Minimally viable product …
We’ve built a device that will stream audio to a user’s smartphone via an app with zero noticeable latency.
Problem solving …
We’re saving marriages. Just kidding – but kinda. We want to allow a person to watch their television at any desired volume without bothering their partner or roommate. We think our solution is better than Bluetooth and radio frequency headphones because Blipcast allows the user to plug in any set of headphones they already own and listen via the smartphone in their pocket.
Seed money …
We started with $25,000 in seed funding and countless hours of sweat equity. With this we have developed a working prototype, a looks-like prototype, branding and marketing content.
Hurdles overcome …
Our first electrical engineer spent three months on it and was not able to figure it out. We had to find another guy, and he figured it out in less than a week. Our original technical co-founder quit a week later, and we ended up with a better fit. We tried crowdfunding and failed. But that publicity has led us to several interested investors. In almost every area of this startup, we’ve failed and ended up better.
Next phase …
We’re refining the Blipcast prototype and pursuing relationships with interested investors who can provide not just capital but also expertise in the electronics industry.
Pivot …
The first big change we made was positioning Blipcast not just as an accessory or adapter, but as a product in and of itself. We’ve also realized that we should pivot to serve a more niche demographic, specifically individuals with hearing impairments.
Biggest mistake …
We made a critical error when we launched our Kickstarter; we set a 27-day goal that would end at midnight Jan. 31. The problem was when people saw we raised almost $10,000 on day one, they assumed it was over the course of three days (most Kickstarter projects are 30 days) and that might have given people the impression we were not going to meet our goal, making them less likely to pledge.
Food for thought …
Starting a company in a new industry is like running through the woods blindfolded. You are going to hit a lot of trees. But you’re also going to keep making progress so long as you get up and keep moving.
An updated Lawrence County Health Department facility is under construction in a new development area on the south side of Mount Vernon, according to project officials.
