glasgow uni research

Kate HoKate@interface3.com , @kateho

Interface3

• We make attention grabbing digital experiences.

• We use the latest technologies (augmented reality, mobile games, Kinect, interactive tables) creatively to make things that stand out.

• Tigerface creates collaborative learning games on mobile platforms.

• Our games support collaborative learning and foster group-based problem solving skills in the Primary School classroom.

Some stats

• Started Interface3 in Nov 2009 (a week after thesis submission). 3.5 years ago.

• Grew from 1 person (just me) to 5 full time staff and 2 part time/interns.

• Turnover is well over 6 figures, and have had double digit year on year growth for the last 3 years.

6 BITS OF ADVICE ON STARTING UP A BUSINESS

(Listen to the bits you like, discard the ones that are irrelevant.)

MAKE SOMETHING PEOPLE WANT.Number 1

• Making money is about creating value.

• You have to create so much value to someone, that they are willing to part with their money for it.

EXECUTION IS EVERYTHING.Number 2

• Executing means getting stuff done.

• Your one and single worry at the start is: 1) how to make something people want. 2) making it.

• If you’re doing anything else, you’re doing it wrong.

READ. LEARN. USE YOUR UNFAIR ADVANTAGENumber 3

• It is well known and well established that a company can only move as quick as the CEO/Founder can learn.

• As professional learners – you should be better than anyone else at this.

Reading list

• Getting to Plan B, John Mullins and Randy Komisar

• The Lean Startup, Eric Ries• The Startup Owner’s Manual, Steve Blank and

Bob Dorf• Do more Faster, David Cohen and Brad Feld• Rules for Revolutionaries, Guy Kawasaki

MOVE FAST. SPEED IS THE ONLY ADVANTAGE OF BEING IN A SMALL COMPANY.

Number 4

• You will have 101 decisions that you have to make every day.

• Decide what is reversible, and what is not. Then make the decisions quick and move quickly.

• If you’re not moving fast enough to break something, then you’re doing it wrong.

YOU CAN’T DO THIS ON YOUR OWN. Number 5

• Actively find people who can help you.

• Surround yourself with other people like you.

• Find a mentor. Then pass it on.

FIND YOUR PASSION AND PURSUE IT.

Number 6

• Startups are hard. Statistically, you’re more likely to fail than you are to succeed.

• Pick something that you’re so passionate about, that even if it fails, you will like it was worth it.