The concept for a successful company, according to VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Sendwithus co-founder Brad Van Vugt, hasnB次元官网网址檛 changed that much since the 19th century.
You find a need, develop a product to address it and offer it to those who need it most. While in years past that approach may have been applied to building a better mousetrap, todayB次元官网网址檚 most innovative tech companies, such as Sendwithus, are applying the principle to problems most people donB次元官网网址檛 even consider.
Sendwithus tackled email, specifically what happens when a whole lot of emails are sent by giant companies.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e not talking about spam or advertising, these are real business applications. Take airlines as an example. You make a reservation and you get an email with all your travel information. It seems easy enough,B次元官网网址� explained Van Vugt. B次元官网网址淏ut consider that the airline is sending out literally millions of these emails every hour.B次元官网网址�
The same is true of a company like Facebook that responds to lost password requests with an email, generating tens of millions of such emails with an expectation that it happens quickly and accurately.
B次元官网网址淲hen my partner and I were starting out here in Victoria, we started out as programmers for hire, but we saw a need for a certain type of service and software, and found that it didnB次元官网网址檛 exist,B次元官网网址� Van Vugt said. B次元官网网址淪o we created it.B次元官网网址�
As Sendwithus, the pair began marketing their service in 2013. The initial two-man operation has now grown to 28 young tech geniuses working out of their Victoria head office, along with 10 at a branch in San Francisco.
B次元官网网址淚 can see doubling those numbers in the next couple of years and then redoubling it again,B次元官网网址� said Van Vugt.
ItB次元官网网址檚 all part of a reinvigorated tech industry in Victoria that Van Vugt says has spawned about 15 or 20 very innovative start-up type companies, each doing what he calls very exciting work.
B次元官网网址淚 really want to be part of redefining why talented tech staff come to Victoria. In the past we marketed ourselves on the basis of quality of life; things like the food scene. But I want to change that. When we recruit talent, we sell the fact that itB次元官网网址檚 an exciting tech hub. We donB次元官网网址檛 want you to come for the food, but for the opportunities and the work.B次元官网网址�
The company has recently moved into a new space at 737 Fort St. in the historic British American Trust Building. The structure has been totally renovated, although the old bank vault remains, as do the more decorative architectural features. A second floor has been added and an entertainment space incorporated on the main floor.
B次元官网网址淭hese are exciting times for the tech industry in Victoria and all around the world,B次元官网网址� Van Vugt says. B次元官网网址淏ut sometimes the most challenging part of the industry is to work with clients to refine what it is they think they want, and reconcile that with what they really need.B次元官网网址�
ItB次元官网网址檚 a challenge he says heB次元官网网址檚 more than willing to face and overcome.
