DevReady Podcast

How to Scale Your Startup Without Giving Up Equity | Ep 205 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo welcomes Jodie Imam, Co-Founder and CEO of Tractor Ventures, to discuss alternative funding options for startups. Jodie shares her journey from a corporate marketing career to running an Australian fashion brand and later co-founding her first startup, Occasional Butler. She reflects on the challenges of building a marketplace without prior tech experience, learning the hard way about customer validation, and ultimately selling the business to Airtasker. Andrew and Jodie also discuss the myths surrounding unicorn startups and the pressures of venture capital funding. The conversation highlights the importance of exploring alternative funding models beyond traditional VC-backed growth path.
Jodie explains Tractor Ventures' unique funding approach, which provides loans to profitable, steadily growing businesses that may not fit the high-growth venture-backed model. These businesses typically solve real problems that the founders have personally experienced, which creates strong customer reliance. Rather than taking equity, Tractor Ventures offers loans that businesses can repay over time, allowing them to scale without relinquishing ownership. This non-dilutive model has proven to be a cost-effective alternative for many businesses, especially as they continue to grow and generate revenue.
The ideal businesses for Tractor Ventures' funding range from those with monthly revenues between $50,000 and $2 million. Jodie advises founders to think beyond their first funding round and plan strategically for the next 3–5 years. She challenges the conventional startup playbook and encourages founders to define their success on their own terms—whether it's building a high-growth venture or owning a profitable $50 million business. Both Jodie and Andrew highlight the need for founders to stay flexible and adaptable, as market conditions are constantly changing, and businesses must be prepared to evolve.
Jodie discusses how Tractor Ventures has refined its funding model over time, initially experimenting with revenue-based financing but eventually transitioning to a more traditional unsecured principal-and-interest loan model. With interest rates ranging from 10–13%, these loans provide crucial capital to businesses with 3–6 months of runway, even if they are not yet profitable. Tractor Ventures also uses its proprietary technology, Hover, to manage loans and monitor financial health, as well as Horsepower, which assesses risk by analysing financial metrics like cash flow and customer concentration.
In addition to funding, Tractor Ventures offers a robust support network called "The Village," which includes over 250 founders and more than 100 angel investors. This community-driven approach provides mentorship, peer support, and access to valuable resources such as masterclasses and networking events. Jodie shares success stories of businesses that have scaled without diluting equity, such as Clive and SOC Spa. With the market sentiment improving and more founders exploring non-dilutive capital options, Tractor Ventures is poised to continue helping businesses grow and thrive.
#StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #ScaleUp #TechGrowth #FounderSuccess #AlternativeFunding #DevReadyPodcast

