Streamlining Admin Panels: The Forest Admin Journey to Simplifying Developer Workflows
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the challenges developers face when building admin interfaces, particularly the complexities and time-consuming nature of traditional solutions. They aimed to create a product that simplifies this process and enhances developer productivity.Problem that their product solves
Forest Admin solves the problem of creating and managing admin panels for applications, which is often a complex and time-consuming task for developers. The end users are developers and operational teams who need a flexible and efficient way to manage data and workflows, making it important for them to have a solution that reduces overhead and enhances productivity.Their unfair advantage
Forest Admin's unfair advantage lies in its customizable and tech-agnostic solution that integrates easily with various databases, allowing for quick setup and flexibility compared to traditional admin panel solutions.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Freemium Model Transition
In late 2016, the team at Forest Admin made a strategic decision to switch to a freemium model. This involved canceling their monthly recurring revenue (MRR) to focus on improving developer adoption. They believed that by offering a free version of their product, they could attract more users and gather valuable feedback to enhance their offering. This decision was documented in their 'No Pricing Manifesto' article, which outlined their philosophy of learning with users rather than charging them upfront. This shift was crucial in aligning their product with the needs of high-growth companies.
Customer Discovery Calls
Sandro Munda, the founder of Forest Admin, conducted customer discovery calls to identify the need for an admin panel among potential users. During these calls, he asked questions like 'do you need an admin panel?' which helped him understand the pain points of developers. This direct engagement with potential customers allowed him to validate the product idea and shape the development of a tech-agnostic admin panel that would be quick to set up and flexible.
MVP Development with eFounders
After identifying the product opportunity, Sandro partnered with eFounders to develop the MVP of Forest Admin. They tested the product at Fotolia, which provided real-world feedback and validation of the concept. This collaboration not only helped in refining the product but also in securing initial support and resources for the launch.
Launch Stage
Building Relationships with VCs
During their time in San Francisco, the Forest Admin team focused on building strong relationships with venture capitalists (VCs). They engaged in transparent discussions about their vision and strategy, which helped them gain the trust and support of potential investors. This groundwork paid off when they needed to raise funds; within a week, they secured a 300k€ SAFE to execute their plan. This proactive approach to investor relations was pivotal in their ability to pivot and adapt their business model.
Full Production Reboot During Onboarding
During the onboarding of the first user, Sandro faced a critical situation where the app crashed because it was hardcoded for a single user. He had to perform a full production reboot in front of the user, which was a stressful moment but also a learning experience. This incident highlighted the importance of robust testing and user experience during the launch phase.
Learn more about Forest Admin
How we won our bet and raised $3M
