In today's episode, hosts Anke and Johan engage in a deeply reflective conversation with Manoj Adithya, the founder who sold his company, Roam AI, last December. Manoj walks us through a journey characterized by high-stakes decisions, ethical dilemmas, and the immense pressure of aligning his team and maintaining investor relations. He reveals the painstaking process of pivoting a location-based messaging app into a sophisticated location tracking enterprise, and the significant challenges faced during acquisition negotiations — including offers that fell through at the eleventh hour and the ethical stance he took in rejecting dubious deals that sidelined investors.
This episode provides a sobering look into the strategic and emotional complexities of startup life, highlighting the importance of maintaining a moral compass, leveraging mentorship, and the transformative potential of rebranding. Manoj’s story is one of resilience, offering valuable insights on navigating the unpredictable landscape of acquisitions, transparency during due diligence, and fostering investor trust.
Join us for an episode that delves into the profound lessons learned from Manoj’s entrepreneurial journey, the essential role of ethical decision-making, and the critical preparation needed for successful exits. This is The Big Exit Show.
This is what you will hear:
00:00 Excited to discuss Roam AI's beginnings and acquisition.
04:10 Location tracking tech pivoted into GeoSpark platform.
09:52 Launched platform, gained 5,600 signups, proved success.
11:09 Persistence secured investment after regular progress updates.
16:36 Rebranding due to lawsuit improved business perception.
17:20 Increased interest led to partnerships and decisions.
22:24 Wanted proof of funds; they couldn't provide.
23:38 Avoid distractions; maintain balance and focus.
28:32 Walking away was difficult but necessary decision.
30:16 Talk to mentors and walk to de-stress.
34:39 Extensive due diligence required detailed document preparation.
37:45 Echo analytics acquired Roam AI, a startup.
42:11 Deal with Echo almost failed; signed rollercoaster.
44:05 Stay prepared; research companies; highlight synergistic potential.
46:42 Starting company; expanding podcast operations and studio.
Want to know more about Manoj Adithya:
Manoj launched his entrepreneurial journey with the inception of a company originally named Holo. The innovative idea behind Holo was to create a location-based messaging app, allowing users to leave messages for friends and family at specific locations, which would get triggered and notified upon arrival. The concept gained considerable traction, amassing around 20,000 users at its peak. As the company evolved, it was rebranded as Roam AI, showcasing Manoj's knack for adapting and innovating within the tech landscape. His story is one of creative vision and strategic growth, marking him as a notable figure in the entrepreneurial space.
Connect with him on LinkedIn
The Big Exit Show is an initiative by Peak and NP-Hard. Want to know more about Peak and the ventures we back? Check out our website. Want to know more about NP-Hard? Have a look at our website.
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