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Robotic Delivery, Co-Founder Dynamics, & Seeking Feedback | Ben James and Dylan Mankey - E22

Published on: 12th June, 2024

Ben James and Dylan Mankey from Tubular Networks discuss their journey from their initial meeting at HomeAway to co-founding Tubular Networks. Ben shares his extensive background in product management, having worked at companies such as National Instruments, VRBO, and Magic Leap, while Dylan talks about his engineering leadership roles with experience at companies like Expedia, HomeAway, and MapMyFitness. The conversation delves into how they decided to partner up, overcoming co-founder conflicts, and the importance of the right dynamics in a startup. Ben and Dylan share insights on building a prototype, gaining their first customer, and validating their idea. They describe Tubular Networks' mission to decarbonize the transportation of goods through a city-scale infrastructure of robotic delivery systems. They also discuss the challenges of hardware startups, the importance of failing fast and learning quickly, and the support systems that have helped them, including the significant influence and advice from their spouses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ways to demonstrate VR concepts before creation to impress first customers
  • Negative impact on health from working excessively and relentlessly pursuing opportunities
  • Challenges with pitching solutions to unacknowledged problems
  • Overcoming legal obstacles in the hardware business
  • Balancing opportunities with big companies and focusing on smaller contracts for stability
  • Intentionally choosing a team that’s comfortable learning new skills and making decisions
  • Advantages of using off-the-shelf components for prototyping to reduce the cost of learning
  • Emphasis on the importance of viewing failures as opportunities to gather fresh insights
  • Importance of balancing carbon footprint considerations with scalability and societal impact
  • Promoting a culture of respect at all decision-making levels for strong founder dynamics
  • Recognizing the importance of humility and clear feedback to build a strong team
  • Boldness to seek input from various trusted sources at critical stages of growth

Key Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Introduction
  • (06:27) The Vision and Mission of Tubular Networks: Revolutionizing Delivery
  • (07:40) Validating the Vision: From Prototype to First Customer
  • (20:37) Navigating the Startup Journey: Challenges, High Points, and Learning
  • (25:57) The Art of Building a Hardware-Software Startup
  • (30:25) Innovative Cost-Saving Measures and the Spirit of Jugaad
  • (32:32) Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
  • (34:53) Long-Term Vision for a Sustainable Future
  • (38:39) Navigating the Challenges of Decarbonization
  • (45:05) Co-Founder Dynamics and Decision-Making
  • (48:46) Leveraging Technology and Advisor Insights
  • (52:25) Support Systems and Advice for Entrepreneurs


Key Topics Discussed:

Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Untold Stories, robotic delivery, tubular networks, Letter of Intent (LOI), decarbonization, carbon footprint, prototyping, Robot Operating System (ROS), Co-Founder dynamics


Mentions:

Website: https://www.tubular.network/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-p-james/

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-mankey/

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About the Podcast

Funds and Founders: Untold Journeys Behind Their Breakthroughs
Welcome to "Funds & Founders: Untold Journeys Behind Their Breakthroughs," where we dig deep into the stories of successful Austin founders. Instead of focusing on their successes though, we dive into their journeys, particularly the struggles and obstacles they had to overcome.

This weekly podcast is tailored for Austin founders navigating the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey and hosted by fellow Austinite Abhinav Sinha. Here’s what to expect by tuning into Funds & Founders:

🚀 Embark on a Journey to Success
Join Abhinav as he takes you behind the scenes, exploring the highs and lows of building a company. This isn't your typical success story – we dive into the failures, the struggles, and those pivotal breakthrough moments that define a founder's path.

🌟 Real Conversations, Real Insights
Abhinav's approach is refreshingly different. Rather than dwelling on success, he crafts casual conversations that unravel the untold stories. Identify the setbacks that helped them grow, the lessons learned from failures, and the breakthrough moments that fueled these founders.

🤔 Why Didn't They Quit? Learn and Apply.
At the heart of each episode, Abhinav delves into the 'why' behind the perseverance. Why didn't they throw in the towel during tough times? And, most importantly, how can you apply their insights to your own journey? Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical takeaways for your entrepreneurial adventure.

🤝 Decoding Venture Capital
Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of Austin's venture capitalists? Abhinav sits down with local VCs to decode their criteria for investing in early-stage companies. Gain valuable insights into the world of venture capital, understand what investors look for, and appreciate the vital factor of founder-investor compatibility.

🎙️ Meet Your Host, Abhinav Sinha:
Abhinav's soft-spoken yet inquisitive style creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to share their authentic stories. His genuine curiosity and insightful questions make each episode a captivating journey into the minds of Austin's most successful founders.

If you're a budding Austin entrepreneur seeking the inspiration and insight needed for building a successful company, "Funds & Founders" is your go-to podcast.