers an SSO and has been ‘penetration tested’ through its use in various companies.

We have already completely refinanced our own investments for the software development for over a year and are now ready for further expansion of our product and company.

Who is the target group of VARYCON?

Our solution is primarily aimed at marketers and brand managers. From static posts or animated content for virtual experiences to professional TV production including distribution, every trained employee can produce content for all channels and in formats relevant to them. Thanks to our integrated approval processes and a rights and role system, content can be created by any employee, but not directly published by everyone. In this way, we create more flexibility in the steps before the final creation of content, which can then be distributed directly to the right channels.

Since VARYCON is not a niche solution that can only be used to generate social media posts, the decision-makers for the use of our software are often also the company’s internal purchasing department, business unit directors or transformation managers.

How does VARYCON work? What are the advantages? What makes you different from other providers?

For us, the primary goal is that VARYCON’s users can create their required content easily and quickly in a highly professional quality. Our user journeys for this are very intuitive, and all process steps are supported by clear instructions and manuals within the tool. In addition, we train individual users individually before they start using our software and each customer is assigned a Customer Success Manager who is on hand to answer any questions.

It is important to us that no background in video editing, 3D design or design in general is required to create content with VARYCON. The individual professional tools that are part of our operating system run in the background for the user – all you have to do is select what you want and enter a headline and price, for example. The aesthetics are then added automatically based on the corporate identity of the company.

In simple words, you can say: Users can directly implement any of their content ideas, which they would usually formulate in a briefing for external agencies, with the help of VARYCON. You get the finished results immediately and do not have to wait longer than anticipated for it, coordinate several iterations with different people and agencies, or deal with unforeseen higher costs.

VARYCON, where does the road go? Where do you see yourself in five years?

We are continuously improving our platform and increasing the number of its features to further expand the content production pipeline on our customers’ side. We have been working with AI tools already for quite some time – on the one hand for creative production (generation of voice-overs, image composing and outpainting, etc.), but also for data analysis, so that we can use customer data even better in media content production. There is still a lot to do in this area, which makes it an extremely exciting field for us, and one that is also becoming increasingly relevant and interesting for our customers with the elimination of 3rd party cookies.

It is our goal that five years from now, VARYCON will be the most sought-after tool for easy in-house media production on the market, used by many companies to generate scalable and on-demand content – no matter for which format and channel.

What 3 tips would you give to future founders?

Don’t be afraid to be first to market.

Even if there is no direct market for your product, tool or service yet, or no direct competition, that does not mean it is not needed. It might take more explaining and talking to potential customers until they see the need and are convinced, but it will certainly be worth it.

Don’t be afraid of competition.

Competition always means something good: there is interest in your market and a potential customer base – otherwise no one else would bet on an idea like yours. You can learn from your competition and even adapt your approach to sales and marketing based on others’ activities.

Don’t overthink everything.

It is clear that rashly moving forward carries a lot of risk and, most importantly, can lead to things having to be done over and over again. But it is just as inefficient to second-guess and rethink decisions too many times before you tackle them. Theory is never the same as practice and falling down is part of being an entrepreneur. The important thing is to keep getting back up every time!

More information you will find here

Thank you Lars Reinartz for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

The Art of Entrepreneurship: Success Strategies and Proven Methods for Startups!

By

meetmarkus

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12 July 2023

0

A blank sheet of paper. A spark of creativity. A vision that could change the world. Welcome to the exhilarating world of startup entrepreneurship! In this article, we will delve deep into the secrets of successful startups and present to you proven methods and success strategies that will help you bring your groundbreaking business idea to life.

Startups have become a driving force in the economy, with groundbreaking innovations and disruptive technologies that upend established industries. Yet behind every successful startup stands a resilient founder who understands the art of entrepreneurship.

The first step to starting a startup is ideation. The best ideas often emerge from a deep passion for a specific problem or an unmet market niche. Founders must have the courage to challenge conventions and seek extraordinary solutions. The legendary Steve Jobs once said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish!” – and this hunger for innovation is a key factor in success.

