From programming on punch cards in rural New Zealand to leading a multi-million dollar EdTech success story. 💻🎧
In this inspiring episode, we speak with Bob Drummond, a visionary New Zealand entrepreneur who navigated from humble beginnings programming with punch cards in a tiny rural school to pioneering Kami, one of the world's leading digital education platforms. 🌐 Bob shares his fascinating journey of early innovation, international entrepreneurial adventures, significant tech breakthroughs, and critical lessons learned from both remarkable successes and challenging setbacks. 📚
Discover how Bob Drummond’s varied experiences—from video stores to billion-dollar software exits—shaped his entrepreneurial philosophy, his thoughts on leveraging AI in education, and his insights into what makes startups succeed or fail. This episode is packed with candid stories, deep reflections on the evolving tech landscape, and powerful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
🙌 Key Topics:
💻 From Punch Cards to Digital Revolution
🌐 Scaling Global EdTech Success
📚 The Future of Education with AI
📉 Lessons Learned from Business Failures
🚀 Secrets Behind Building Billion-Dollar Startups
🏫 Revolutionizing Classroom Learning
🤝 Importance of Mentors and Advisors🇳🇿 Entrepreneurship and Innovation in New Zealand
🌟 Maintaining Focus in Startups
🔮 Predictions for the AI-Powered Future
🤝 Connect with Bob:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobdrummond/
Website (Kami): https://www.kamiapp.com
🔗 Learn more about NZVC:
Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz
Mark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/
Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/
⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Bob’s Background
02:43 - Early Days Programming with Punch Cards
05:50 - Entrepreneurship Lessons from Video Stores
07:17 - Adventures in Europe: Startup Struggles
09:56 - Building and Scaling a Telecom Software Startup
12:53 - Major Startup Setbacks and Lessons Learned
16:53 - Recognizing the Internet’s Potential Early
21:30 - The Journey Back to New Zealand
25:22 - Pivoting into Education Technology
31:17 - Focusing on Teacher-Driven Product Development
36:15 - Massive Growth During the Pandemic
42:19 - Kami’s Impact and Scaling Strategy
48:40 - Importance of User-Led Adoption
52:33 - AI’s Role in the Future of Education
56:45 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
1:06:20 - Choosing Education as a Startup Focus
1:08:45 - Kami’s Competitive Advantages
1:10:33 - Retaining Customers Post-Pandemic
1:13:08 - Kami’s Sales Strategy
1:16:45 - Future of Education with AI
1:18:34 - Advice for EdTech Entrepreneurs
1:22:28 - Kami’s Future Vision
1:25:33 - Reflections on Entrepreneurship Journey
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