Funding is Drying Up – Here’s How Smart Startups Are Surviving | Ep 204 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits with Stephen Graham, Co-founder & GM of Shadowboxer, to discuss the realities of startup life and venture building. Stephen shares his journey from the corporate world to the fast-paced startup ecosystem, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of working in a venture studio. Shadowboxer, founded in 2020, partners with entrepreneurs to shape and build innovative businesses, often taking equity instead of fees. The conversation delves into the appeal of working across multiple industries, the excitement of rapid learning, and the importance of having "skin in the game." Anthony resonates with this mindset, reflecting on his decision to skip the corporate ladder and start Aerion Technologies straight out of university.
The discussion explores how starting a business before major life commitments—like mortgages and children—can feel like a calculated risk, yet unforeseen challenges, such as a global pandemic, can still disrupt plans. Stephen acknowledges that his risk appetite has evolved with family responsibilities but still values the agility and direct communication inherent in startup environments. Unlike corporate settings, where bureaucracy slows decision-making, startups thrive on fast, impactful interactions. The urgency in startups is real—missing a critical opportunity can set a company back significantly—so access to key decision-makers is crucial. The relationships formed in these high-pressure environments are often more personal and rewarding, fostering deep professional growth.
Stephen highlights the shifting landscape of startup funding, noting how early overfunding led to rapid growth, but recent economic changes have increased scrutiny on traction metrics. Startups today must prioritise rapid prototyping and leverage AI and low-code tools to validate ideas quickly. Anthony points out that while tighter funding conditions present challenges, they encourage healthier, more sustainable business models focused on profitability rather than endless investment rounds. Stephen remains optimistic about alternative funding options beyond traditional venture capital, allowing more startups to build viable businesses without chasing unicorn status.
Execution and team quality often matter more than the idea itself when launching a successful startup. Stephen stresses the importance of momentum, product-market fit, and surrounding oneself with skilled advisors, especially in unfamiliar industries. The discussion also touches on funding shifts from VC firms to family offices, with investors favouring businesses that generate faster returns. Clinician founders, in particular, are seen as strong entrepreneurs due to their industry expertise and financial discipline. Overall, Stephen and Anthony praise Australia's startup ecosystem for its growing investor community and support for innovation.
Working with non-technical founders presents unique challenges, particularly in defining clear roles within a startup. While some teams have technical co-founders, others rely on external expertise before building an in-house team. The best founders are those who remain deeply focused on customer needs and problem-solving, ensuring a clear business direction. Stephen prefers working with "battle-scarred" founders—those who have prior entrepreneurial experience—due to their resilience and learned lessons. However, he also acknowledges that younger founders bring fresh perspectives, optimism, and a higher risk tolerance, which can be equally valuable in the startup world.
Many startups make the mistake of rushing into development without proper planning, leading to costly missteps. Founders often seek help only after failed attempts with previous vendors, realising the need for structured guidance. Success lies in slowing down, thoroughly planning and designing before development begins—minimising risks for both founders and their technical teams. Experienced teams, like those at DevReady, apply insights from past projects to help non-technical founders navigate these challenges. While failure is common in startups, those who learn from past mistakes and iterate strategically significantly increase their chances of long-term success.
#DevReadyPodcast #StartupSuccess #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #ProductDevelopment #GoToMarket #FounderMindset #BusinessGrowth #ScalingStartups #StartupStrategy #BuildFast #Podcast

Why 50% of First Sales Hires Fail—and How TenClub Breaks the Cycle | Ep 203 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis welcomes Ken Thomas, Founder of TenClub, an outsourced sales agency focused on solving small business sales challenges in Australia. Ken dives into the struggles many founders face when transitioning out of sales roles and hiring their first salesperson—an often tricky process with a high failure rate. He highlights that up to 50% of initial sales hires fail, with ROI often taking 9 to 18 months, and shares how TenClub’s mission is to accelerate this process, enabling businesses to break through revenue barriers and achieve sustainable growth. Anthony adds personal reflections, noting the transformative impact of structured sales processes on business success.
The name TenClub reflects milestones and camaraderie, symbolising achievements like securing ten clients or reaching significant revenue goals. For Ken, the name encapsulates progress and collaboration, values that underpin his approach to supporting small businesses. Drawing on a decade of experience across retail management, corporate sales, and fintech, coupled with an MBA, Ken has developed tailored solutions that improve sales processes, streamline operations, and drive growth. By leveraging his expertise and networks, TenClub helps founders establish scalable systems and generate consistent leads.
Throughout the episode, Anthony and Ken address common sales challenges, such as equating customer service with sales and the absence of defined processes or tools like CRMs. Ken stresses the importance of implementing structured systems to handle key sales stages, from discovery calls to closing deals. He also advocates for clearly articulating value propositions, aligning with client pain points, and using straightforward tools like pitch decks to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows.
Ken also shares personal insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing entrepreneurship. He credits his support network, particularly his wife, for encouraging him to take risks and build confidence. By adopting a growth mindset and openly sharing knowledge, Ken underscores the value of building trust and fostering collaboration as key ingredients for long-term success.
For startup founders, Ken offers practical advice: focus on tasks they excel at, delegate responsibilities, and map out clear roles. He emphasises aligning new hires with the company’s values and vision, prioritising strategic oversight, and avoiding micromanagement. These principles, he explains, allow businesses to scale effectively while navigating the complexities of sales and team building.
#DevReadyPodcast #StartupSales #SalesLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ScalingUp #sales