A solid business strategy is the next step. Successful startups thoroughly analyze the market, identify their target audience, and develop a unique value proposition that sets them apart from the competition. A deep understanding of customer needs is essential to offer a solution that revolutionizes the market.

Financing is often one of the greatest challenges for founders. From bootstrapping to venture capital investments, there are various ways to secure the necessary capital. It requires skill, persuasion, and a strong network to convince investors of the viability of your idea. But those who succeed can unlock doors to boundless potential.

Another key to success is a strong team. Startups are a team sport, and founders must be able to attract and retain talent. The best teams consist of individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds who work together towards a common goal. The chemistry among team members and the ability to collaborate constructively are crucial for the success of a startup.

Risk management and adaptability are also essential. Startups often operate in uncertain environments and must be able to respond quickly to changes. The ability to adapt and learn from mistakes is crucial in overcoming obstacles and evolving.

In addition to the strategic aspects, there is also an emotional component to startup entrepreneurship. Founders must be able to deal with stress, uncertainty, and setbacks. The path to success is rarely linear, but those who persevere and learn from setbacks are the ones who ultimately triumph.

Innovation, courage, a solid strategy, financing, teamwork, adaptability, and resilience – these are the ingredients for a successful startup entrepreneurship. However, there is no magic formula, no guarantee of success. Each startup has its own journey and its own path to the summit. But one thing is certain: the art of entrepreneurship is an exciting and challenging journey that must be undertaken with courage and determination.

Photo/Credit: stock.adobe.com – Gorodenkoff

11 Copenhagen-based Startups you should know!

By

meetmarkus

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11 July 2023

0

Copenhagen: Where Innovation Meets Tradition – A Flourishing Startup Scene

Copenhagen, the picturesque capital of Denmark, has become a hotspot for innovative startups in recent years. With its vibrant atmosphere, high standard of living, and thriving business culture, the city has created an ideal environment that attracts entrepreneurs from around the world. The startup scene in Copenhagen is rich in diversity and exhibits remarkable dynamism, driving economic transformation in the region.

One of the leading industries flourishing in Copenhagen is the technology sector. The city has evolved into a hub for digital innovations, attracting talented professionals from all over the world. Startups in artificial intelligence, data security, and virtual reality are particularly prominent, leveraging state-of-the-art infrastructure to develop groundbreaking solutions and set new standards.

Furthermore, Copenhagen has also established itself as a pioneer in sustainability and green technologies. The city is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2025, and many innovative companies are working towards realizing this vision. Startups in renewable energy, green mobility, and circular economy have a strong presence in Copenhagen, benefiting from government support and investor interest.

The startup scene in Copenhagen is highly active and characterized by a strong sense of community. There is a multitude of co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerator programs that provide startups with resources and mentoring. Additionally, the city regularly organizes events, conferences, and networking gatherings to foster collaboration and cooperation among founders, investors, and companies.

A notable feature of the Copenhagen startup scene is its openness to international talent and investments. The city embraces an inclusive culture that makes it easier for foreign founders to establish themselves and develop their businesses. Moreover, there is active participation from venture capitalists and investors who have recognized the potential of Copenhagen startups and are willing to invest in their future.

Overall, the startup scene in Copenhagen is an exciting ecosystem characterized by innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The city offers an ideal environment for startups to grow, connect, and realize their dreams. With its dynamic business environment, government support, and community engagement, Copenhagen is undoubtedly a place where startups can thrive.

Adcendo: Adcendo is a Danish startup in the healthcare industry that develops innovative solutions with a focus on artificial intelligence. Their goal is to improve medical care and assist doctors in diagnosis and treatment. Their products include intelligent medical software and remote monitoring platforms for patients. Adcendo is driving progress in healthcare to enhance the patient experience.

Agreena: Agreena is an emerging startup that develops innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. With an advanced platform and services, Agreena helps farmers optimize their operations and implement environmentally friendly practices. The company offers training, consulting services, and tailored solutions to promote the transition to more sustainable agriculture. Visit agreena.com to learn more.

