Today, It’s with lot of emotions that i’m shutting down my first venture : SLICK.
It’s been the most insane 5 years of my life. I couldn’t guess how much I would learn from this adventure.
From developing a new technology, moving to California to sleep in a garage, running a crowdfunding campaign, leading a R&D team, pitching 500+ investors and raising money, applying for patents, spending 5 months in a Chinese factory, setting up a manufacturing line, building a brand, gathering dozen of the world best athletes, getting completely screwed by my co-founder and starting again from the bottom-up or getting $80K stollen by a Chinese 3rd party.
Is this venture a success or a failure?
Neither I sold the company nor made millions but I’ve learnt in 5 years what would have taken me a lifetime as an employee, as well as living my dream.
My dream?
Always been the same! Bringing a consumer product in the hands of thousands of sport enthusiasts all around the world. Goal achieved!
This SOLO journey has been possible by an investor that any startup would dream of. If I have only one person to thank, it’s you Mike. Thanks!
What’s SLICK?
- Thousands of customers
- $1M raised
- $2M of product sold
- Shipped products to 85 countries
- 1st GoPro stabilizer in the world
My failure?
Building a team.
The only reason I’m shutting down today, is that I failed gathering talented people to work on my dream. A startup is an immense emotional rollercoaster.
To handle this by yourself is inhuman.
I was able to get back on my feet after every issues over these last 5 years, but, as a solo founder, my energy to develop new products has run out.
I’m out of this venture grown like ever before, I now know my weaknesses to keep growing as an entrepreneur.
And now?
I’m not in a hurry to start a new company. I’m reading, learning about new areas, looking forward to a new brillant idea.
Meanwhile?
Except selling worth of $20K in 2 weeks of female urinal ( 😉),
I’m helping startups launch new products, like KABUTO ($700K) or EYERIDE ($900K).
Want to reinvent the world with me? Come talk! But please, this time, don’t steal my patents and run away!
Until next time 🚀
