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Maarten Jansen
Engineering your startup success at Dashdot | Test-driven privacy for websites and apps at Webclew
Maarten Jansen is a startup mentor at imec.istart, an initiative focused on supporting tech startups in Belgium. He has a background in technology and entrepreneurship, which positions him well to guide emerging businesses in their development and growth.
In addition to his role at imec.istart, Jansen is associated with Dashdot and has been involved in various projects that emphasize engineering digital products and innovation within the startup ecosystem. His expertise includes entrepreneurship, digital products, and technology-driven business solutions, making him a valuable asset for startups looking to navigate the complexities of launching and scaling their ventures.
Jansen's professional presence can be found on LinkedIn, where he shares insights related to entrepreneurship and startups, further showcasing his commitment to fostering innovation in the tech industry .1
Highlights
No-code vs. custom code: How should I approach my MVP?
Choosing between no-code and custom code can be tough. ⚖️
As the founder of a digital product studio that focuses on custom-built products, it’s a question I hear often.
But no, custom code is not always the answer 😉
Here are some key points to consider:
No-code 🏃➡️
- Speed: Quick to develop and launch.
- Cost: Often more affordable, sometimes even free.
- User-Friendly: Great for those with little to no coding experience.
- Limitations: Struggles with complex problems and scalability.
Custom code 🧑🏻💻
- Flexibility: Highly customizable to meet specific needs.
- Scalability: Better suited for handling large volumes and complex tasks.
- Cost: Higher investment needed for developers.
- Time: Longer development time.
In a nutshell 🥥
- No-code: Ideal for barebones MVPs and simple projects. Fast, cost-effective, and user-friendly.
- Custom code: Best for complex, scalable solutions. Requires more time and investment but offers greater flexibility in the long run.
If you need to go to market quickly, no-code is a fast, affordable choice for early validation. However, as your product scales, you may outgrow no-code and need custom development to handle complexity and growth. Though this will increase costs, starting with no-code can allow for cost-effective validation before a bigger investment.
I wrote a blog for Dashdot on how to start with your MVP, have a read:
How Tesla mastered the shift from innovators to early adopters.
Tesla's journey from niche to mainstream is a masterclass in market strategy. 📈
Here's how they travelled through the adoption curve:
🔹 The Roadster: Appeal to the innovators Tesla launched the Roadster, a high-priced, limited-range car. It wasn’t perfect, but it attracted those innovators willing to invest in cutting-edge tech.
🔹 The Model S: Early adoption begins Next came the Model S. It offered more luxury and a lot more range. This appealed to early adopters, even though the infrastructure wasn’t quite there yet.
🔹 The Model 3: Crossing the Chasm The Model 3 marked Tesla's first shift to the early majority. It was more affordable and aimed at a broader audience. This step was crucial and challenging, but it set the stage for mass adoption.
🔹 The Model Y: Mass Market Success This one solidified Tesla's position. It became one of the best-selling electric cars, proving that Tesla could appeal to the mainstream market.
Key takeaway? Focus on your initial niche market, validate your product, and then scale strategically.
What's your go-to example on how to cross the chasm into mainstream adoption? #Innovation #Startups #AdoptionCurve