Hemab: Hemab is a startup that develops innovative solutions in medical technology. Their diagnostic system enables fast and accurate blood tests for early disease detection. With a dedicated team, Hemab aims to improve medical care. For more information, visit hemab.com.

Labster: Labster is a startup that develops virtual laboratory experiences for the education sector. Their platform allows students to explore and learn from scientific experiments and complex concepts in a realistic virtual environment. Through partnerships with educational institutions worldwide, Labster is revolutionizing science education. Their goal is to make high-quality education more accessible and help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Digitail.io: Digitail.io is a startup specializing in digitizing veterinary practices and improving animal healthcare. With their digitail.io platform, pet owners can create digital health records and store important information such as vaccinations and examination results. Digitail provides comprehensive practice management software to veterinarians, optimizing workflow and facilitating communication with pet owners. Their aim is to enhance the relationship between pet owners, veterinarians, and pets, enabling contemporary medical care for pets.

Podimo: Podimo is a Danish startup specializing in podcasts. The platform allows users to discover, listen to, and share podcasts. Podimo offers a wide selection of content across various genres and exclusive podcasts in collaboration with renowned creatives. The platform is accessible through a website and mobile apps, providing features such as personalized recommendations, favorites, and podcast downloads. Podimo is expanding in Europe and aims to enhance the podcast listening experience.

Goodiebox: Goodiebox is a beauty subscription startup from Denmark. Each month, subscribers receive a personalized box with curated beauty products such as makeup, skincare, and haircare. The surprise box enables customers to try out new products and brands. Goodiebox emphasizes sustainability and offers an attractive pricing model. The startup has built a strong community and operates in multiple European countries.

Monta: Monta is a startup founded in 2020 that develops software solutions for easy and reliable electric vehicle charging. The company connects installers, charging station operators, CPOs, businesses, and electric vehicle drivers, laying the foundation for scalable and sustainable charging infrastructure. Monta relies on fully automated processes and is based on open-source technology.

Templafy: Templafy is a startup specializing in optimizing document creation and management. The cloud-based platform enables companies to centrally manage, standardize, and personalize documents and templates. Templafy facilitates brand consistency, improves collaboration, and enhances efficiency in document creation. The startup has gained prominent clients and is expanding internationally.

Influencer Marketing Hub: Influencer Marketing Hub is an online platform for influencer marketing. The startup allows businesses to find, plan, and manage influencers’ campaigns. The platform offers an influencer database, tools for campaign tracking and performance analysis, and communication features for collaboration between companies and influencers. Influencer Marketing Hub helps businesses reach their target audiences in an authentic manner.

Pleo: Pleo is a startup that simplifies expense management for companies. Their intelligent platform automates the expense reimbursement process, enabling employees to capture expenses in real-time and upload receipts. The solution utilizes artificial intelligence to categorize transactions and streamline accounting tasks. Pleo helps companies control expenses, adhere to budgets, and increase productivity.

Photo/Credit: stock.adobe.com – f11photo

Unlocking the Full Potential: Strategies for Customer-Centric Success

By

StartupValley

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10 July 2023

0

In today’s competitive business world, even innovative products sometimes don’t reach their full potential because they either don’t solve the problems of their target group, or they aren’t marketed effectively.

To solve this, businesses need to focus on understanding customers through research, adjusting pricing to match their needs, making production more efficient, and building a strong brand. By implementing customer-centric strategies, companies can unlock their product’s full potential and succeed in the market.

The Danger of Building A Product No One Wants

When it comes to building a product, there is a significant risk involved in creating something that nobody wants or needs. This danger arises when businesses fail to understand their target market and develop a product without conducting proper market research.

If a product doesn’t address a genuine problem or fulfill a customer’s desire, it is unlikely to gain traction in the market. Building a product without considering customer needs can result in wasted time, resources, and financial investments.

