How do you handle risk and competition?
“The greater the risk, the greater the reward.” I believe that risk and competition are merely motivators that drive not only founders, but whole markets altogether.
The air purifying market in particular has been stagnant for a long time: stuck on the limitations of HEPA filters, and relying on sanitizers that create harmful byproducts like ozone. This inspired us to look for our own innovative solutions, leading to the development of our Active Shield air filter. This technology is 99% effective at eliminating pollutants without emitting harmful byproducts—an important step forward in the industry.
Competition is a blessing, and it helps us to exceed limitations and fulfill our potential.
What’s the inspiration behind Vootto?
After completing my army service in the Counter Terrorist Unit, I knew that I had the abilities and leadership skills to create a real impact in the world. I’ve experienced extremely high-stakes situations, and successfully navigated them with the help of a highly professional team. My experiences sparked a desire to take on a leadership role in business, leading me to found Vootto in November 2017.
You’ve participated in Newchip Accelerator. What was that experience like? What did you gain or learn?
Being a part of a community of innovators is a truly educational experience. Each and every entrepreneur’s journey is individual, and raises its own challenges and insights into the vast world of business.
The best thing to come out of these experiences are the connections that are formed within the community. These help us to grow, to learn of new challenges that we have yet to face, and to acquire a much broader understanding and perspective of any market, vertical, or opportunity.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while launching your company?
Most new startups contract with engineering and production studios to start the development of a new product, and I worked with many of these. Some refused to work on the project; some claimed that my goals were unrealistic; and some agreed to help, charged their fees, and delivered a failed product.
Eventually, I realized that I had to create my own team of technical professionals who see the innovative potential in the product, and who have the same fire and drive as me. Our team is not a mere vendor or contractor, but an active hub of creation and innovation that would do anything to make Vootto a reality.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I will never forget this piece of advice, and I happily pass it forward to all who are willing to listen:
Always hire people who are smarter than you.
Have you learned anything new or surprising about yourself through this process?
I learned how to stop Adapting and start Envisioning.
Businesses are affected by many outside forces, and the first instinct is to simply respond to them: market fluctuations, socio-economic factors, customer demand, etc. I’ve learned that we can’t reach our potential simply by reacting—we have to become visionaries instead.
Market conditions are temporary, and creating a reality where your business can thrive is simply a part of conducting business. I started envisioning what I wanted the experience of using Vootto to be, and what we could do in the long term. This simple shift in my mindset turned everything around, and was the point where I knew that Vootto was going to be a success.
What is your superpower?
My tenacity—the ability to move forward even when the path isn’t clear and it seems like there’s no backup.
When I started down this road, I encountered a lot of refusals to join the venture, a lot of disbelief, a lot of challenges that I was not yet equipped to deal with. At the end of the day, my tenacity kept me moving forward and brought me to the understanding that I need a team to storm forward alongside me. It kept me going to lead our pivots and develop the strategic partnerships that got us to where we are now.
Today, it’s my tenacity that gives me confidence that Vootto will not only find a place in the market, but will dominate and revolutionize it.
Are there any apps or gadgets that you can’t live without?
Those who know me know that I have ADHD (which I understand is not unusual among entrepreneurs). I have to move around, especially when I’m on the phone. My airpods give me the flexibility and movement I need throughout my day, while allowing me to stay connected—whether I’m working out, driving, or at my desk.
I also listen to Spotify playlists like this one to motivate me before important events and pitches, or to calm me down and help me focus.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Working long hours and being dedicated to one mission can sometimes limit your view, and disconnect you from the rest of the world. For that reason, my top priority outside of work is making time for people—family, friends, and new acquaintances. This helps me grow my connections to the community, as well as maintain my deepest, most important relationships.
When I get the time, however, I get a lot out of extreme sports. When I’m riding jet skis or dirt bikes, for example, I can allow myself to let go of everyday physical restraints and go as fast as I possibly can. That feeling you get when pushing yourself to the edge of what you think is possible—that’s why I love these sports so much.