You Don't Need to be a Tech Builder to Run a Start Up | Dimitris Komninos

Company Foundation and Initial Idea - Mood Disclaimer started with the initial idea of creating an application to find events based on music [1][12] - The company spent two years trying to make the initial idea a reality, facing challenges with team members joining and leaving [15] - The initial hardware device built by the company was tested and worked, but the company realized it wasn't enough [15] Pivots and Growth - The company pivoted from hardware to a DJ application for recording tracks, reaching 150,000 tracks per month but failing to gain traction [23][24] - In April 2024, the company launched a new application aggregating events from the internet, growing from 5,000 to 100,000 users in two months [24][25] - The application became the number one app in the Greek App Store, surpassing TikTok and Netflix [25] Team and Investment - The team's dedication and hard work were crucial, especially when facing financial difficulties [27][28] - The founder of Google Maps invested in the company because of the team's energy and passion [29] - Mood Disclaimer raised 1 million after the Google Maps founder's investment [30] Expansion and Key Success Factor - The company initially failed in its expansion to Amsterdam due to lack of preparation [30][31] - The company succeeded in Amsterdam on the tenth attempt and replicated the success in Romania [32] - The company emphasizes the importance of the team, soft skills, and creating a positive environment for employees [33][34]