From product to entrepreneurship: My journey with co-founding Rove

In March, I found myself standing at an unexpected crossroads. I left my job - not by choice, but that’s a tale for another time. The abrupt change left me feeling confused and scared, riddled with doubts about my own capabilities. Up to that point, my career had been a series of successes - a mix of hard work and a fair bit of luck. This unforeseen twist turned my world upside down.

For the first time in a long while, I felt adrift. Questions swirled in my mind: Should I look for another job? Was I even good enough? Would anyone want to work with me? Or perhaps this was the moment to consider part-time or fractional work. Then, a lingering thought surfaced—what about starting my own business?

Just when I least expected it, a door opened. The founder of my previous company was starting something new and asked if I’d like to get involved. It was a humbling reminder that you never know when your hard work and the relationships you’ve built will come back to support you. It felt like a lifeline, and I grabbed it with both hands. 

I’d always harboured the dream of running my own company. For years, I’d told anyone who would listen that all I needed was “the idea”. Funny how life teaches you lessons in the most unexpected ways. Rove, the start-up I’m now a part of, isn’t even my idea!

But the decision to get involved wasn’t without its challenges. People often say, “you have nothing to lose!” when considering a bold move like starting a business. Yet, as you get older, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I have a family, a mortgage, bills - real responsibilities that can’t be brushed aside. I couldn’t just “risk it all” when “it all” includes the well-being of those I love. 

Starting a business straight out of university might come with fewer strings attached, but it also comes with less experience. Now, despite the higher stakes, I have accumulated knowledge that can pave the way to success. It’s a double-edged sword—the risks are greater, but so are the tools at my disposal.

Then there was the nagging concern about my “reputation”, if I even had one to begin with! How would it look if, after years of proclaiming my desire to start a business, I ended up failing? The statistics aren’t exactly comforting; most start-ups don’t make it. But then I had a realisation. If I found myself in a future job interview explaining a failed start-up, would that really be so bad? In reality, it’s valuable experience—a testament to learning and resilience. I had to let go of that fear of failure.

The business we’ve started is Rove; a B2B SaaS business that helps consumer brands scale their products internationally by connecting them to retailers and distributors. We’ve got great traction early on, landed investment, and everything is (thankfully) moving in the right direction. 

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned so far is the immense value of having co-founders. Although I initially wanted to “do my own thing,” joining forces with others has been a game-changer. Starting a business that wasn’t solely my idea and becoming one of three co-founders has been incredibly rewarding.

Let me tell you about my co-founders. One of them is a master of relationships. Whenever he speaks to someone, he listens intently, making them feel genuinely heard. He remembers the little details, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he meets. With his impressive international work experience, his contact list is a treasure trove of connections eager to support him. It’s like having a cheat code for our business, and he’s leading our sales with unparalleled finesse.

Our other co-founder is a seasoned entrepreneur, a visionary who has built multiple successful businesses. His incredible foresight keeps us grounded and focused. He knows precisely what needs to be done and when, steering us through the complexities of starting up. He’s another cheat code in our arsenal.

As for me, I’ve realised that my strengths lie in areas they might not cover, and vice versa. Together, we form a well-rounded team, each bringing something unique to the table. It’s a humbling experience to work alongside such talented individuals, and it reinforces that idea that a journey is so much richer when shared. 

This brings me to a thought that’s been percolating in my mind: product managers are uniquely positioned to start businesses. Our roles require us to be generalists in a world full of specialists. We’re the glue that holds teams together, providing direction while juggling various tasks. In a start-up, this ability to wear multiple hats is invaluable. Yes, context switching is hard, but as product folks, we’re adept at navigating between different domains. 

Reflecting on this journey so far, I recognise how much I’ve grown. Stepping into entrepreneurship has been challenging, and there are days when doubts resurface. But being part of a team that complements each other’s strengths and weaknesses makes all the difference. It’s taught me that I don’t have to have all the answers or do everything on my own.

So, to my fellow product managers contemplating that leap of faith, I say this: Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect moment. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Embrace the uncertainty as part of the adventure. Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey and the people you share it with.

Starting Rove has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s tested me in ways I couldn’t have imagined and taught me lessons I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I’m not perfect, and this path is far from easy, but every step is a step forward.