Outrageous prototype momentum🌪️💥

Since the dawn of today's tech scene, we’ve been calling out for building minimal viable or valuable products - MVPs - as the solution to the question: Will it work?

We must agree that most minimal products are erected in mere weeks and have a ChatGPT (OpenAI) backend to present some results. Today no enterprise customer will be impressed by a minimal product that only solves the first steps of many in their painful journey.

Why not focus on the last step, the endgame? Because when we can all design and build products quickly, the only real thing one needs to prove is the ability to solve the very hard to crack problem. Back to the space race we are! Showing technical abilities with technical prototypes because the rest can be built anyway.

I believe we should build prototypes that are outrageous and far beyond what was expected and then, only then, toned down to fit. This is a much more exciting time to be alive than just building boring MVPs, just good enough so that the customer will accept it. Today, we should sell the outrageous leaps technology has made and actually solve the hard problems for a better life.

From our universe 🪐

On the studio side 🌌

• On May 29th, we're hosting the first CTO Syndicate Event at Builders HQ. We're bringing together CTOs to tackle pressing challenges of today's tech landscape. The event is a cornerstone for those aiming to influence and navigate the future of tech leadership. Are you yourself a tech leader, or know someone? 🌐 RSVP now.

• The next Builders Investor House is taking place at VONQ in Rotterdam. This is a moment to dive deeper into the future of tech and investment. Join us on May 28th for an evening filled with strategic insights and valuable networking opportunities in the vibrant heart of Rotterdam 🏢 Secure you spot here.

• This May 9th, Builders Studio will be in Malta, participating in the EU-Startups Summit. We’re set to deliver a keynote on the pioneering role of startup studios in reshaping the tech landscape. While we’re there, we’re looking forward to connecting with fellow visionaries and discussing potential synergies. It’s an excellent chance to meet and share insights in a setting that celebrates innovation 🖖 Hope to see you there!

• Camille Richardson, founder of OneFit and the driving force behind Voja, recently joined the PlayPod. 🖖🏻 During the episode, Camille shares invaluable insights on navigating challenges and harnessing the power of AI for innovation. From his transition from pro baller to startup founder, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and experiences. Tune in here.

At our ventures 🚀

• Are you ready for what’s next at SkillUp? Estefania is pioneering a tool that automatically identifies critical skill gaps in companies, transforming them into skill-based organizations effortlessly. This approach promises to revolutionize talent management. We’re just getting started and excited for what's to come! 🚀 The waiting list is now open, reach out to her for a spot here.

  

• Noon hosted a Product Pizza Night, it was a mix of casual dining and serious discussions about workplace wellness and productivity. It was an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss practical solutions for enhancing workplace dynamics. 🍕

• Graeme, our latest Entrepreneur in Residence, is exploring the crucial links between mental health, employee motivation, and productivity in workplaces. His research identifies deep-rooted issues where traditional organizational methods fail to scale motivation and productivity as companies grow and increase in size. Sounds relatable? reach out.

What we’re following

• At Devvworld, Sharon Klaver highlighted the importance of human-centered design in shaping successful startups. Her talk provided profound insights into making design a strategic pillar, which is essential for developing solutions that truly meet user needs. 🎨 Explore the full deep-dive here.

• Innovative startups are challenging the old playbook by adopting the Minimum Viable Ecosystem (MVE) instead of the traditional MVP model. This forward-thinking strategy focuses on creating a comprehensive ecosystem right from the start, incorporating partners, channels, and complementary services. This approach not only addresses immediate market needs but also fosters product growth and integration into broader systems, setting the stage for enduring success. Dive deeper into the article here

Forward, always,

Michael van Lier
Managing Director at Builders