Mark Christoph Schütte - CobbleVision
Blog post #1
Describe the idea!
CobbleVision is a digital marketplace & SaaS for computer vision algorithms. Computer Vision is used by companies from all around the world to reduce costs, improve processes or create new products & services. It’s biggest market hurdle are high costs. Hence, with CobbleVision Customers can reduce their costs in computer vision by 95% and reduce their switching and consecutive costs for further implementations by 100%.
Who are you?
Originally from Germany, I spent the last year in Lund, Sweden for my master studies in International Strategic Management. Before that I worked at Deutsche Telekom in Berlin/Wolfsburg and studied business informatics in Leipzig at the College for Telecommunication in Leipzig. I am a patent holder in machine learning infrastructure and winner of business model competitions like Hack4Munich. Furthermore, I am also a founding member of MindLab Malmö, an association dedicated to exploring Brain-Computer-Interfaces.
What will you do during these three months? How will you spend the time?
CobbleVision is at a stage, where first customer fit has been verified and the product needs to be refined for public use. One of the goals of these three months is therefore being able to fulfil the requests of existing customers. Furthermore, the company will be looking to collect funding and grants to launch the product at a free price to allow for traction on the platform to set in.
What do you expect to achieve during Leapfrogs?
During Leapfrogs I expect to collect further proof of the commercial viability of CobbleVision. Furthermore, I expect to raise funding based on this commercial viability to ensure secure operation in the following months after LeapFrogs. Additionally, I expect first customers to start interacting with the company and products. CobbleVision will also be part of several pitch occasions like the final Sony Startup Acceleration Program event, where I want to perform above standard expectations.
Blog post #2
Tell us what you have done on your project so far during the Leapfrogs time.
During the last weeks, I have been networking and reaching out to customers to find pilot partners and gain more experience with larger marketing and networking channels like Reddit. Right now I was able to provide 100 different solutions and use cases for computer vision on our marketplace. Furthermore, I have been able to provide a SaaS and Testing functionality for users on the platform. We have also been discussing support from an Angel Investor/Supporter and have finalized our team.
Has everything gone according to the plan? Has anything unexpected occurred? Has something been easier/harder than expected?
As often the case with Start-ups not everything has been as expected. I was not able to find more potential partners for international sales yet and our grant applications and investor communications have been more difficult than expected. Furthermore, I have experienced that legal restrictions make our sales efforts more difficult. However, I am positive that we will be able to keep moving forward and overcome those obstacles as well.
What will you focus on during the remaining time? Will you follow your original plan or has anything changed along the way?
During the remaining time I will be busy onboarding our team, reaching more customers and finalizing some pilot projects. I will also be looking for investment to offer our services completely for free and make the most out of our current opportunities. If we do not find an investor in the next months, we might also have to change our business model and support payment earlier than expected. However, the general business is not expected to change
Blog post #3
How did you experience the three months?
The last three months during the Leapfrogs projects were a great opportunity to spend more time developing my business and company. Although, I did not find what I was looking for, I still got in touch with first customers and improved on the product.
What has been most difficult and what has been most enjoyable?
For me the most difficult part is still understanding the requirements and expectations of investors and funding sources. I struggle in moving forward in these investment processes, probably due to the early stage of our company.
Will you continue working on your project in the future? If so, what is your next step?
Yes, I will keep working on the company. In the next months, there will be a lot of exciting challenges. We have tough targets on customers and traction to hit, as well as finally move forward with our investment negotiations.
What would you say is the most important lesson learnt while working on your project?
It is very difficult to find the right path to follow as a founder with an innovative technology and business. Although there are many people who try to provide advise and support, I often feel as if their experience does not necessarily apply to the business I am building. That’s why right now I try to look for advisors with matching experiences.
Do you have any tips to other new entrepreneurs?
I think there is some more years to go, before I am comfortable and find the time to give advice, beyond that what other business advisors are capable to provide.