What’s your elevator pitch?
Emojitones is the world’s first sound based messenger. The usual social cues from face-to-face interaction are absent or misconstrued in text-based communication.
How long have you been in business?
In general, ten years. However, we raised €500k seed capital for Emojitones Messenger towards the end of 2015. The iOS and Android apps are now available in the app stores.
What did you want to be ‘when you grew up’?
A stockbroker. I then read a book while studying my masters in finance at Smurfit Business School that changed my outlook. After qualifying as an accountant, I immediately left the workplace to start my own business.
What’s your ambition now?
For Emojitones Messenger I want, in the short term, to build a highly ambitious team focused on taking the product to a global user base.
What’s the most important thing you have learned so far in business?
Start and never give up.
What has your biggest ‘mistake’ been, in business so far?
Overworking – sometimes it’s good to take a step back and try to view your activities from an outsider’s perspective. You can get stuck “in” the business on occasion.
“The risk, effort and time entrepreneurs put into growing their businesses, in most cases come with too little reward all things considered, mainly because of the tax system.”
Who inspires you in the business world?
Elon Musk, he has incredible drive.
What historical figure would you choose to have dinner with?
A round table dinner with the men that built America – John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and JP Morgan.
If you were ‘ruler for a day’ what would you do to change the business or social climate in this country?
It’s hard to say without studying the potential effects of any change. I do think entrepreneurs are the bread and butter of the economy. However, the risk, effort and time entrepreneurs put into growing their businesses, in most cases comes with too little reward all things considered, mainly because of the tax system.
Did you receive any supports to start your business and what do you need most at this stage of your business?
No, to date we have raised seed capital from private investors. At this juncture, we mainly require funding.