Why Your Business Needs a Time and Energy Audit – Insights from Kerrie | Ep 202 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Kerrie McGilvray, Managing Director of The Admin Superheroes, to discuss the challenges faced by small business owners and how they can scale effectively. Kerrie shares her unconventional career journey, which began as an apprentice mechanic and eventually led her to the role of operations manager in a project consultancy firm. After her position was made redundant, she ventured into fractional operations management, providing small businesses with high-level expertise without the need for full-time employees. Kerrie’s company focuses on streamlining processes, removing bottlenecks, and enabling growth through fractional management services.
Kerrie delves into the struggles many business owners face, particularly in the tech industry, where expertise in their field often does not translate into effective operational management. She explains that while outsourcing certain tasks may seem daunting, it is essential for scaling a business and allowing owners to focus on their core strengths. Many owners hold on to tasks they dislike, which results in burnout and inefficiency. Kerrie advises owners to delegate responsibilities they do not enjoy to improve overall productivity and wellbeing.
She also highlights common problems that small business owners, especially those without formal business training, often encounter. This includes failing to revisit and refine systems as the business grows, struggling with team management due to lack of training, and not fully understanding financials, which can impede growth. Kerrie explains that many owners, feeling stuck, may contemplate selling their business without realising that with a few changes, they could meet their goals and thrive.
Throughout the conversation, Kerrie emphasises her passion for problem-solving, efficiency, and aligning a team’s personal goals with the broader business objectives to ensure long-term success. She shares her insights on the complexities of managing team dynamics, especially when business owners are reluctant to relinquish certain responsibilities. Effective communication and reassurance are crucial to overcoming resistance and ensuring that staff understand how operational improvements will benefit both the business and their career development. Kerrie wraps up by recommending business owners perform a time and energy audit to identify tasks that could be outsourced, ultimately saving time and increasing revenue.
This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of operational efficiency, team management, and outsourcing to scale a business effectively. Kerrie’s experience offers actionable advice for business owners looking to optimise their operations and grow with confidence.
#BusinessGrowth #TimeManagement #EfficiencyTips #SmallBusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Outsourcing #FractionalManagement

How AI Can Skyrocket Your Business Growth – Ronsley Vaz Reveals All | Ep 201 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo sits down with Ronsley Vaz, Founder of Amplify Ai and Founder of We Are Podcast, to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence and its rapid evolution. Ronsley, an expert in both computer science and podcasting, discusses his participation in OpenAI’s Dev Day, where groundbreaking advancements were showcased, such as reinforcement learning and advanced query functions. These innovations are set to revolutionise AI, enabling smarter models, streamlined database queries, and even automated code debugging. The conversation highlights the rapid pace of AI development and its practical implications for businesses and technology.
Ronsley and Andrew delve into the challenges and complexities of building high-quality software, with a particular focus on AI’s context windows. They discuss how the “short-term memory” (context window) and “long-term memory” (model training) of AI impact its performance, drawing parallels between AI and human intelligence. Ronsley likens AI to a silicon-based life form, dependent on data and computational power. The discussion underscores the importance of crafting structured, incremental prompts for AI to function effectively and the limitations of overloading models with excessive data. They also emphasise the need for selecting the right AI models for specific tasks to optimise results.
The conversation then shifts to the practical applications of AI in business. Ronsley advises businesses to use AI for tasks where they lack expertise, such as project management or ideation, rather than for tasks they already excel at, like writing copy. He shares his personal struggles with writing marketing copy and explains how AI has helped him overcome these challenges. Ronsley encourages business owners to harness AI for neglected tasks, such as lead generation or scaling operations, to boost efficiency and achieve better outcomes.
Andrew and Ronsley further discuss how AI tools, such as Grammarly, have improved communication processes and streamlined workflows. They also highlight how DevReady.ai | AI-Powered App Planning for Non-Tech Founders has helped accelerate the product design and engineering process by addressing bottlenecks in their business. Ronsley stresses that AI should not only be applied to solve existing challenges but also be integrated into successful processes to enhance them. He also introduces Amplify Academy, where he provides businesses with tools and frameworks to automate and integrate AI into their operations effectively.
Finally, Ronsley offers his insights on the evolving landscape of attention in marketing, explaining that capturing and maintaining attention is critical for business success. He emphasises the importance of aligning content with market signals to attract attention more effectively. Ronsley also discusses the growing influence of short-form video, particularly on platforms like TikTok, and shares how content can gain more visibility when it is strategically aligned with what audiences are paying attention to. The episode concludes with Ronsley’s thoughts on the future of AI, predicting that businesses will need to adapt quickly to these advancements or risk being left behind in an increasingly fast-moving ecosystem.
#AI #BusinessGrowth #RonsleyVaz #ArtificialIntelligence #TechInnovation #PodcastInsights

