I’ve had the privilege to kickstart numerous entrepreneurial ventures, with one even experiencing an IPO. Although it did not achieve the desired success, and its share price is currently pathetically low, these experiences have taught me a great deal.
My role has primarily been one of innovation and solution-building. I have developed a wide array of applications, ranging from simple job apps to sophisticated platforms for the financial services industry, each of them currently serving thousands of users.
Building a successful company single-handedly is an impossible task. Typically, a robust team structure consists of a designer or CIO, developers, and testers, and the roles for company management, sales, and more.
Throughout these experiences, I have prided myself on being a man of my word. When I promise to build effective solutions, I deliver. The solutions are usable, adding benefits to companies and in some cases running them end to end.
In many companies I have co-founded, I continue to hold shares. However, my experiences with venture capital have often been challenging. Many assume that building a profitable company with a steady revenue stream capable of creating dividends or forming an exit strategy is straightforward.
I’ve always preferred a different approach: to build a company from the ground up with a focus on generating consistent dividends. The allure of a multi-million dollar exit strategy does not drive me. Instead, I aim to achieve the comfort that allows me not to depend on regular employment.
Regrettably, I’ve encountered difficulties with some of the partners I’ve worked with. Many have exhibited overconfidence and a lack of understanding of the business they’re investing in. On occasion, they’ve even misallocated funds meant for business growth on non-essential expenses, such as personal remuneration or unnecessary trips.
Sadly, their lack of comprehension of the business they invest in often leads to disillusionment and misuse of resources. The disheartening part of this journey has been the countless hours spent building solutions, only to find business partners who believe their minimal time investment warrants an ever-increasing share of the company.
I will never partner with anyone again. No one can be trusted. I need to look after me.
