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

I’d love to hear from you!

jd@mindscape.co.nz

@traskjd