Branding Beyond the Logo: How to Tell Your Brand Story Right | Ep 200 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis talks to Litsa Barberoglou, Chief Collaborator of Brandivine. Litsa shares her unique journey into the world of marketing and brand-building, starting from a career path without clear direction to discovering her passion for blending creativity with analytics. With early successes in fast-moving consumer goods and the wine industry, Litsa went on to create Brandivine, a consultancy offering a six-step process for building successful brands. Her love for understanding people and their motivations is a key driving force behind her work.
Litsa reflects on the transition from working in large organisations to running her own business, which allows her to forge deeper connections with clients and understand the motivations behind entrepreneurial risk-taking. She emphasises that successful businesses aren’t just about delivering products or services, but about creating meaningful change for customers. By focusing on adding value rather than simply defining roles, businesses can find greater purpose and connection with their audiences, leading to sustainable success.
A crucial part of building a brand, according to Litsa, is crafting a compelling brand story. She outlines the importance of consistency in messaging and explains how a brand story acts as a guiding “compass” for decision-making. Litsa argues that branding goes beyond logos and visual elements, and is essential for building trust and loyalty with customers. She stresses that business owners need to understand the distinction between branding and tactical marketing strategies, such as content or social media marketing, to ensure their brand story is consistently communicated across all touchpoints.
For start-ups and small businesses, Litsa highlights the importance of crafting a brand story that’s grounded in business viability. She advises that companies focus on core principles—such as their purpose, beliefs, and communication style—early on, to ensure consistency even as the business evolves. Recognising that brand storytelling is an ongoing process, Litsa encourages businesses to develop a flexible approach while maintaining a consistent foundation. This approach helps businesses grow and adapt while keeping their brand identity intact.
Throughout the discussion, Litsa shares practical insights into the challenges businesses face in creating brand alignment, particularly when it comes to separating personal identity from the business brand. By focusing on operational challenges and involving employees and referral partners in sharing the brand story, businesses can enhance credibility and broaden their client base. Litsa also outlines the six guiding principles of building a brand story: purpose, values, brand name, personality, differentiation, and positioning. She concludes by emphasising that consistency, collaboration, and clear brand guidelines are crucial to creating a successful and scalable brand.
 
#BrandingTips #BrandStory #MarketingStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Startups #BrandingSuccess

Fractional Roles: The Future of Work You Can't Afford to Ignore! | Ep 199 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Kaia R. Parv, the Interim CIO of Licensed Fund Management Company. Kaia offers invaluable insights into her impressive career in both finance and technology, touching on her journey from operations at Bank of America to leadership roles in asset management and hedge funds. She reflects on how lateral moves in her career have opened up growth opportunities, and underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing change in an increasingly automated world.
Kaia delves into the shifting dynamics of the workforce, particularly the transition from offshoring to automation. She advises the younger generation, particularly those born after 1990, to remain flexible and comfortable with frequent changes, as they may need to reinvent their skill set every few years. Both Kaia and Anthony agree on the importance of problem-solving skills and the ability to learn how to learn, as opposed to relying solely on technical knowledge. This approach will be key to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.
The conversation also explores the growing role of AI and technology in businesses, particularly in marketing and development. While the full impact of these shifts has yet to be realised, Kaia discusses how companies are preparing for this transformation. With increasing automation, certain roles may become obsolete, but fractional roles—particularly in startups—are on the rise. These part-time or project-based positions offer flexibility and fresh perspectives without increasing full-time headcount, which Kaia views as a growing trend that will continue in the years ahead.
As the discussion turns to fractional work in senior roles like CFOs and CIOs, Kaia shares her thoughts on the value of long-term fractional projects that provide deeper expertise and experience. She notes how the post-COVID world has reshaped work culture, particularly with the rise of the digital nomad trend and flexible working arrangements. The ability to work autonomously across time zones has opened up new opportunities for global consulting, further solidifying the value of remote and flexible work environments.
Kaia also touches on the challenges posed by regulatory environments, particularly when it comes to fractional roles and the complexities of holding multiple jobs in different countries. She explains how evolving tax and immigration laws, such as the new digital nomad visa in Thailand, are signalling a broader global shift toward supporting flexible work arrangements. Kaia envisions a future where a simplified global tax system will make working across borders more straightforward, eliminating the need for complicated tax residency rules.
Finally, Kaia discusses the evolving work environment, focusing on the shift from traditional 9-to-5 roles to a results-driven approach. The rise of outsourcing and fractional work, with clear KPIs and deliverables, is helping companies become more agile and cost-effective. Through her own experiences, Kaia highlights the growing trend of businesses adopting this model to enhance productivity while maintaining flexibility and accountability. She concludes by reflecting on her own leadership journey, including her experience overcoming imposter syndrome, asserting her boundaries, and learning to solve problems independently.

