Connecting all the dots

At Builders Studio, we've shared many stories about our processes, but today, let's dive into the building blocks that make our studio thrive. It's not just about the ride; it's about a once-in-a-lifetime journey where success hinges on how well we connect all the dots—or pivot when needed.

Lessons learned: The value of the right partnerships

Reflecting on our journey, I can share a wealth of lessons learned. One crucial takeaway stands out: "Never partner with someone solely based on potential growth." In a fast-paced startup studio, you can't assume someone will grow into their role quickly enough. This approach not only incurs financial costs but wastes valuable time and may lead to suboptimal outcomes.

We've learned this the hard way, multiple times. The studio journey isn't a solo adventure. Empowering entrepreneurs and growing multiple ventures simultaneously requires teamwork. It's not just about capacity—it's also about perspective. You need diverse viewpoints to fully understand where both the studio and its ventures are heading.

Building from scratch: Learning from the best

From day one, starting from scratch, we faced myriad challenges. Not only were we building ventures, but we were also constructing the foundation of our studio. During those early days, resources were scarce. There were perhaps a handful of books and some research available, but nothing that could serve as a definitive guide. We traveled globally, meeting with studio leaders from organizations like Hexa , Idealab , and Pioneer Square Labs, gathering invaluable insights. These leaders shared war stories and experiences that continue to inspire me today. A common thread among successful studios emerged: perseverance, initial success, and great partners. Their stories highlighted the importance of resilience, the value of early wins, and the critical role of strong partnerships in scaling ventures effectively. This combination of factors has been pivotal in shaping our approach and driving our success.

The role of great partners in scaling

Speaking of partners, what makes a great one, and why are they so crucial? We believe in complementary strengths and the power of focus. While we're all hands-on, working alongside our co-founders to bring ventures to market, true greatness and scalability come from knowing how to achieve success. In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, no one can be an expert in every necessary building block. A great partner recognizes their niche and excels in it.

Finding the right fit

Identifying your niche doesn't mean narrowing your focus too much. While we're all generalists with broad knowledge, we each excel in one particular area. This approach helps us maintain a comprehensive understanding of the business while developing deep expertise in specific domains. Finding the right partner isn't about offloading work you dislike. It's about finding someone who complements your skills and can accelerate growth in areas where you're already comfortable. This synergy allows you to explore new challenges and chart the path to success more effectively.

The ideal partner brings unique skills and perspectives that enhance your strengths. They should take on responsibilities that match their expertise, freeing you to focus on areas where you add the most value. For example, Jelmer Peerbolte joined us officially in July this year as Co-owner and Managing Director. While I excel in operations, strategy and talent and Michael van Lier's expertise lies in product development, fundraising and partnerships, Jelmer's strong skills in venture building, founder coaching & playbooks help us bring our innovations to market more effectively. Beyond skills, it's crucial to find a partner whose values, work ethic, and vision align with yours, ensuring true collaboration towards a shared goal.

A great partnership is about mutual growth and support. It creates an environment where both parties can thrive, learn from each other, and push the boundaries of what's possible in your venture studio.

Looking forward: Building a platform for the future

We’re thrilled to have found our next partner, someone ready to take the reins of our venture-building efforts. I’m confident we will accelerate our growth and achieve new heights. As we continue to build the platform to empower entrepreneurs, we remain committed to transforming the daily grind into joy for millions.

Stay tuned, as we’re not just building the next studio or exploring another vertical; we're accelerating towards a future filled with potential and innovation. Let's talk soon.