Meet Graham Curry from HandiCaddie
Q: Can you introduce yourself and HandiCaddie?
A: Sure. My name is Graham Curry, and I’m the founder of HandiCaddie. We specialize in creating software for golf clubs, specifically targeting those with caddie programs. Our product serves as a communication tool for both the managers of the caddies and the caddies themselves. The goal is to streamline the entire process of job allocation within the caddie program, ultimately saving staff hours of administrative time each day.
Q: What inspired you to create HandiCaddie?
A: The inspiration for HandiCaddie came directly from my personal experiences. I started as a golf caddie at the age of 14, encountering firsthand the inefficiencies in how jobs were assigned. Caddies had to physically be at the club to receive their assignments, often handed out on a piece of paper. This was just one side of the problem. After conducting some research, I discovered that operators were managing their caddies through cumbersome methods like Excel spreadsheets or spending hours on calls every day. Considering they might be managing a roster of one to two hundred caddies, each with different availabilities, it was a logistical nightmare.
Motivated by these challenges, I took on the management of one of the biggest caddie programs in Scotland to gain a deeper understanding of the operational hurdles. This experience exposed me to even more issues within the industry, compelling me to address them. The transition from paper to Excel and now to a dedicated platform seems like a natural evolution. Our aim with HandiCaddie is not only to streamline administrative tasks but also to alleviate some of the stress operators face with the current system.
Why TinySeed?
Q: How did you become involved with TinySeed?
A: TinySeed came into our journey in a quite interesting way. My co-founder, Jamie, who handles the technical aspects of our business, was a follower of Rob Walling’s content on YouTube. Rob, one of the investors at TinySeed, shares valuable insights on growing micro-SaaS businesses and scaling monthly recurring revenue. We were already familiar with his advice and strategies, which had guided us past the milestone of £1,000 in monthly recurring revenue.
When Rob mentioned TinySeed and its accelerator program in one of his videos, highlighting his investment in 80 companies, it sparked our interest. We were at a stage where we felt confident enough to apply, so we submitted our application with no real expectations, simply eager to see where it might lead. Surprisingly, we were accepted into this year’s cohort.
The name “TinySeed” itself might have a whimsical origin, perhaps a nod to cultural references like Seinfeld’s “Festivus for the rest of us,” which adds to its charm. Meeting Rob and A&R, another investor from TinySeed who was a Y Combinator founder, was an incredible experience. They were exactly as genuine and down-to-earth in person as they appeared online. A&R, in particular, brought a unique sense of humor to our interactions, characterized by a very dry, European wit.
Indeed, there was a bit of starstruck feeling upon meeting Rob, given we had consumed his content for years. It’s akin to finally meeting a person you’ve only seen on screen, transforming them from a concept into a tangible reality. This encounter was a bit overwhelming but in the most positive way, making the whole experience surreal yet very grounding.
How a Founder Gets In
Q: Can you describe the application process for TinySeed?
A: Before applying to TinySeed, we had spent about four months trying to raise investment, engaging with angel investors and exploring other opportunities. That process was quite challenging, often requiring detailed Excel spreadsheets with five-year projections, which was daunting. However, the TinySeed application process was refreshingly straightforward in comparison. It began with an initial interview with Alex, the program manager for the European batch. This step was essentially a verification to confirm our monthly recurring revenue (MRR) was accurate and to gauge if we were a good fit for further discussion with Rob Walling, one of TinySeed’s main investors. Alex acted as the first line of defense, filtering out applicants before they could speak with Rob and Einar, the other main investor.
After passing this initial check, we moved on to a more in-depth conversation with Rob and Einar. They focused on what we hoped to gain from the program and what we were looking to learn. This step was crucial because TinySeed aims to invest in companies they believe they can significantly help. Despite their poker faces during the interview, making it hard to gauge their impressions, the overall process was swift. From the first interview to being accepted into the accelerator took about three weeks, followed by another three to four weeks of legal due diligence to ensure everything was in order before we could officially join the program.
Comparatively, the application process for TinySeed felt more personalized and less burdensome than our previous experiences, providing a quick and efficient pathway to joining the accelerator.
TinySeed’s Investment Approach
Q: How does TinySeed handle investments for admitted startups?
A: While I need to be cautious about disclosing the specifics of TinySeed’s investment structure due to confidentiality, I can share that they are very transparent about the investment process once a startup is accepted into the program. TinySeed does provide an initial investment to startups upon admission, but it’s important to note that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all amount. The investment varies depending on the specific needs and stage of the startup. The maximum investment amount can go up to $220,000, and while there is a minimum investment, the exact figure wasn’t disclosed to us. This investment is made in exchange for equity in the startup. However, the exact equity percentage TinySeed takes varies from one startup to another, based on a multitude of factors that they consider during the application and selection process. This flexible approach allows TinySeed to tailor their support and investment to best fit the needs of each individual startup they choose to back.
Daily Life Inside TinySeed
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the TinySeed program?
A: A typical day in the TinySeed program varied significantly, especially as we transitioned from part-time to full-time focus on our project. One of the standout aspects of TinySeed is their weekly calls, each covering different growth topics essential for a SaaS business. In the initial months, we delved into fundamentals like pricing strategies, which was eye-opening for us. TinySeed emphasized the importance of not undervaluing our service and competing on value rather than price, a lesson that was particularly valuable. Previously, my routine involved working on the project during evenings, from five to nine or ten, which was quite exhausting. However, after receiving investment from TinySeed, my days shifted to full-time dedication to our startup, allowing me to start each day fresh and completely focused on our project.
