Onboardbase: Revolutionizing Secure Configuration Management for Development Teams
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need to improve the security of sensitive information sharing within development teams. They recognized that many teams were using insecure methods to share credentials and configurations, which posed significant risks.Problem that their product solves
Onboardbase solves the problem of insecure sharing of sensitive information, such as app configurations and secret credentials, among development teams. The end users are development teams who need to manage sensitive information securely while maintaining productivity. Solving this problem is crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with security standards.Their unfair advantage
Onboardbase's unfair advantage lies in its focus on security and seamless integration with existing workflows, allowing teams to manage secrets without compromising on speed or efficiency.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Customer-Centric Product Development
Dante Lex, the founder of Onboardbase, emphasized the importance of speaking with customers and using his own product during the development phase. He actively engaged with potential users to identify their pain points, which led to the pivot from his previous startup, Bellissimo, to Onboardbase. This approach ensured that the product was built around real user needs rather than assumptions, allowing for a more targeted and effective solution. By prioritizing customer feedback, he aimed to create a product that truly addressed the challenges faced by teams in managing environment-specific configurations.
Pivoting to a Developer-Focused Solution
Dante Lex, the founder of Onboardbase, initially worked on a SaaS management solution called Billisimo, which aimed to help SMBs and startups save costs. However, after realizing that their target audience was not willing to pay for such a solution, they pivoted to focus on a developer-specific security product. This pivot was informed by the discovery of a personal problem Dante faced at his job, where sharing sensitive information over insecure channels was common. They decided to build a tool that securely managed secret credentials for development teams, addressing a significant pain point in the market.
Launch Stage
Utilizing Accelerator Programs
Dante participated in the OnDeck accelerator program, which provided him with a supportive community and valuable resources. This experience not only helped him refine his business model but also connected him with other founders and potential investors. The collaborative environment allowed for peer feedback and encouragement, which was crucial during the launch phase of Onboardbase. The connections made during OnDeck proved beneficial for fundraising and gaining insights into best practices for startup growth.
Building a Security-Focused Product
After pivoting, Onboardbase began developing a tool that would serve as a central security system for development teams. They started writing code in December 2021 and quickly began testing with real customers. The product was designed to be easy to use and collaborative, addressing the shortcomings of existing solutions like HashiCorp Vault. They aimed to create a product that developers could adopt without extensive setup time, thus making security more accessible.
Growth Stage
Building a Strong Investor Relationship
Dante maintained close communication with his investors, treating them as friends rather than just financial backers. He utilized platforms like WhatsApp to discuss challenges and brainstorm solutions, which fostered a collaborative atmosphere. This strategy not only provided him with actionable feedback but also helped in making informed decisions about the direction of Onboardbase. By leveraging the expertise of his investors, he was able to navigate the growth stage more effectively.
Learn more about Onboardbase
Episode 5: Dante Lex
