How The 0 Mission Is Changing the Renewable Energy Game
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your company?
A: We’re a two-sided marketplace in the renewable energy space. On one side, we help small and mid-size companies, even larger ones, subscribe to new solar parks. On the flip side, we serve as a funding channel for developers of renewable energy to construct these new parks. If you want an easy comparison, think of us as the WeWork of renewables. WeWork revolutionized real estate; we’re doing that for renewables.
Q: Did you already have the idea for 0-Mission before joining Antler or did it come to you during the program?
A: I walked into Antler with a very clear vision for 0-Mission. I was one of those founders who already had an idea and just needed the skills to turn it into a fast-growing business. My lightbulb moment came during my time working with a developer. I saw that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were struggling to fund the green transition, even though they really wanted to be a part of it. So, I joined Antler as what you’d call a “domain expert,” ready to solve this big problem.
Why Antler?
Q: What made you decide to apply to Antler?
A: The driving force behind my decision to join Antler was my desire to learn how to build a fast-growing company. You see, I was a first-time founder, and my background was in politics and diplomatic service, so I was pretty much a newbie in the startup world. I didn’t have a strong network among other founders, and frankly, I was a bit clueless about how to build something scalable. So, Antler seemed like the perfect fit for me. It marked a significant shift in my career, and I was excited about that.
Navigating Antler’s Application Process
Q: Can you briefly describe what the application process for Antler was like?
A: Well, let me take you down memory lane, although I can’t promise it’s the same process today. Initially, it was super straightforward. All I had to do was send in a link to my LinkedIn profile. After that, I had around three interviews with different partners from Antler. Here’s the curveball: there was also an IQ test, which honestly freaked me out a bit. You never really know what to expect from these tests, but you can prepare for them. So, I spent a lot of time researching the type of IQ test it might be and practiced like crazy. It was intense but also a fascinating part of the journey.
Q: Any tips you can share for nailing the Antler interview process?
A: I went down the YouTube, learning from how other founders approached their pitch decks. Since I applied as a domain expert, it was crucial for me to demonstrate not just my expertise but also a clear plan for turning that into a fast-growing business. If you’re applying, invest the time to see how other founders pitch their ideas. It’s all about showing them you’ve got the skills and vision to build something big. YouTube is a treasure trove for this—don’t underestimate it.
Inside the Antler Program
Q: What was the Antler program like for you?
A: The program was a rollercoaster, super intense. I was part of the Nordic cohort, so I got to meet founders from not just Denmark, but also Sweden and Norway. A huge part of the experience was the speed dating aspect. Antler is all about helping you find a co-founder because, let’s be real, you can’t build a scalable company alone. This was an incredible opportunity to grow my network among potential founders. Aside from that, the program included mental coaching sessions and problem-solving activities. We even tackled real-world problems proposed by outside companies. It was full-on, but oh-so-rewarding.
Q: How did you end up meeting your co-founder?
A: Coming into Antler, finding a co-founder was high on my to-do list. Given my background in public administration, I didn’t have connections who were eager to jump into a scalable startup. I thought Antler would be the perfect place to meet my future co-founder. But here’s the twist: because I came in with my own idea, it was surprisingly tough to find someone who shared my level of enthusiasm for the project. So, I eventually found my co-founder outside the program. It was through a high school friend who just so happened to know the perfect match for me. Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you’ve got to catch it.
Takeaways in the Antler Program
Q: Did you experience any “aha moments” while you were in the program?
A: The amount of FOMO—Fear Of Missing Out—was unreal. Everyone was scrambling to find that dream co-founder, and you couldn’t help but wonder, “Should I be in that other meeting room instead?” It was distracting. But the aha moment for me was realizing that I needed to cut through the noise. I had to put my phone aside and focus on what I was truly passionate about. If you’re genuinely enthusiastic about building your company, you’ll find a way to make it work, whether that’s inside or outside of an accelerator like Antler. Sometimes, you’ve just got to tune out the distractions and go with your gut.
Q: What benefits did you gain from the Antler program, other than funding?
A: Surprisingly, cash wasn’t the endgame for me; it was the connections. Imagine having a go-to list of startup enthusiasts you can ping anytime for counsel. We might not be carving the same path, but we’re all solving similar puzzles. With new cohorts every six months, our circle is ever-expanding. This isn’t just networking; it’s fertile ground for endless opportunities. And let’s not overlook the Antler stamp of approval. It’s not just a name; it’s a credibility booster that makes investors sit up and take notice. That logo isn’t just investor bait; it’s a magnet for customers, collaborators, and talent. In our world, it’s the gold standard of trust and growth potential.
Company Milestones After the Antler Program
Q: What’s the current status of your company following the Antler program?
A: The update is pretty darn exciting. We’re already profitable in our first year post-investment. We’ve even managed to secure additional funding. With a proven product-market fit, it’s go-time for scaling up.
Team-wise, we’re a trio. My co-founder is a sales whiz with chops in both B2C and B2B, which is what we’re doing with a solid gold network. Our third musketeer is a brand manager and a student assistant with startup experience. He’s the one experimenting with marketing strategies right now.
Q: Have you tried any growth channels?
A: Initially, our focus was all about nailing down that product-market fit. Manual processes ruled the day; think tons of cold calls, a.k.a “Canvas,” to get things rolling. But now, we’re shifting gears big time.
Our next focus is to build a powerful marketing engine. That’s the milestone we’re eyeing. We’ve got to figure out how to bring down our customer acquisition costs effectively. Once we’ve got that sorted, it’s pedal to the metal for scaling up.
Q: How have you distributed the capital you’ve received from venture capitalists?
A: Initially, our spending was all about the product. We wanted it to be bulletproof, and we allocated funds accordingly. But you know, times change and strategies evolve. Now, our eyes are set on crafting a robust marketing engine. That’s where the dough is going currently.
In terms of what’s worked for us so far, PR has been a gem. It’s a channel we’ve been able to leverage without breaking the bank, and the returns have been pretty solid. So, expect us to keep riding that wave.
But let’s be real, PR alone won’t cut it forever. The full-fledged marketing engine is still in the blueprint stage. So yeah, that’s up next on the to-do list. We’re taking all this VC backing to light that rocket.
Final Thoughts
Q: Do you have any final tips to share with founders who are thinking of applying to Antler?
A: As for Antler, it’s not a one-size-fits-all gig. But if you’ve got the drive and show you’re serious, you can open doors you never even knew existed. It’s more about the person you are than getting every little detail of your idea right from the get-go. So, if you’re considering Antler, strike up a convo with someone who’s been through it. You’ll get the inside scoop and can gauge if it’s the right move for you.