To avoid this danger, it is crucial for businesses to conduct thorough market research and gain a deep understanding of their target audience. By identifying their customers’ pain points, preferences, and desires, companies can develop products that truly resonate with their intended consumers.

Market research helps businesses assess the demand and potential success of a product before investing heavily in its development. It allows companies to gather feedback, analyze competition, and make informed decisions about product features, pricing, and marketing strategies.

Research, Build and Test – The Foundation of Successful Product Development

When it comes to developing a successful product, there are three fundamental steps that form the foundation of the process: research, building, and testing. Each step plays a crucial role in ensuring that the final product meets customer needs and achieves market success.

Research is the initial stage, where businesses gather information about their target market, competitors, and customer preferences. Once the research is complete, the building phase begins. This is where the product concept takes shape, and the actual development work starts. Designers, engineers, and developers collaborate to bring the product to life, creating prototypes and refining the features based on the insights gained from research.

However, the development process doesn’t end with building the product. The final crucial step is testing, which involves more than just ensuring the product’s functionality and quality.

In today’s fast-paced market, it is essential to test product concepts by launching them quickly and evaluating the outcomes. This approach, often referred to as rapid prototyping or minimum viable product (MVP) testing, allows businesses to gather real-world feedback and make data-driven decisions.

By launching a simplified version of the product or specific features, companies can gather valuable insights from early adopters and target customers. This feedback helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, enabling businesses to refine and enhance the product before its full-scale launch.

MVP testing allows for a more iterative and agile development process. It provides an opportunity to validate assumptions, gather user feedback, and iterate on the product concept based on real-world usage. This approach minimizes the risk of investing significant resources in a product that may not resonate with the market.

The Importance of Marketing

It’s great to know that users like a product, but focusing on marketing is equally important. At this stage, marketing becomes easier because businesses already have a clear understanding of ideal customers, their preferences, and their purchasing decisions.

This knowledge allows them to customize your marketing strategies to effectively connect with them. By targeting the ideal audience and creating messages that directly address their needs and preferences, they can reach a wider market and build stronger brand awareness.

This positions businesses to engage more customers and increase sales.

Efficiency for Accessibility and Profitability

Understanding customers and efficiently developing and marketing products not only benefits businesses but also consumers. By understanding their preferences and needs, companies can create products that truly address their concerns and provide value. This customer-centric approach enables them to optimize their product offerings and eliminate unnecessary features or costs, resulting in better prices for consumers.

Efficient product development and marketing strategies allow to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and maintain a healthy profit margin. As a result, they can offer high-quality products at competitive prices without compromising on quality. This benefits consumers by making products more accessible and appealing in the market. Ultimately, the synergy between efficient development, marketing, and pricing ensures a win-win situation for both business and the consumers.

Author

Jan Watermann is co-founder of Quote for Solar- a tech startup connecting homeowners with solar installers. As a stakeholder in multiple solar ventures, Jan is passionate about driving change in the renewable energy industry.

Website

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

Any startup is a marathon. Spread your energy around

By

Sabine Elsässer

-

10 July 2023

0

Sequoia Health: Empowering Men to Unlock Sexual Health Potential

Please introduce yourself and the Startup Sequoia Health to our readers!

Hi StartUp Valley readers! I’m Denis Galka here with Olga Nevdakh. We are the founders of Sequoia. Sequoia is a mobile app that allows men to anonymously track and improve sexual health.

Why did you decide to start a business?

Denis: I decided to start this business based on a personal incident that occurred several years ago. When I was 23, I experienced pelvic pain as a result of catching a cold. Initially, I didn’t understand what was happening to me, and I simply felt some pain after urinating. However, instead of seeking medical help, I chose to ignore it out of embarrassment, hoping that it would resolve itself.

Unfortunately, over time, the pain worsened and began to significantly impact my intimate life. It reached a point where I could no longer bear it, and I finally sought medical attention. While the disease was eventually treated, I was left with lingering questions.

