*An interview by Venture Lab / Original in English
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what about a start-up? The path from a brilliant idea to a fully-fledged company can feel like a climb. In this interview, Levent Künzi, CEO and co-founder of properti, provides valuable insights.
Market research and product-market fit
How did you proceed in the market research phase?
During the market research phase, we focused on understanding customer needs with the help of pilot programs. With access to our MVP (Minimum Viable Product) products, we activated the network and received valuable feedback. Maintaining focus is crucial for resource efficiency. We have set ourselves clear goals and constantly review our focus based on market data and customer feedback. By actively communicating with customers and implementing their feedback, we have succeeded in turning customers into fans. Looking back, I would also say that you should not overload an MVP, but release it step by step and continuously develop it further.
Building the team
How did you put together your team and select your consultants?
When shaping our team, we value motivated experts who are aligned with our goals, take responsibility and have a positive influence on us. We are looking for those who are willing to go the extra mile and share our mission. We focus on the “drivers”, not the “passengers”, because motivated employees prefer to work with like-minded people. It is important to select the team carefully and to resolve any cultural disagreements immediately.
Selecting the right advisors and board members is essential for long-term success. Especially as a start-up, it is important to have the right mentors at your side. Renowned experts support us, give us insights and question decisions in order to promote our growth. Regular workshops with our management team ensure effective collaboration for optimal results.
Leadership skills and decision-making
What leadership qualities did you need as a founder to grow your company? How do you go about making decisions, especially when you are faced with uncertainty?
Important leadership qualities for growth: vision, adaptability, resilience and assertiveness. When making decisions, I seek different opinions, evaluate options and am open to adjustments in order to overcome challenges and make progress. It’s important to lead by example, shape the culture, build trust and foster a positive environment, which is essential for a cohesive, motivated team.
Employees need personal responsibility in order to be able to make the best possible decisions at all times. However, the transfer of responsibility presupposes that they are involved in projects and understand the company’s vision. Employees must understand that their decisions contribute to the success of the company and that they must therefore always act in the interests of the company and not in their own interests.
Insights gained
What is the biggest challenge in the role of a company founder? And what is the best reward?
Founders are faced with an enormous burden: effective time management in the face of high demands. Clear routines and a solid “weekly plan” are essential. Good time management increases productivity, prevents burnout and requires continuous diligence. Founders must consistently drive the company forward and offer a high standard of performance. The recent challenges underline the importance of resilience for business growth, as it helps both to recover psychologically from setbacks and to strengthen the company.
The ultimate reward is twofold: tangible results such as exceeding targets and the impact on the market as well as the growth and unity of the team. Regular reflections and goal setting ensure that we focus on the essentials, and offering our employees something they appreciate along the way boosts motivation.
Aids
Are there any tips for entrepreneurs who are in the crucial start-up phase?
In the start-up phase, it is particularly important to engage mentors for advice and continuous personal development. Focus intensively on sales strategies, as generating revenue is crucial for survival and growth in the initial phase. There is no point in developing a perfect product but not being able to sell it. An MVP should therefore be developed and tested. Many start-ups fail due to a lack of understanding of sales – after all, the bills have to be paid. Invest in resources for sales and team building to create a solid foundation for your company. And the most important thing: Just keep pushing!