Zero-Day Attacks & IoT Vulnerabilities: A Deep Dive with Shantanu | Ep 198 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Shantanu Bhattacharya, Founder and CEO of Siometrix, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Shantanu shares his extensive expertise, covering his pioneering work on the TCP/IP stack and public key infrastructure technologies that shaped secure communications. Now based in Canberra, Shantanu provides cutting-edge cybersecurity consultancy to federal agencies and organisations, focusing on data-centric security and fortifying operating systems to combat today’s complex cyber threats.
Shantanu delves into the unique challenges posed by zero-day attacks, which exploit unknown vulnerabilities. Instead of playing the traditional "cat-and-mouse game" of reactive security measures, he advocates for proactive, data-centric solutions that include device and software authentication. This multi-layered approach, combined with low-level system monitoring through kernel-level software, ensures comprehensive protection. Shantanu also shares insights into obtaining code signing certification for such high-security software.
The conversation expands to the specific needs of small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and government agencies. Shantanu highlights the challenges SMBs face, such as limited budgets and an overwhelming array of tools. He explains how Siometrix identifies vulnerabilities in IT systems, including risks from hybrid work setups and unregulated smart devices. Emphasising that effective cybersecurity is a blend of technology, secure processes, and human compliance, Shantanu provides practical advice on mitigating risks like weak passwords and unsecured networks.
Shantanu and Anthony discuss the security risks associated with IoT devices, particularly unregulated, low-cost products. They highlight how such devices can act as gateways for attackers to infiltrate broader networks. Segmenting IoT devices onto separate networks and maintaining vigilance over unexpected vulnerabilities, like home CCTVs, are key strategies for reducing risks. This discussion underscores the growing need for awareness and proactive measures in the face of expanding IoT usage.
The conversation also explores cloud-based security risks. Shantanu warns against blindly relying on cloud solutions without understanding the associated vulnerabilities, such as exposing sensitive data through poorly managed access. Comparing cloud environments to a house with multiple windows, Anthony stresses the importance of dedicated IT professionals to oversee network security. Together, they emphasise the need for businesses to map out where critical data is stored to protect it effectively.
Finally, Shantanu highlights the importance of appointing a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or delegating cybersecurity responsibilities to ensure robust processes are in place. He discusses the increasing accountability of company boards in managing cybersecurity risks and the dangers of oversharing personal information online. To address gaps in organisational security, he offers virtual CISO services, helping businesses implement measures like password management, network segmentation, and multi-factor authentication to fortify their defences against evolving threats.

