We joined Shift Conference that brought together experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to discuss the realities of building, growing, and exiting successful startups. Our Managing Director joined the following panel discussion :
Success Stories From Real-life Founders
Hear, hear – entrepreneurs who’ve been through it all -starting, building, growing and, to some degree, successfully exiting their startups. They will share their stories, from the early days of launching their ideas across the moment they have impressively grown them all the way to rocking the stage at Shift. Learn about the key decisions, the bumps along the way, and what it really takes to grow a startup. Whether you’re dreaming of your own rocket-propelled growth or just curious about the process, this session offers a laid-back, insider’s view from those who’ve been there and done it.
Speakers:
Luka Abrus, Entrepreneur
Tomislav Car, CEO @ Productive
Izet Zdralovic, Partner @ Silicon Gardens
Una Softic, Managing Director @ Intertangible
Key takeaways included:
- Success is multifaceted: Defining success goes beyond financial gains. It encompasses personal fulfillment, building a meaningful product, and achieving a balance between work and life.
- The importance of “0 to 1”: Building a truly novel and impactful product from scratch is incredibly challenging, but crucial for creating significant value.
- Product-market fit is paramount: Iterating on your product based on customer feedback is essential for achieving success.
- Finding the right partner: When considering an exit, carefully evaluate potential acquirers, ensuring alignment with your vision and a smooth transition for your team.
- Navigating the emotional journey: Exiting a company can be an emotionally complex process. Founders need to be prepared for changes in their roles and identities.
- Building a strong foundation: Focus on creating a sustainable and customer-centric company with a long-term vision.
The panelists emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey, building a strong team, and focusing on creating value for customers. By following these principles, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of achieving both personal and professional success. You can view full video here:
