My Antler Cohort Experience as Founder in Residence
# My Antler Cohort Experience: An Expedition of Learning and Adaptation
From SLC, Utah to Boulder, Utah**
Dear Antler Community,
My journey began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to delve into the realms of edge computing and federated AI learning. The seeds of this expedition were sown four weeks prior to the program’s commencement. Armed with a Raspberry Pi and Linux, I embarked on a path of technological exploration.
**Initial Pitches and the Art of Persistence**
In the nascent stages, my idea was a raw, unpolished gem. I pitched it to Ryan Winkle and Patrick Riel, but it didn’t resonate with them. This initial setback, however, only fueled my determination. My mantra, “I want to pitch and get the funding,” became the driving force behind my relentless pursuit.
**The Power of Collaboration in Pods**
The first week at Antler introduced me to the dynamic pods of 7–8 people, a melting pot of ideas and experiences. Our discussions revolved around successes and failures, creating an environment ripe for growth and learning. However, it wasn’t without its challenges. One member, particularly critical of others’ ideas, presented a unique obstacle, testing our patience and collaborative spirit.
**A Pivot to Education Tech**
A turning point came during a design sprint where we were tasked with identifying a billion-dollar problem. The education space, brought up by my team, instantly caught my attention, leading me to pivot towards an Education Tech idea.
**Customer Discovery: A Challenging Endeavor**
My mentor, Fraser, emphasized the importance of engaging with potential customers. Reaching out to teachers proved to be a Herculean task, laden with bureaucratic hurdles from school districts and educational groups. This phase was a stark reminder of the complexities involved in customer discovery.
**Co-founder Dynamics and Resilience**
The journey took an unexpected turn when my co-founder, Peikang Hu, decided to part ways to collaborate with Fraser McKay. This was a setback, but also an opportunity for self-reflection and resilience. I joined forces with Shashank, whose project was struggling to gain traction. This collaboration not only helped him but also allowed me to leverage my network, finding a perfect Founder-Market fit.
Get Sanjay Bhatia’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
**Navigating Co-founder Relationships**
Despite the offer of a 50% equity share, the dynamics with my new co-founder were not without friction. His desire to lead as both CEO and CTO, relegating me to a mere sales role, led to differences. While we remain friends, I am currently contemplating the future of this partnership.
**Reflection and Moving Forward**
Ultimately, I chose not to pitch currently and to return to my current job, focusing on my next steps. This journey, though not without its ups and downs, was a success. I gained invaluable experiences:
- Collaboration with two amazing co-founders.
- Validation and pivot based on co-founder feedback.
- Development of sales skills.
- The importance of relationships and Founder-Market Fit.
- The effectiveness of the ‘Mom test’.
**Looking Ahead: The Next 6 Months**
My future plans are shaped by these experiences:
- Developing conviction based on validation and feedback.
- Exploring the IIoT domain with a new co-founder.
- Focusing on pitching based on traction.
- Joining another accelerator.
- Prioritizing customer-centric approaches in my upcoming job.
**A Heartfelt Conclusion**
The investors appreciated my attitude, and my impact was evident during the last town hall meeting, where Peikang Hu’s speech about our journey moved many to tears. I am grateful for this experience and the connections made, particularly with Peikang.
To my fellow BCO4 members, your dedication and energy have made this one of my most memorable experiences. Our collective journey, from customer interactions to developing MVPs, has been a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
**BCO4ever**,
The Antler BCO Baddies
— -
*This post reflects my journey and learnings from the Antler Cohort Experience, a narrative of growth, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.*
