John-Daniel Trask of Mindscape on Building Businesses
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Transcript of John-Daniel Trask of Mindscape on Building Businesses
Building Software BusinessesFrom developer to CEO of a growing software company.
#jdtalk
Who am I?
Our Philosophy• Build to flip is poor business.
• Demonstrate traction without OPM.
• Treat others how we want to be treated.
• Sales cure all.
• Earn while we sleep.
• Be frugal.
• Have fun, build great software.
Getting Started3 x 10k
Microsoft <3A 250k kick-start.
What did we learn?
• Investment in networking is powerful.
• Chances of “luck” can be improved.
• You can’t plan every tiny detail, embrace chaos.
Turning down Rod
What did we learn?
• Betting on your unproven self is really hard.
• I’d rather my own Lamborghini than to drive Rod’s Porsche.
Going LightSpeedTraining wheels
What did we learn?
• Recognise your weaknesses and learn.
• It’s hard to see success sometimes.
• Slow ROI
Selling Globally
Selling Globally
• Just Do It.
• !$1500 to setup.
• Charge in USD ( watch out for GST )
• Charge more. A lot more.
3 becomes 2Ouch
What did we learn?
• Don’t dwell on the door that closes.
• A Shareholders Agreement is a Good Idea.
• Starting a business is not for everyone.
• Know co-founders well.
GivealittleKiwi giving online
ValuecruncherBusiness valuation tools.
What did we learn?
• How VC’s & Angels worked.
• How capital raising worked.
• Met amazing people who proved to be more valuable than the equity.
• Focus is a limited resource, deploy it with care.
RaygunSet phasers to AWESOME.
Feb 2013
Why?
• Annual payments emphasis seasonal lumpiness, monthly is bliss.
• Deploy faster, happier customers.
• Product we knew would provide value.
• Address a larger market.
“We need to own you”
Our capital raise
• Basically broke most of the rules.
• It’s hard work - really hard work.
• Hold to your deadlines.
• Surround yourself with the right people.
• Wealthy folks take long holidays.
The rise of Raygun
• Learning new lessons on growing teams.
• Compound growth is bliss.
• Billions of errors processed.
• Just getting started.
• Hiring btw.
Looking to start?
• Be frugal - you do not need much capital.
• You have super powers, use them.
• Learn as much as you can.
• Meet people, network, help others.
• Do it now!
DO IT NOW