{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/668024d05cd64e8b86718671/699de3760e248fdc4f427c25?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"200k daily users, $28m raised, 400 staff across 9 countries - scaling Bloq.it with Miha Jagodic","description":"<p>In this conversation, Miha shares the journey of founding Bloq.it, a startup focused on smart lockers, detailing the challenges faced in the early stages, the importance of location, and the lessons learned from mistakes. He discusses the pivot from a direct-to-consumer model to a B2B approach, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the company scaled rapidly. Miha emphasizes the significance of team dynamics, operational efficiency, and offers valuable advice for aspiring hardware founders.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key takeaways</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>The initial idea for Bloq.it was inspired by the shared economy boom.</li><li>Securing funding is crucial, but early-stage founders must validate their concepts first.</li><li>Location matters; being in the right environment can significantly impact a startup's success.</li><li>Mistakes in hiring can be costly; it's essential to take time to find the right fit.</li><li>Pivoting to meet market demand can lead to unexpected growth opportunities.</li><li>COVID-19 created unique challenges but also opened doors for innovation.</li><li>Scaling requires a shift in mindset and operational processes.</li><li>Communication is key to aligning diverse teams within a hardware startup.</li><li>Founders should remain true to their vision despite external feedback.</li><li>Hiring for common sense and integrity is vital for building a strong team.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p><br></p><p>00:00 The Genesis of Blockit</p><p>02:34 Navigating Startup Validation</p><p>05:28 The Importance of Location for Startups</p><p>08:06 The Tuna Can Period: Bootstrapping Challenges</p><p>11:02 Pivoting to B2B: A Strategic Shift</p><p>13:35 Thriving During COVID-19</p><p>16:22 Scaling Operations and Team Growth</p><p>18:55 Localization and User Experience</p><p>21:23 Operational Efficiency in Hardware Startups</p><p>24:15 Hiring Insights for Founders</p><p>26:55 Reflections on Building in Lisbon</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Sam Marchant"}