Learn more about the startups coworking in our London office in our #6 Startup Spotlight. Each month we will be giving you insight into the Startups based in the Rainmaking Loft. This month we are thrilled to introduce you to Hanhaa.
At Hanhaa, named after one of our founder’s twins Hannah and Haaris, we believe that two things can add up to more than the sum of their parts. We’re a team of experienced engineers and executives focussed on empowering the next generation of inventors.
Hafi & Azhar are the Co-founders of Hanhaa and here is their entrepreneur stories:
Invention shouldn’t be limited to those with an understanding of maths, physics or unpronounceable acronyms. Invention should only be limited by your imagination. Azhar
What attracted you to become entrepreneurs?
Hafi: The opportunity to make a meaningful impact. I was involved in a startup, (VitaGo.Com) back in 2000 when the first tech bubble inflated and burst. Given the me-too behaviour of investors and entrepreneurs, I always thought it would be interesting to ‘go to school’ in Big Corporate and come back more experienced. Having the battle scars and muscle memory of experience and having an idea of best practice is certainly helping me navigate our way through uncharted waters, as we try to create an IoT star - also it is much more fun!
How did the idea of Hanhaa came about?
Azhar: It was a side project for a couple years but the tipping point was winning top prize in the Internet of Things category at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona. Then we decided to get funding and really kick on.
What were the biggest struggles in your startup/entrepreneur journey?
Hafi: Fundraising always takes longer than you expect. When Azhar first asked me to join, he told me he was certain we would be funded in 2 weeks. We certainly got funded, but 14 months later!
Finding talent is an ongoing concern, we are always on the lookout for the sparkling diamonds!
Do you have any advice for the other entrepreneurs to be?
Hafi: Never stop learning, persevere, believe and balance confidence with humility.
Azhar: Further, Faster, Higher. Quietly.
What are the next steps and the vision for Hanhaa?
Azhar: We’ve just launched a Kickstarter campaign and our first event for overnight inventors is on the 12th of November at the Rainmaking Loft. Our product the Symbisa board is made for inventors without a technical background. No coding. No electronics. Just something that works. Every time.
Our vision is that people with no technical background can have an idea in the morning and have a prototype the same night. We want to democratise the Internet of Things so it’s not just available for people with advanced technical knowledge but available for everyone.
How did coworking in the Rainmaking Loft help your business?
Hafi: In many ways and it still continues to benefit us. As soon as we knew our Angel round was almost secure I called Sian to make sure we had desks reserved. We started with three desks mid August and now are up to six. It’s a great feeling to be surrounded by like minded people trying to create great companies, to buzz off their energy, share ideas and inspire us to make our own path.
We have found that potential hires, partners like the mix of the modern meeting rooms, the startup vibe and the location - they all leave impressed, which only helps us.
Visit their website: www.hanhaa.com
Want to join our coworking community? Get in touch with us at [email protected]