From Idea to Marketplace: How 99designs Revolutionized Graphic Design with Founders Matt Mickiewicz and Patrick Llewellyn.
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need for a better way to connect businesses with talented designers. They recognized that many businesses struggled to find quality design services and saw an opportunity to create a platform that would facilitate this connection.Problem that their product solves
99designs solves the problem of finding high-quality design work for businesses. The end users are companies looking for design services, such as logos and websites. Solving this problem is important for them as it allows them to access a wide range of design options and ensures they receive quality work that meets their needs.Their unfair advantage
99designs' unfair advantage lies in its large community of designers and the unique contest model that fosters competition and creativity, providing clients with multiple design options.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Utilizing 99designs for Branding
Derrick Anderson leveraged 99designs to create a unique logo for Startup Grind. He was recommended to use the platform by a friend, which allowed him to receive multiple design submissions from various designers. This not only provided him with a professional logo but also showcased the effectiveness of 99designs as a valuable resource for startups looking to establish their brand identity.
Community-Driven Idea Validation
The founders of 99designs discovered the initial idea for their marketplace through the SitePoint forums, where designers engaged in competitions to showcase their skills. They observed this trend and decided to spin off the design contest concept into a separate section of the site. By charging a nominal fee of $20 to post a project, they validated the market demand, as users were willing to pay for the service, indicating a viable business model.
Market Research and Validation
Before launching Hired.com, Matt Mickiewicz engaged in extensive market research to understand the hiring challenges faced by companies and candidates. He attended a marketplace panel sponsored by Crosslink Capital, where he discussed the hiring difficulties he experienced at 99designs. This led to conversations with potential co-founders about creating a solution to the hiring problem, ultimately validating the need for a curated marketplace for talent.
Launch Stage
Opening US Office
In 2009, Patrick Llewellyn joined 99designs with the specific goal of establishing the company's presence in the United States. He moved from Australia to the US, where he opened an office in San Francisco. This strategic move was aimed at tapping into the large US market, which was already a significant source of customers for 99designs, as 88% of their clientele were based in the US. Patrick's efforts included scouting locations for the office and quickly integrating into the local startup ecosystem, which allowed 99designs to leverage the venture capital community and grow its customer base effectively.
Community Building Events
Derrick Anderson, the founder of Startup Grind, initiated monthly community events to connect entrepreneurs. Starting with just a few attendees, these events grew to over 200 participants, fostering a supportive environment for startups. This grassroots approach helped create a network of entrepreneurs who could share experiences and resources, ultimately leading to the establishment of Startup Grind chapters worldwide.
Learn more about 99designs
Planning for success - Patrick Llewellyn (CEO - 99Designs) | Startup Playbook Ep085
Patrick Llewellyn (99Designs) at Startup Grind Melbourne
How 99designs Built A $5+ Million Marketplace In 16 Months. - With Matt Mickiewicz - Business Podcast for Startups