Reflecting on my experience, I started to question why I felt such intense shame and reluctance to reveal my health issue. It was something completely natural for me as a man, yet I was afraid to discuss it openly. This realization sparked a deep desire to address the stigma and barriers that prevent men from seeking help and discussing their sexual health openly.

Olga: How does it make you feel when you hear the phrase «bad erection»? What associations come to mind? Do you feel shame, weakness, or embarrassment?

When you see ads for drugs that treat impotence, does it trigger discomfort?

Have you ever heard nervous chuckles, inappropriate jokes, and promises of miracle pills supposed to help in the company of so-called friends?

I’ve heard the answer “yes” to these questions from men who seek my advice. Each of them carries a story of rejection of their problem, their sexual history, and even themselves. Loss of identity, depression, and other mental disorders.

I have always enjoyed dealing with complex and unpopular topics and challenging myself as a professional. In my previous work as a forensic scientist, I studied and researched men with paraphilias. At the same time, I became interested in normal sexology and the types of concerns men bring to a sexologist. That’s how I ended up in the polyclinic.

From the beginning, I’ve always had a lot of men at my appointments. I’m good at building a treatment plan and therapeutic work. I assign a lot of homework, writing, different techniques, exercises, diaries, and reading articles. But often, men would lose their notes, which slowed down the whole process, and it was sometimes impossible to trace the dynamics.

I wanted to do something convenient where all the assigned tasks were stored in one place, reducing the risk of loss or forgetting. I aimed to instill a sense of responsibility in men for their health, encouraging them to take the initiative without hesitation.

What is the vision behind Sequoia Health?

The vision behind Sequoia Health is to break the stigma surrounding men’s sexual health. We are driven by a desire to change men’s attitudes toward their intimate health and foster a habit of paying attention to it. Our ultimate goal is to empower men to have long and fulfilling intimate lives, free from shame or hesitation.

We envision a world where discussions about men’s sexual health are open, normalized, and free from judgment. Through our app and platform, we strive to provide comprehensive resources, education, and support that enable men to take proactive steps toward their sexual well-being. We want to create a safe and inclusive space where men can access the tools they need to understand, address, and optimize their intimate health.

From the idea to the start what have been the biggest challenges so far and how did you finance yourself?

The biggest challenge encountered during the early stages of Sequoia Health was finding confirmation that our focus on men’s sexual health was indeed a significant need. Men often find it difficult to openly discuss their sexual health problems, which made it challenging to gather sufficient responses during customer development interviews. However, we were fortunate to have Olga join them. Olga’s expertise and experience as a healthcare professional allowed her to connect with patients who understood the complexity of the problem and were willing to share their experiences and insights. We’ve also partnered with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) Belarus, which has greatly enhanced our knowledge base.

In a world where approximately one in three men globally face sexual health issues, many remain unheard due to societal and internalized stigma, especially in sexual health and fertility. Partnering with UNFPA Belarus, Sequoia aims to transform perceptions of men’s health within the digital health sector. UNFPA has unique expertise in this field, having promoted programs that emphasize men’s role in reproductive health for years. Together, we’re committed to altering men’s attitudes towards their intimate health and encouraging proactive engagement. Our goal is to empower men to lead long, fulfilling intimate lives without shame or hesitation. The vision behind Sequoia Health, in collaboration with UNFPA is to break the stigma surrounding men’s sexual health.

Who is the target group of Sequoia Health?

The target group of Sequoia Health is men aged 20-65 who are interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and are seeking to unlock their sexual health potential. This app is designed for men who want to be sexually educated and informed about various aspects of their sexual health. Additionally, Sequoia Health caters to men who may already be experiencing sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, or low libido. The app aims to provide resources, guidance, and potential solutions to help men address these issues and improve their overall sexual well-being.

Sequoia Health operates through a user-friendly mobile app. Upon downloading the app, users are prompted to take the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) test, which serves as an initial assessment. Based on the results, a medical algorithm generates a personalized health report and a 21-day course designed to enhance intimate health. Each day, users are presented with a daily plan consisting of physical exercises, relaxation exercises, meditation techniques, and a sexual health tracker. The tracker allows users to monitor their sexual activity, including sex, masturbation, and the quality of erections.