Additionally, being part of TinySeed introduced us to a community of founders in our cohort, which consisted of about 20 startups from Europe and North America. We were all added to a Slack channel, creating a tight-knit community where we could share daily challenges and seek advice. This platform provided a space where any question or problem could be addressed, often with multiple responses within 24 hours. This sense of community and the immediate access to a network of peers facing similar challenges was invaluable, offering solutions and support as we navigated the growth of our startup.
Key Takeaway from TinySeed Experience
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from TinySeed so far?
A: The most significant lesson I’ve learned from my time with TinySeed, though we’re only halfway through the program, is the importance of having a bias towards action. This approach has been crucial for our success this year. Whenever we’ve decided to just try something without overthinking it—treating it as an experiment—that’s when we’ve seen positive outcomes.
A prime example is our experiment with pricing. Initially, we offered our service on an annual subscription basis, but the market was resistant. Unsure if our prices were too high or if the annual commitment was the issue, we shifted to usage-based pricing to test the waters. This change led to seven new signups within three weeks, a clear indication that our willingness to experiment and adapt was the right move. This mindset of experimentation, of being open to trial and error, has been a game-changer. It’s taught us that it’s okay if something doesn’t work out as expected. The key is to learn from each attempt and to continuously explore different strategies with curiosity. This lesson in flexibility and the value of action over perfection is something I truly value from the TinySeed program.
Areas for Improvement in the TinySeed Program
Q: What aspects of TinySeed do you think could be improved?
A: Reflecting on my experience so far, one area for improvement in TinySeed might be in enhancing founder engagement and utilization of the program’s resources. As a founder, it’s easy to become engrossed in your work to the point where you might not engage with the community as actively as you could. There were times when I found myself distanced, not checking in with the community for weeks. A potential solution could be introducing more structured re-engagement points, such as quarterly or monthly social events. These wouldn’t necessarily need to have an official agenda but serve more as a way to recalibrate, catch up, and share experiences among the cohort. While the program is primarily online, adding more casual meetups or in-person events could significantly enhance the sense of community. TinySeed did organize an event in Mexico, aimed more at the North American batch, which we couldn’t attend due to feasibility issues. More accessible events for the European batch could help bridge the feeling of isolation and create a tighter-knit community among founders who are spread across different geographies. The program does a great job of dividing the cohorts into European and North American batches to mitigate some of the challenges of remote participation. However, more frequent in-person meetups for the European batch, in particular, could add immense value, fostering a stronger connection among the founders and with the program itself. This approach could address the sense of isolation and ensure founders feel more integrated and supported throughout their journey in the accelerator.
Impact of TinySeed on HandiCaddie’s Growth
Q: What impact has TinySeed had on your company’s development?
A: The most transformative impact TinySeed has had on HandiCaddie is granting us the time and resources to significantly advance our product development and pursue larger opportunities. For our developer team, especially, having the ability to focus fully on the product roadmap has been invaluable. We’ve been able to tackle custom features for a potential enterprise client in the U.S., a deal that, if secured, could triple the size of our company. This possibility alone exemplifies the kind of opportunities that have become accessible to us thanks to the support from TinySeed. Beyond just product development, the funding has also allowed us to expand our team by bringing in freelancers and hiring another developer to work under our CTO. This expansion has not only accelerated our progress but has also diversified our capabilities, enabling us to delve deeper into the product and refine our offerings. Essentially, TinySeed’s support has empowered us to aim higher and achieve more in a shorter timeframe, underscoring the profound effect that targeted investment and guidance can have on a startup’s trajectory.
Future Milestones and Post-Accelerator Relations with TinySeed
Q: What are your next milestones, and how do you anticipate your relationship with TinySeed evolving post-accelerator?
A: As we approach the latter stages of the accelerator program, we’re beginning to focus on our next milestones, which include further product development, market expansion, and potentially securing more significant partnerships. While the specifics of TinySeed’s ramp-off strategy will become clearer around April or May, it’s evident from the structure of their alumni network that the relationship extends far beyond the formal end of the accelerator program. In our Slack channel, we have access to alumni from all previous cohorts, dating back to TinySeed’s inaugural batch in 2019. It’s notable that some of the most active participants are the founders from these early cohorts, which suggests a continuing and valuable engagement with the TinySeed community. This ongoing interaction implies that TinySeed maintains a supportive relationship with its companies post-acceleration, offering guidance, resources, and a network of peers for continued growth. Given that TinySeed is an investor in our company, it’s reasonable to expect a sustained partnership. Their approach seems to emphasize not just the immediate growth during the accelerator but also long-term success and stability. This holistic support framework reassures us that we won’t be “thrown to the dogs” once the program officially ends, but rather, we can anticipate a nurturing relationship that extends into the future, aiding in our journey towards achieving and surpassing our upcoming milestones.
Final Advice for Prospective TinySeed Applicants
Q: Do you have any advice for those considering applying to TinySeed or similar programs?
A: For anyone looking to apply to TinySeed or any accelerator program, the key is to embrace a mindset of learning and adaptability.2. Moreover, persistence is crucial. Our own journey to TinySeed wasn’t straightforward; we applied once and didn’t make it, only to reapply and get accepted in a subsequent batch. This experience underlines the importance of resilience and the willingness to use rejection as a tool for improvement. If you’re not successful on your first try, don’t be discouraged. Instead, view it as an opportunity to refine your application and approach, keeping in mind that each attempt brings you closer to your goal. This perseverance, combined with a genuine openness to grow and adapt, will significantly enhance your chances of success in any accelerator application.