#7 the start-up phase. Chronicles of a Founder Dad.
Antler week six - pressure is cranking up significantly.
Good thing diamonds are forged under pressure, right? right??????
This Week's Inside Scoop 📢
🚦 For those watching along at home, we got the Green Light! Our pitch resonated with the partners, earning us the all-clear to progress to final due diligence. We celebrated on Saturday morning with a couple of hours on the beach, which kicked off a weekend of activities, parenting, and fragmented business building.
🐙 On Tuesday night, we hit the green button on the early access waitlist at projectindi.com We don't have a working product yet, so why drive people to jump on a waitlist?
Beta Testing: We want people ready to jump on the beta model (a slice of the MVP) and stress test it the second it's ready. Launching early access is industry-standard for building great products fast, as it allows for real-time feedback and iterative improvements.
Community Building: This is the start of the community and network effect Indi will create. We know from talking with parents across the globe that parent-to-parent lived-in experience is invaluable. The Indi 500 will recognize those 500 early adopters, ambassadors, and pioneer users as the foundation of our company.
Investment Validation: This step is crucial for validating our investment. We need to show that we can build something that addresses a significant issue, compelling enough to drive people to action, and demonstrate that we have the skills to navigate and position ourselves as the solution.
My Ask - Part 1: 👶 Are you a parent noticing things in your child that leave you puzzled? Are you navigating the path to a diagnosis, or already knee-deep in treatment and care? We understand how overwhelming this can be. Join our early access list, become part of the indi 500, and collaborate with us on building something transformative.
My Ask - Part 2: 🌍 Who do you know? The numbers tell us that nearly half of all parents will encounter significant child health concerns during their parenting career, with 20% facing complex challenges. Today, I ask you to be a stand for them. Recognize the path they tread and direct them to a tool that could revolutionize their experience.
This business building stuff all sounds pretty cool, fun and glam …. so now for the other bits that complete the picture
🔄 It took 5 weeks, but on Wednesday morning, we had our first breakdown where the sheer volume of life felt impossible. Not impossible to build the company and product quickly, but to deliver everything needed in such a short space of time, without dropping balls at home or physically/mentally exhausting myself. Cue a few big deep breaths, mental resets, and a tweak of approach.
🕯Burning the candle at both ends - Most nights, I've been catching the last train home from the city, with Allie picking up the slack. She's juggling full-time uni and managing the three kids. It’s not sustainable, but it’s what we needed to get moving this week. A husband-wife team talk is on the cards this weekend to plan our approach for next week.
⚠️ Heads up - You might want to finish eating before reading on
A Short Story of My Friday Night
After grabbing the train home in time, Allie and I went to pick up the kids. Resorting to every parent's last resort after a draining week—a quick Maccas run—we got them home and kicked off the nightly routine of baths, books, and Lego before bed. Unfortunately, Indi's new meds make her hyperactive, so she was bouncing around while the other two tried to sleep. Eventually, Harper was asleep, and Beckham quietly reading in bed.
Needing to burn off the demons of the day, I decided on a scalding hot shower to reset for a night’s work. Just as I was stepping out, I heard Allie's frantic footsteps and shouts of "Poo poo!" Racing for a towel, I was passed by Indi, covered in her own mess in places you really don't want to imagine. Staying calm, I took her back into the shower with me, where she danced around, having the time of her life.
For the next few hours, while Allie tried to study and I tried to get work done, Indi stayed wild. As the hours wore on, her "spoons" disappeared (spoon theory) and the deregulation became unbearable, leading to inconsolable meltdowns. By then, Beckham was downstairs, unable to sleep, and neither of us had any will left to fight. Then Harper woke up upset, too, so I got her into our bed and settled her down.
Once she was calm, I tried the same with Indi. She wouldn’t sleep, but at least she would lay down. Then Beckham wanted to join. So there I was at 9:45 PM (bed time routine started at 6pm) on a Friday night, sitting in bed typing this story, surrounded by a mix of sleep, wriggling, and the occasional meltdown.
"Excellence is taking action in spite of your circumstances."
I have every reason and consideration not to show up and get this sent tonight, but when we set out on this journey I made a commitment to getting the job done every week and I’m not ready to stop now 💪
Next Up 🚀
🏎️ Go Lando!!! 🇬🇧 Formula One is back!! We will see you at Albert Park.
🎥 indi app content goes live on Instagram & TikTok
👼 Angel investor convos. Following the Antler investment (if all goes to plan, in April), we will look to raise again around October time. This round will be largely Angel backed, so I’ll be opening those convos and building up a credible pipeline.
WHO DO YOU KNOW? I’m ready for warm intros.
🏥 Strategic Channel Partners - Having conversations with Clinics, practitioners, allied health and healthcare systems to gain their insight into the problem space and discuss how they can leverage getting the indi app in the hands of their parent carers.
What’s on My Playlist 🎧
Honestly? Nothing. My brain has been fried on the train this week, and I haven't had the energy to pick up a book or tune into a podcast. However, when I've been ready for some noise, I’ve turned to the tunes of my youth. Don’t judge me.
Lend a Hand? 🤝
I know I've asked for quite a bit already, so let's just recap here:
Waitlist: Bring yourself and your network into the fold projectindi.com
Content: Dive into what we're sharing on Instagram
Investors: We're always looking to grow with those who align with our vision.
And lastly, we’re on episode #7 here—I'm guessing if you're still with me, you're finding something in these updates? If you're enjoying it, why not share it with a friend!
A Gift For You 🎁
On Thursday night we ran a practise pitch night - i have the recording. If you want some light entertainment over the weekend, ping me and I’ll share the link.
Have a mega week!! 👋 Catch you later - Orrin