Starting BearStudio: A Decade of Lessons and Reflections

If you’re dreaming of starting your own software company, I have a few tips for you. Over the past decade, I’ve transformed BearStudio from a solo venture into a thriving team of 20 talented individuals. This journey has been filled with valuable lessons that I believe can serve as a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Spark

I never thought I'd be the kind of person to start my own company, especially without a business school background. But working as a CTO, I kept seeing things that didn’t sit right with me. My boss—he’d been doing this for over ten years—would always say, “It's been 10 years since I've been running my company; you don't understand what it means to be an entrepreneur.” Every time he made what I saw as a mistake, he brushed off my concerns. It was frustrating. I could see the potential for doing things differently, for doing them better.

It wasn’t just about disagreeing with him—it was about feeling trapped in a system that refused to evolve. I wanted more freedom to innovate, to try new approaches without being told I didn’t know enough. That’s when I realized: if I wanted that freedom, I had to create it. So, despite my lack of a formal business background, I decided to launch my own company. Starting a business wasn’t natural, especially coming from a tech-heavy role. But I wanted the challenge, and I believed I could build something that would reflect my vision.

Starting BearStudio was a brave step, but I wasn't too stressed because I picked an industry that always does well. I just believed things could be done better and was ready to work hard. At first, I had to do everything—making the product, selling it, advertising it, and even the money stuff. It was tough learning all this, but every problem made me want to do better. It wasn't about being alone against everyone; it was more about jumping into something where I knew I could do good.

Building the Dream Team

When I imagined BearStudio, I knew that I would need partners. I'm good at coding, not designing. I worked with David before, so I knew he was solid. We decided to team up during a casual lunch when David said he was thinking about leaving our old job too. David's all about design and wanted to get better at both the look and feel of apps. We made a deal: I'd show him how to code, and he'd start BearStudio with me.

Sharing my vision with my first co-founders was useful. I talked about my plan to start a studio with anyone who'd listen, which wasn't a lot of people since my network was small back then. Building a network of dependable folks is crucial, and I figured out that lots of people will nod yes but won't actually step up. It's vital to find those who not only share your vision but can also be counted on. And yes, talking about your idea is more beneficial than not; it helps in gathering the right team. It takes time and work to put together your dream team of reliable and like-minded talents, so don’t be shy.

The journey of building a team wasn’t without its hiccups. I remember the countless meetings and discussions, some fruitful, others frustrating. But each interaction taught me something valuable about people management and the importance of clear communication. Creating a team that not only works together but also believes in the company’s mission was a significant milestone. We celebrate small wins together, and each victory, no matter how minor, was a step towards building a cohesive unit.

Taking the Leap

After years at the helm of BearStudio, I can see why a junior developer might want to start their own company. The reward-to-risk ratio in the IT industry is abnormally high. With zero investment needed to create a web agency, you can start as a one-person company, just as I did. This requires (almost) no capital and allows you to bill clients directly. Partnerships, like the one I formed with David, who brought complementary design skills, are also crucial.

Starting your own company confers an entrepreneur aura, which can boost your charisma in the local ecosystem. This can serve as a safety net if your business doesn’t succeed. It’s a valuable line on your resume and a significant asset. The IT industry is one of the best places to get funded if you want to create a company, providing access to numerous events and business relationships. Even if your business fails, the experience and the “entrepreneur” line on your resume are golden.

However, the journey is not all glamour and glory. There were times when I faced numerous challenges that tested my resolve. These moments, though tough, taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability. The ability to change course and refine your strategies is essential when dealing with the unpredictable nature of starting a company.

Navigating Customer Relationships

Customer relationships are complex. Adapting to their needs and maintaining a global view of their projects is crucial. As the professional handling the creation of their products and services, your role is to ensure the project runs smoothly by having a macro strategic point of view. Clients may be unprepared, lack budget, or be chaotic, requiring empathy and flexibility. Setting clear boundaries is essential. Your primary objectives are to satisfy clients, ensure team well-being, and maintain a healthy business, prioritizing value delivery over growth.

One of the most challenging aspects was learning to manage client expectations. Early on, I realized that clear communication and setting realistic expectations were vital. I remember a project where the client kept changing the requirements midway. It was a stressful period, but it taught me the importance of having a well-defined scope and sticking to it. Flexibility is important, but so is maintaining a clear direction.

Balancing Growth and Value

One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of balancing growth with delivering value. It’s tempting to chase rapid expansion, but it’s more important to focus on the quality of work and the satisfaction of your clients and team. Growth should be sustainable and not come at the expense of the company’s core values.

In the early days, I was careful not to take on too many projects at once, despite the temptation to accelerate our growth. Overcommitting can easily lead to burnout and compromised quality. Instead, I focused on prioritising value over volume. This approach ensures quality work, which leads to satisfied clients, repeat business, and a strong reputation—far more valuable assets in the long run.

Finding the right balance with the team of BearStudio

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back at the growth of BearStudio , it's been a ride with its share of ups and downs, but let's get real—it's not as hard as it sounds, especially compared to other industries. Each challenge was a chance to learn, but in the IT sector in France, even when things go south, it's not the end. You can pivot or find new work without much hassle because tech skills are always in demand.

The journey with BearStudio has been rewarding, not just for the business wins but for personal growth too. However, it's worth mentioning that starting a software company here is relatively easier than in many other fields. If you hit a low, it's not a deep fall; you're likely to land on your feet because the IT world offers a safety net. So, if you're thinking about starting your own thing, know that while the road has bumps, in tech, those bumps are more like gentle nudges pushing you to your next big break. Stay true to your vision, build a reliable team, adapt to changes, and always prioritize delivering value.