Learn more about the startups coworking in our London office in our Startup Spotlight. Each month we are giving you insight into the Startups based in the Rainmaking Loft. This month we are thrilled to introduce you to DiscMuseum.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10 000 ways that won’t work”. Thomas Edison
If I were to tell you that the song “All By Myself” is a copy/paste taken from Rachmaninov’s 2nd Concerto, wouldn’t you want to listen to the original? At DiscMuseum, we give people the opportunity to learn, listen, discover, love and share beautiful music, no matter your taste or your background. Bring something beautiful, and meaningful, to your everyday life!
How did the idea of DiscMuseum come about?
Why art? I think there is a need for people to experience and feel strong emotions. Art in general, and classical music in particular, can give you this comprehensive experience as it reaches every part of you : it moves your body, touches your heart, and talks to your brain.
Why digital art? Smartphone’s and the internet and are an incredible opportunity to bring something beautiful and meaningful to one’s life with ease. Today, the best art and inspiration can be your everyday companion.
Why do I dedicate my life to this idea? Today, we all need a compass. Art, and what it has accomplished through history, can be a very useful and powerful one.
What attracted you to become an entrepreneur?
Framing a new business model, opening new doors, finding a way to say yes when everybody says no, working in a creative environment, being responsible for my achievements and my failures. That’s what made me jump on the top spot. Today, the business improves everyday with the help of those who joined me, and making it a collective success is what drives me. Art is a perfect example of how to bring the best out of yourself and how hard work and a collective effort can bring amazing results, no matter one’s background.
What are the biggest struggles in your startup journey you have encountered so far?
Client acquisition of course!
I will also say it is important not only to question your thoughts and decisions, but to do so in an objective way so that you can find the solution.
To create the right environment to help you resolve issues at a specific point in time (consultants, web agencies, etc…) requires you to be very clear about addressing your problems, your objectives, etc.. This is much easier said than done.
Finally, keeping my ‘to do list’ prioritised! It’s great to have the head in the stars and the feet deep rooted in the ground, to quote Roosevelt, but it’s hard sometimes not to overstretch…
DiscMuseum is a family run business, would you recommend that model to other entrepreneurs?
If you get along with your family (business wise I mean, personal and business issues are very different), and if your cash needs can be met, then it is a fantastic opportunity. It saves precious time, raising funds is draining, and you can still get the brain juice from very smart people as advisors.
But if you don’t get along or you are scared that with time relationships might worsen, then I recommend recruiting some business angels. We have three on board, and it provides a good balance.
Your target market wouldn’t be described as ‘digital natives’, how does that impact the product’s development?
It framed the entire user experience. And it makes testing extremely tricky.
What are your favourite pieces to work to?
I find it hard to work and listen at the same time. Both need a lot of focus. On the other hand, I use music to prepare myself for tasks.
You can try our customised playlist system according to your needs by sending me an email at [email protected]. Here is a sample:
- To calm down after an intense day at work, or spending a nice evening with those close to me, I listen to late and joyful works, like Gershwin’s musicals, or Waldteufel’s valses
- To get some inspiration or gather momentum before an important meeting, I like things such as Beethoven’s 7th, or his Triple Concerto, I also like the 1812 Ouverture by Tchaikovsky. As a Frenchman, hearing the Marseillaise getting smashed is kind of an experience…
- To prepare myself before writing, I need a good injection of emotions. I fell in love again recently with Introduction and Rondo capricioso by Saint-Saëns
- And when I need a bit of beauty in my life, I listen to the Miserere of Allegri. It is definitely sad, but the voices of the children from King’s college choir in Cambridge would move any human being on earth, I can bet that !
- And if you have some time ahead of you, I recommend listening to Grofe’s Mississipi suite. Read the song titles and listen carefully to the music, you’ll get the story, an entire journey throughout the USA.
You have chosen the Rainmaking Loft after being based in other co-working spaces. What do you think makes this a great place to work for an early stage company?
Rainmaking loft is amazing for the following reasons :
- Dedicated team: helpful, supportive, answering your every day need.
- Very focused, realistic, hard working environment for entrepreneurs. There is no magic trick, just driven teams eager to make things happen.
- The INCREDIBLE surroundings. It is so important to have space, light, and the amazing view providing great working environment.
- Support and mentoring from Tesco, networking tools.