In recent years, the startup ecosystem has captivated professionals from various industries, drawing them away from the comfort and stability of established corporations. The allure lies in the promise of innovation, the thrill of building something new, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact or disrupt the norm, they say.

This was precisely what drove me to join Hackuity, a burgeoning player in the cybersecurity space, after spending decades in large corporations like NCS, Singtel, Fortinet, and Thales.

Taking the leap: Motivation and background

Crossing into my mid-40s, I realised that if I ever wanted to experience the dynamic world of startups, the time was now. I had heard countless stories about the challenges and rewards of startup life, but I needed to experience it firsthand.

The desire to break free from the structured environment of big corporations and the urge to test my mettle in a more fluid and flexible setting were compelling reasons. Joining Hackuity allowed me to transition from a structured environment to a fluid greenfield with a fresh perspective.

Embracing flexibility and facing challenges

One of the most striking aspects of working in a startup is that you won’t always have resources at your beck and call. For example, I now have to plan our marketing efforts with a cost-conscious mindset as compared to previous jobs to ensure every investment we make has a business impact.

Also Read: Women and AI: How startups can prevent gender bias and promote responsible use of the tech

I have to read through legal documents when engaging with potential customers. Yes, we do have some flexibility in our working operations. However, this flexibility comes with its own set of challenges. The absence of a fixed structure meant that mistakes were inevitable, but each mistake was a learning opportunity to refine our operational process.

Additionally, without customer references in this region, every sales call was an uphill battle compared to my previous roles.

One great perk was that, being headquartered in France, Hackuity fully embraced the French work culture, valuing rest and respecting vacations and weekends. This approach not only fostered a healthy work-life balance but also instilled a sense of trust and autonomy among team members. Yet, when an urgent need arises, everyone still has their hands on the deck.

A day in the life: Responsibilities and roles

Running the Singapore operations meant heading up business development, expanding channel partners, and managing accounts. My primary focus was building new sales pipelines, developing channel partners to sell our SaaS platform, and driving business growth in APJ. This multifaceted role required a blend of strategic planning, relationship building, and hands-on execution.

Learning and growing: Key takeaways

Nearly two years into my journey with Hackuity, I have gained invaluable insights. Working in a startup means wearing multiple hats and being prepared to pivot as needed. I have learned the importance of asking for help from industry peers and accepting that making mistakes is part of the growth process.

Adapting our pitch and positioning to meet diverse customer challenges has been crucial, and practising active listening has proven to be the best way to engage potential clients. Maintaining transparency and effective communication with both teammates and headquarters in a different time zone has been vital in navigating the complexities of startup life.

Team dynamics and culture

Our APJ team, though small, is inclusive and collaborative. We share our workload and support one another while maintaining strong relationships with our colleagues at headquarters back in France through regular Slack communication and monthly meetings.

Also Read: How to build deep tech startups across borders

This close-knit environment has fostered a culture where we work hard and play hard. Organising social activities like eat-out sessions and KTV singing outings helps us relax and bond outside the pressures of work.

Advice for aspiring startup professionals

For anyone considering a startup, it’s essential to weigh the financial risks. Startups are inherently challenging, with the initial phase often requiring immense effort to build branding and credibility. The first ten accounts or opportunities in each region are critical and will take time to develop.

Patience is key. Leveraging your network to open doors is crucial, and maintaining good business relationships over the years can provide invaluable support. Ultimately, success in a startup depends on your dedication, adaptability, and willingness to learn and grow.

Conclusion: The future of startups

The startup ecosystem continues to thrive, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation and personal growth. My journey with Hackuity has been a testament to the transformative power of startups. For those willing to embrace the challenges, the rewards are immense, both professionally and personally. As the startup landscape evolves, I remain optimistic about the future and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

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