Meet Oliver from Blockchain HELIX
Q: Can you introduce yourself and your startup?
A: I’m Oliver Naegele, the founder of Jobgrader and Blockchain HELIX. Our focus is on delivering digital identity and Web3 services, which we integrate with digital workspaces. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the crowd community and enterprises needing business process outsourcing. This includes a range of services from training AI data to conducting market research, all catered to a global job market. Essentially, we’re creating a platform for micro jobs, connecting individuals with businesses in need of their specific skills and contributions.
Q: How did the concept for your startup come about?
A: The idea for Blockchain HELIX has its roots in my long history in the job market, dating back to around 1995. Working with people over the years, I recognized the critical role of identity in professional contexts. The emergence of Ethereum and blockchain technology highlighted a gap in digital identity, which we saw as an opportunity to innovate.
We were at the forefront of developing digital identity solutions, contributing to what is now known as self-sovereign identity. Realizing that identity is a tool needing wider acceptance, we integrated Web3 into our services. Web3 simplifies engagement with various services, but we understood that these technologies, while powerful, were still just services without a concrete purpose.
This led us to add a new dimension with Jobgrader, focusing on creating a global workforce of crowd workers to perform micro-jobs. Our goal is to harness the potential of digital identity and Web3 to create real-world applications, particularly in the global job market where there is a need for a diverse range of skills and tasks to be fulfilled efficiently and securely.
Why Startupbootcamp?
Q: What inspired you to become part of Startupbootcamp?
A: Joining Startupbootcamp was driven by a common goal shared among founders: the pursuit of impactful opportunities to connect with large companies. As a founder, you’re always on the lookout for these ‘moonshot’ opportunities that allow you to initiate pilot programs with major players. We had been part of several accelerators before and had the chance to work with notable companies like Mercedes.
In the case of Startupbootcamp, the focus was on the energy market in Australia. This sector was particularly appealing because of its broad reach—energy is a necessity for every household, and thus, it presents a chance to impact a vast audience. The relevance of identity in the energy sector was what drew us in. Additionally, while mentoring and coaching offered through the program are valuable, the primary draw was the opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers from big companies. These connections are crucial for startups like ours, looking to establish meaningful partnerships and expand our reach in the industry.
Startupbootcamp Application Process
Q: Could you outline the application process for Startupbootcamp?
A: The application process for Startupbootcamp was relatively straightforward. Initially, it involved filling out a simple application form where we briefly described our startup and what we do. The more significant part of the process was engaging directly with the team from Startupbootcamp Australia, primarily through interviews. These discussions were an essential part of their decision-making process to determine which startups would be included in their batch. It became clear to us that what we were offering was something of a genuine need to their clients in the industry, which solidified our place in the program. The process, while direct and simple in its structure, was thorough in ensuring a good fit between the startups and the needs of the industry connected to the program.
Q: What do you think helped your company stand out during the Startupbootcamp selection process?
A: In the context of Startupbootcamp, it wasn’t so much about our current traction but more about our vision and its potential impact on industry players. What sets us apart is our focus on digital identity – a scalable identity system, that maintains privacy, and is completely user-managed. This aspect of our technology is poised to revolutionize the way people interact with the internet and data privacy.
In about two years, we anticipate that every European citizen will have access to a technology similar to ours, as part of the growing global wallet initiative. Our concept aligns with the next wave of the internet, emphasizing personal data ownership. This approach is incredibly attractive to companies because managing private and personal customer data is always a complex challenge. Our solution offers a streamlined, secure, and user-centric way of handling this, which I believe made a significant impact during our evaluation by Startupbootcamp.
Inside Startupbootcamp Program
Q: Can you describe the structure and format of the Startupbootcamp program?
A: The Startupbootcamp program we participated in lasted three months. Following the program, there’s an alumni phase, and typically, there’s an event at the end. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our experience was entirely remote. While remote participation was necessary, I personally believe that on-site engagement offers a better energy and experience.
In terms of structure, Startupbootcamp is quite organized. They have been running batches for a long time and have developed a range of structured learning sessions and resources. Each startup accelerator is different, and it’s important for participants to understand what to expect. We’ve been part of other accelerators as well, and each one has its unique approach. But in the case of Startupbootcamp, the program was very well-structured, providing a clear framework and guidance for startups throughout the three months.
The Startupbootcamp program is primarily designed around mentorship and practical steps towards elevating a startup to a level where it can effectively collaborate with and potentially receive investments from industry players. The program includes mentors from both the accelerator itself and from relevant industries, with the latter being particularly crucial. The focus isn’t just on securing investments, though that is a significant part. The main goal for any startup, and the emphasis of the program, is to transition into real-world operations and to develop use cases that can be applied in actual business contexts. It’s about moving beyond theoretical models to launching and scaling operations, navigating real-world challenges, and making a tangible impact. The program is designed to guide startups through this process, offering the necessary support, expertise, and connections to kickstart their journey in the industry.
Q: In the program, did mentors provide hands-on support, or did they function more as advisors?
