Welcome to Episode 40 of The Hockeystick Show! I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Hannes Lenke, CEO and co-founder of Checkly—a forward-thinking company bridging the gap in DevOps with innovative monitoring solutions. Hannes shared his journey from the spark of a side project to a full-fledged startup success. Here are some key takeaways from our insightful conversation.
The Journey from Idea to Startup
"If you're considering starting a venture, remember this: a startup is a long-term commitment," Hannes emphasizes. He began Checkly as a side project, which evolved into a thriving business when he noticed a market shift towards solutions for cross-functional DevOps teams. This significant transition wasn’t just a leap of faith; it was guided by observing early signals and a changing landscape in software development.
Actionable Lesson 1: Test Before You Leap
Before diving headfirst into the whirlwind of a startup, Hannes advises, "Test the waters—verify your idea." He speaks to those budding entrepreneurs who hesitate, inspired by big success stories but unsure of their grounded potential. For Hannes, an early signal was witnessing users excited to pay even a small fee for his service. This is your cue that the market is interested, making it wise to invest your time and resources.
Actionable Lesson 2: Patience and Commitment
Success does not happen overnight. "It's a marathon, not a sprint," Hannes shares. While tales of overnight success can be enticing, the reality is that most startups take years to mature and develop. It’s crucial to prepare for the long haul and maintain your enthusiasm and tenacity throughout the years of building and growing.
Remote Culture: Challenges and Advantages
With a fully remote team, Hannes has navigated the pros and cons of this modern work setup. Being remote offers the advantage of tapping into a global talent pool without geographical constraints. However, effective communication becomes paramount.
Actionable Lesson 3: Foster Transparency and Communication
Transparency is key in managing a remote team. Hannes discusses using weekly stand-ups and leveraging tools like Slack and Notion for open channels of communication. He insists that essential decisions be well-documented and accessible to ensure alignment within the team. It might be digital, but ensuring your team feels connected and well-informed is invaluable.
The Funding Landscape: A European Perspective
Having built and sold a startup prior, Hannes was mindful of the need for international-minded investors when establishing Checkly. This alignment aids in scaling businesses globally, opening doors to new markets, like the U.S., which offered a larger playground for growth despite its challenges.
Actionable Lesson 4: Choose Investors Wisely
Hannes highlights the importance of selecting investors who embrace a global perspective. They should not only offer financial backing but also guide you toward expansion and sustainability internationally.
Embrace and Enjoy the Challenge
Above all, Hannes’s message is clear—enjoy what you do. As entrepreneurs, aligning your profession with your passion transforms challenges into thrilling opportunities. Startups demand dedication, yet they yield unparalleled satisfaction when you witness your vision helping the industry evolve.
As I glean from my own experiences in tech, the journey of entrepreneurship is peppered with ‘wantrepreneurs’—those hovering on the brink of pursuing their ideas. The takeaway is simple: validate your idea, take the leap, and be prepared to weather the storm with a clear view of where you want to be.
Thank you to Hannes Lenke for sharing his valuable insights on startup life, remote culture, and the intricacies of growth in the evolving tech landscape. Join us for more episodes on The Hockeystick Show as we continue to explore these critical conversations with industry leaders and innovators.
Share this post