Mark Lim on Turning Challenges into $2 Billion in Revenue | Ep 197 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis hosts Mark Christian Lim, CEO and Co-Founder of Magnetic Alliance. Mark shares his journey of building a unique business growth consultancy that specialises in tackling high-risk challenges and delivering tangible results. With over a decade of experience, Magnetic Alliance has supported clients across 150 industries, adding more than $2 billion in revenue to their collective growth. Mark discusses the importance of scalable systems, long-term planning, and embracing expert help to drive sustainable success. This conversation offers actionable insights for business owners and leaders looking to overcome growth bottlenecks and unlock their full potential.
Mark reflects on the origins and evolution of Magnetic Alliance, a consultancy designed to bridge the gap between strategy and execution for small and medium businesses. By focusing on hands-on implementation rather than theoretical advice, Magnetic Alliance has built a reputation for solving complex problems that many other firms avoid. Mark’s experience spans over 13 years, during which the company has worked with clients in over 150 industries, collectively driving $2 billion in revenue growth. He attributes their success to a deep commitment to helping businesses not only grow but also navigate the hurdles that arise along the way.
Mark shares how his corporate experience, which required managing diverse responsibilities across legal, marketing, operations, and finance, prepared him for entrepreneurship. Recognising the struggles small businesses face due to a lack of structured support, he co-founded Magnetic Alliance to provide end-to-end solutions. Mark recalls the early challenges of defining their services and pricing, but through perseverance, the company established its unique value proposition. He highlights the importance of patience, effort, and a long-term approach in building a sustainable business.
The discussion delves into the challenges of scaling businesses, especially those with strong sales but operational bottlenecks. Mark explains how inefficiencies, capacity constraints, and misaligned processes can stifle growth. He emphasises the importance of creating scalable systems and aligning teams to prevent overcommitment, which can lead to quality issues. Anthony adds that inefficiencies often amplify at scale, underscoring the need for streamlined processes and well-integrated software solutions to sustain growth.
Mark recounts a cautionary tale about a $90 million software project that failed due to undefined processes and unclear requirements, resulting in significant losses and internal disruption. He contrasts this failure with the deliberate, long-term investments Magnetic Alliance has made in building robust systems. Mark advises business owners to resist quick fixes and instead focus on laying strong foundations through detailed process mapping and thoughtful planning. These steps, he argues, are critical to achieving competitive advantages and long-term success.
Throughout the episode, Mark advocates for a mindset shift among small business owners, encouraging them to seek help and focus on their strengths rather than trying to do everything themselves. He addresses the common hesitations around outsourcing and explains how delegating tasks to experts can unlock efficiencies and drive growth. Both Mark and Anthony agree that sustainable success requires resilience, openness to learning, and a commitment to building systems that can support future growth. This conversation offers practical strategies for overcoming growth challenges and scaling effectively.

testRigor Transforms Software Testing with Plain English | Ep 196 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo speaks with Artem Golubev, Co-Founder and CEO of testRigor, to explore the world of software testing automation. Artem shares his insights on the complexities of modern software and the growing necessity for automation to keep up with the rapid pace of development. He explains how traditional manual testing becomes a bottleneck, especially on high-volume platforms like Amazon, where automation is crucial to avoid costly disruptions. Artem also introduces testRigor's innovative solution, which enables tests to be written in plain English, bypassing the need for technical expertise and making the automation process more efficient.
Artem delves deeper into how testRigor’s approach empowers businesses to transition from manual testing to automation. By allowing tests to be written in plain English, the platform removes the complexities of code and makes automation accessible to non-technical individuals. This simplifies the test creation process, enabling more team members to contribute to testing and accelerating overall productivity. Artem highlights how this approach has allowed companies to scale and move faster, with existing manual testers easily transitioning into automation roles.
Reflecting on the early days of testRigor, Artem shares the company’s humble beginnings and initial struggles. Starting with basic tools like image classification for simple tasks, the company quickly evolved to automate a significant portion of the testing process. Artem reveals how testRigor’s technology helped reduce churn rates and increase productivity, leading to a remarkable business impact, including a dramatic rise in their stock price. He also emphasises the importance of quality technology in customer retention, particularly for early-stage startups.
Artem discusses the challenges of scaling the company, particularly in its early stages when he relied heavily on personal networking and his own sales efforts. Despite a tight budget, the company managed to grow by leveraging its network and moving from outbound sales to inbound marketing strategies, such as publishing a book to increase visibility. He stresses the value of consistent work and networking in building a successful business and reflects on how these efforts helped attract early investors and customers, some of whom remain loyal to testRigor today.
In the final segment, Artem explores the transformative role of AI in test automation. He explains how AI has simplified previously difficult tasks, making the automation of complex applications, such as Flutter, more intuitive. Artem also discusses how AI is enhancing productivity not only in testing but across business operations.