A: The mentorship experience in Startupbootcamp varied greatly depending on the individual mentor. Some mentors leaned more towards offering advice, while others focused on education or facilitating network connections. This diversity in mentorship styles meant that the support we received was multifaceted. Personal compatibility also played a role in how effective these mentor-mentee relationships were. Just like any other human interaction, sometimes the chemistry works well, and other times it doesn’t. But regardless of the outcome, the process of engaging with different mentors and trying out various approaches was a valuable part of the experience. Each mentor brought their own perspective and expertise, which enriched our journey through the program.
Financial Support from Startupbootcamp
Q: Was there any financial support or funding provided as part of the Startupbootcamp program?
A: We did receive a small amount of funding through the program. While funding wasn’t a primary focus for us, it was helpful. The financial support we received was modest but appreciated, as it helped cover some of our costs during the program.
Q: Does Startupbootcamp take equity in exchange for the funding provided?
A: Startupbootcamp does have equity arrangements, but these are quite flexible and vary depending on the specific circumstances. In our case, there were different options available. Some startups might give equity, while others might engage in more individualized agreements based on different parameters. The main focus of Startupbootcamp is often to facilitate services for their industry partners, and this aspect is a significant reason for their strong reputation. The equity and funding arrangements are tailored to ensure mutual benefit and alignment with the goals of both the startups and the industry partners involved.
Achieving Milestones and Overcoming Challenges during the Startupbootcamp Program
Q: During your time in the program, what significant milestones did you achieve?
A: Throughout the program, we regularly participated in sessions that required us to present our progress and ideas. These ranged from elevator pitches to refining our pitch decks, providing us with varied opportunities to showcase our development. One of the key aspects of our journey was the active engagement with different industry partners, such as Energy Australia, which is a major energy provider. Our focus was to offer them innovative perspectives and solutions in the realms of blockchain and Web3 services. This interaction was not only about presenting our ideas but also about navigating the cultural differences between a startup environment and established industry players. These experiences were invaluable in understanding how to effectively communicate and collaborate with large corporations, which significantly contributed to our growth during the program.
Q: What challenges did you encounter?
A: Participating in an accelerator like Startupbootcamp is inherently challenging. A significant part of the journey involves receiving and accepting criticism, which can be both positive and negative. There are times when you find yourself on different pages from others, which can be a bit tricky to navigate due to the subjective nature of feedback and opinions. Adopting a leadership mindset is crucial in these situations. Even when criticism isn’t delivered politely, it’s a valuable learning experience. It prepares you for the real world, where interactions with potential customers and investors can be even more challenging.
A key aspect of facing these challenges is maintaining a constant readiness to be in the spotlight. You have to be prepared to stand up, present your ideas, and justify your decisions. Being clear and confident in your vision is essential, especially when you’re constantly in a position to defend and explain your startup’s goals and strategies. This continuous process of presenting and defending your ideas is a crucial part of the growth and learning experience in the program.
Current Status and Upcoming Milestones of Blockchain HELIX
Q: What is the current status of Blockchain HELIX, and what key milestones have you achieved?
A: Blockchain HELIX has made significant strides in various projects. We’ve collaborated with major companies like Mercedes and Deutsche Telekom, with one of our recent projects involving the development of a wallet for the new ‘commercial bank money token’ in Europe. This positions us as a primary wallet provider alongside every bank involved in this project.
Jobgrader, another one of our initiatives, is just getting started. We’re about to launch a token sale to further bring this project to life. The scale of Jobgrader is substantial, with over 200 million jobs on the platform every month, demonstrating its rapid growth and potential.
Additionally, we’ve engaged in various grant programs and have been successful in several competitions. Our journey is marked by diversity in projects and constant engagement in activities that propel us forward. It’s been a path of embracing every opportunity that comes our way and maximizing our growth and impact in the blockchain and Web3 spaces.
Q: Looking forward, what are the major milestones you aim to achieve with Blockchain HELIX in the near future?
A: Our most significant upcoming milestone is the token sale for Jobgrader. We’re currently in discussions with institutional investors and planning a public round for retail investors. Additionally, we’re in talks with major companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google to provide them with solutions that can enhance their AI systems with a human touch. This initiative addresses a global challenge where AI systems need to be trained with human input, rather than solely by automated processes. Our goal is to establish contracts and direct API connections with these companies, which is one of our main challenges for the next year. This step is crucial in positioning JobGrader as a key player in providing valuable human feedback to AI systems, thereby contributing to their more effective and nuanced development.
Final Advice for Founders Considering Startupbootcamp
Q: What advice would you offer to founders contemplating an application to Startupbootcamp?
A: Startupbootcamp is unique in that it often focuses on specific industries, which can present both challenges and opportunities for startups. For instance, we weren’t primarily an energy startup, but we participated in a program with an energy focus. This experience, while challenging, was beneficial because it took us out of mainstream topics and allowed us to explore more creative and innovative areas.
My advice to founders is to look at the different industry-focused programs that Startupbootcamp offers. Assess where there might be connection points or areas of mutual interest with these industries. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if your startup doesn’t exactly fit the conventional profile for a particular program. The key is to identify where your startup can bring unique value to the table for industry players. Engaging with Startupbootcamp can open doors to new perspectives and opportunities, even in areas you might not have initially considered.