After the initial 21-day course, users are encouraged to retake the IIEF test to assess their progress. They receive a new Erectile Index and are provided with another 21-day course featuring updated recommendations. Additionally, on a monthly basis, users receive a health report based on the sexual tracker data, offering insights into the changes in their sexual activity as a result of following the recommendations.

The Sequoia app also provides information on recommended health tests based on a user’s age and features a knowledge library containing articles on various aspects of male sexuality. Users also have the option to anonymously ask a doctor a question, enabling a more personalized approach.

One of our key advantages is our team of doctors, including psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and sexologists. They contribute medical algorithms, exercises, and unique authored content to the app. Furthermore, Sequoia Health is supported by the United Nations Population Fund, enhancing our credibility and resources.

What sets us apart from other providers is that the Sequoia app’s benefits have been confirmed by numerous kinds of research. In a survey conducted in June 2023, the following positive changes were reported by users: 79% experienced positive changes in sexual health, 45% noticed improved erection quality, 25% reported more intense orgasms, 26% observed an increase in libido, and 43% became more mindful of their sexual health. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of the Sequoia app compared to other providers in the market.

Sequoia Health, where does the road go? Where do you see yourself in five years?

The road ahead for Sequoia Health is filled with ambitious plans.

Firstly, we aim to expand our reach and impact by adding support for Android devices and incorporating multiple languages. Our goal is to ensure that men from all around the world, regardless of their geographical location, social status, or sexual orientation, have the opportunity to improve their sexual health and unlock their potential through our app.

Additionally, we are committed to becoming HIPAA and GDPR-compliant, prioritizing the security and privacy of user data. We want our users to have complete confidence that their personal information is stored securely and that only they have access to it.

Furthermore, we plan to integrate AI into our platform, harnessing the power of the latest technological advancements. This will enable us to enhance the user experience, provide more personalized recommendations, and stay at the forefront of innovation in the field of sexual health.

Looking ahead, our vision for Sequoia Health in five years is centered around the impact we aspire to have on society. We envision having saved at least 10,000 relationships or marriages by offering evidence-based advice and resources to men in need of assistance with their sexual health challenges. We anticipate increasing the average duration of sexual intercourse by at least 40% and the average frequency of sex by at least 50%.

Furthermore, we aim to diagnose and address 5,000 problems at an early stage, enabling better management and prevention of more severe conditions. Ultimately, we seek to improve the overall quality of life for men by fostering a better understanding of and proactive management of their sexual health.

By striving towards these goals, we aim to make a substantial positive impact on individuals, relationships, and society as a whole.

At the end: Which 3 tips would you give to future founders?

1. Make sure you do market research – 95% of startups close due to insufficient development of hypotheses at an early stage.

2. Don’t be afraid to try. If you want to live a life you haven’t lived before, you have to do things you haven’t done before.

3. Keep going. Keep going, even if no one believes in you and the team, even if they laugh at you and don’t take you seriously. Keep going even if you want to quit. Often innovators stop one step away from success due to fatigue and misunderstanding, but pioneering efforts and developments pave the way for others to follow and ultimately achieve success.

4. Get enough sleep and take time to rest. Success won’t matter if you are chronically tired or unwell. Any startup is a marathon. Spread your energy around.

Thank you Denis Galka for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

The power of UX – or no UX makes no difference?

What UX has to do with market dominance

Why UX designers go offline for better digital results

Why a successful app is never finished

What turns customers away from buying

Why you need to dig deeper despite user feedback

Successful Team Management: The Art of Recruitment, Employee Retention, and Organizational Culture

Recruitment: The Foundation of Success

Employee Retention: Celebrating Success Together

Organizational Culture: The Core of Success

Conclusion:

THE END

Embrace Challenges as Opportunities

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