Sam is the cofounder of Vision Spatial Technologies, a startup that builds safety equipment for recreational facilities like ski resorts. We talk more about his experiences with mentorship, build-measure-learn cycles, and MVPs in this interview.

To learn more about Sam's company, visit www.visionspatialtech.com

P.S. Some fancy words Sam used:

• MVP = minimum viable product. The least complicated product that allows you to test if your business idea makes sense.

• Build, measure, learn cycles = cycles of building an iteration of a product, measuring data (ex: user signup rate), and analysing that data to see if the product iteration is successful.

• Compliant Mechanism = A flexible 3D printed part that can bend to perform its task.

• Raspberry Pi = A type of 'mini-computer' that can fit in the palm of your hand. It can take in data from sensors (ex: temperature sensors) and send that data to other electronics (ex: a wifi transmitter).

• Backend server = a computer running that deals with parts of software that users don't interact with. For example, saving and retrieving data like user settings.

Timeline

0:00 Intro

1:03 How did you start?

3:16 What is your product?

4:28 How to measure good ideas?

8:16 How to test MVP?

10:35 How to improve MVP?

15:32 What are design cycles?

20:33 Accountability in design cycles?

21:58 Getting unstuck in design cycles?

23:28 Benefits of mentorship?

27:33 How to maintain mentorships?