Denis Opudo
Brett StClair is a common figure to those who are always connected to the global technology. In case you have a glimpse at his CV you will agree that he has worked in different sectors for the good of technology. StClair not only holds the position of the CEO at the Siatik Google Cloud but he once worked for Barclays Africa Group as the director. He was also the Head of Mobile in Africa for Google and also worked with AdMob as the Country Manager.
StClair’s love for Africa is unquestionable. He is one of a few people that believe that Africa is able to solve its own problems. His only worry is how Africans work towards solving their problems. Moreover, StClair has a vast knowledge of how Silicon Valley operates. This is because of the time he spent at Google. He also believes that Silicon Valley is the hub of the world innovation. Besides, given the size of Africa, there are solutions to its problems found all over. But the only way to tap those solutions is by getting the funding.
Venture capitalists (VCs) are the main source of funding. But the VCs will only direct their money to various startups with a hope of getting returns at the end of the day. The value of investment in Africa by the VC is less than the value to invest in the Silicon Valley. This shows how Africa should change the way it carries out its operations. This will help them in case they need to attract more investors. The only way to attract more investors into the local startups is by working smart.
The idea of working smart rather than hard is evident from the newly launched startup WTF. WTF stands for What’s The Future founded by StClair and Michael Cowen. The startup started with the urge of educating people on how to innovate. Therefore the founders decided to locate 60 hours to pilot the idea. After that, they looked for solutions to the problems. Later on, they weighed the interest to the created solution. After the elapse of the 60 hours, the startup was launched. The founders also intend to expand their company.
The main achievement came when the 60 hours was used both in planning and execution of the idea. All that was aimed at coming up with a minimal viable product (MVP). Having the idea is not enough but it also calls for ways on how to change the idea into a finished product. African startups have a problem when it comes to changing an idea into a finished product. The local startup should understand that failure is also part of the game. But they should not lose hope after failing for the first time. Innovation calls on one’s level of resilience. How persistent and committed one is, is very important.
WTF used technology to get itself to where it is. It used technologies like Facebook, APIs from LinkedIn and WordPress. This helped the founders to save on time since they had a ground on which to start from. Furthermore, the 60 hours helped them to understand that the idea was realistic. This helped them not to waste more than 60 hours on an idea that was not going to succeed. The idea of MVP can be of help to firms in developing products within the shortest time possible.
StClair decided to share all the information on the existence of WTF. This was for the benefit of many upcoming startups. WTF startup gets customers through conferencing and via its #ThinkDigital courses. One pays to attend #ThinkDigital courses. StClair believes getting knowledge through sharing.
