Dwell: Building a Creative Community for Design Professionals
Company profile
Company business details
Problem that their product solves
Dwell solves the problem of isolation among design professionals by providing a platform for sharing ideas and showcasing work. The end users are architects, designers, and design enthusiasts who benefit from collaboration and community engagement in the design process.Their unfair advantage
Dwell's focus on quality and creativity sets it apart from other design platforms, fostering a unique community of professionals and enthusiasts.Strategies
Idea Validation Stage
Talking About Ideas to Find Co-Founders
Zack Kline advises aspiring entrepreneurs to share their ideas with as many people as possible to attract potential co-founders who share a passion for the same challenges. He believes that the unique scaffolding around an idea is what makes it valuable, and through open discussions, one can find collaborators who bring complementary skills to the table.
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Emphasizing Passion Over Business Strategy
In the early days of Vimeo, Zack and his co-founders focused on creating a platform that they personally wanted to use rather than pursuing a traditional business strategy. They were driven by their passion for quality and creativity, which led them to carve out a niche in the video market that emphasized personality and artistic expression. This approach allowed them to build a loyal user base and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Creating Opportunities in Overlooked Areas
Anjali learned the importance of identifying and pursuing opportunities that others might overlook. As a CEO, she encouraged her team to think outside their designated roles and contribute ideas that could help grow the business. By fostering a culture of innovation and open communication, she aimed to empower employees to take initiative and explore new avenues for Vimeo's development, ensuring that the company remains competitive and forward-thinking.
User-Centric Skill Selection
Before launching DIY, Zach and his team initially planned around 120 skills they thought would be important for kids. However, they quickly realized that adults often misjudge what skills kids would find valuable. To address this, they pivoted to take cues directly from their members, leading to the introduction of skills like 'Minecrafter' and 'Makeup Artist' based on user interest. This user-centric approach ensured that the platform remained relevant and engaging for its audience.
Launch Stage
Building a Company You Wouldn't Sell
Zack Kline emphasizes the importance of creating a company that employees love and that provides meaningful work. He believes that the pinnacle of success is not selling a company but rather building a sustainable business that fosters passion and creativity among its employees. This philosophy was shared during his talk at the Do Lectures in 2013, where he reflected on his experience selling Vimeo and how it led him to value the intangibles of job satisfaction and creative collaboration over financial gain.
Learn more about Dwell
Giants: Zach Klein on Building the Company You Wouldn't Sell
Meet The 37-Year-Old CEO Who Turned Vimeo Into A Billion-Dollar Company | Forbes
