Describe Clipchamp in three sentences.
We developed a unique video solution, giving our users a fast and simple way to collect, upload and share user-generated video content. Our browser-based technology makes the process of collecting videos up to 20 times faster than traditional methods – all of this without any impact on quality.
How did you get the idea?
Initially we set out to create the world’s first distributed Zettaflop (AKA a powerful supercomputer), based on the idea that we could harness excess computing power through people’s browsers like in a hive.
We picked digital video processing as a use case for our project but realised that there was a lot of potential if we focused exclusively on video. The in-browser technology we had started building was the perfect fit to solve a number of problems in video processing, uploading and sharing.
What’s the biggest win you’ve had so far?
The fact that we created something no one else was doing, and managed to take it from an idea we had over lunch – to running software that’s been solving problems for millions around the world since we launched in 2014. It’s been an exciting – sometimes nail-biting – journey so far and the team has plenty of ideas of where we’ll go next.
Accepting that you might be wasting your time and need to pivot is hard.
What’s your biggest mistake?
Our original idea of building a hive supercomputer was very ambitious. We spent a lot of time trying to make it a reality whilst still working our day jobs. Coming from a corporate background where larger teams can be thrown at promising ideas, it was hard to see what’s achievable for a small startup.
We invested quite a bit of money and time before deciding that we should pivot. Of course, in hindsight, it seems very obvious but when you’re in the middle of chasing your next big thing, accepting that you might be wasting your time and need to pivot is hard. We’re much more careful about where we put our efforts now.
Have you had any challenges with sourcing and growing your team?
Yes, like every other startup, it’s been challenging. We saw a lot of candidates for the different roles we were looking for and we put them through quite a process. Now we have a fantastic team that innovates at an incredible speed. It’s very rewarding to see how much we can achieve when we come together as a team.
Do you have any tips for acquiring new users and/or scaling your business?
Build something unique that people want or need.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?
Another tech startup, it’s what I always wanted to do.
Build something unique that people want or need.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Every great journey, in fact any journey, starts with a first step. Take it. A lot of people think about becoming an entrepreneur or have ideas, but have mortgages, families or other things, and believe these things prevent them from taking any risks. It’s sad to see people mentally retiring in their 30s and it happens time and time again. Just do it and make entrepreneurship a calculated risk.
Do you believe someone with no business or entrepreneurial experience can succeed in the startup world?
Being a founder with no prior relevant experience is certainly a big challenge. It’s possible but I’d recommend finding experienced mentors that you can trust and the right co-founders. Alternatively, joining a young company that’s already up and running but still in an early stage – and contributing in your area of expertise whilst being a keen observer – can provide insight into building and running a business, which will be useful when you become a founder. Even if your first attempt fails, giving it a go will provide insights that will be invaluable for whatever comes next.
Even if your first attempt fails, giving it a go will provide insights that will be invaluable for whatever comes next.
If you could go into business with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
It’s hard to match the combination of great founders and team members we have, I wouldn’t want to change a thing.
What’s the most attractive quality in a business partner?
Great business partners bring a complementary skillset to the table. They’re great at something that you’re not good at or have little or no clue about.