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*Denys Haidamaka – CTO of Sugarrr startup, a team of the Pre-Acceleration program of CfE Accelerator 2021. |
Tell us how the idea of creating a startup came about, why did you choose such a topic?
- Our founder Bohdan has diabetes. Until a certain time, the disease did not harm health in any way, but at some point, there was a risk of significant complications. Therefore, Bohdan had to quickly learn all the details of how to qualitatively control his health. Daily life for most people with diabetes is about doing things on a schedule. Quality control requires a certain base of scientific knowledge, as well as various diabetic devices that form a complex ecosystem. For novice diabetics, diving into the subject is quite stressful, so a natural idea arose to create a tool that simplifies daily life as much as possible. Diabetes without worries is our motto.
How did the Accelerator help you with the formation of a startup?
- Participation in the program allowed us to develop a clear plan for further actions. We came to pre-acceleration with a big and somewhat cheeky idea. In the process of learning, our view on the ways of its implementation became more realistic, and a better understanding of the processes of building a startup allowed us to adapt the idea to the needs of users and technical capabilities. After market analysis, research of user needs, and product side – we became more focused. We are now implementing the steps from the road map, the first version of which was created at CfE.
What were the turning points for Sugarrr in its formation?
- The biggest turning point, as in most Ukrainian companies, is connected with a full-scale war. Before that, Sugarrr was actively moving towards getting investments and launching the product in the international market. However, all negotiations with investors collapsed due to the uncertainty of the situation in the world and huge risks inside Ukraine, where our small team remained. We could not stand aside, it was difficult to think about conquering the world when tragedy is happening around us, so we focused on helping people with diabetes in Ukraine. Unfortunately, life in constant stress, changing priorities from building the company to banal survival, and lack of financial support from the state or investors for the development of the startup resulted in the loss of almost a whole year. However, we continued working on our own and finished work on the MVP of the iOS application in December.
What is happening with the startup now?
- We are currently preparing the application for public release and are resuming the active search for investments in the further development of the product. To do this, we are updating and strengthening the team. Adjusted the business plan and road map, and shifted the emphasis on communication. We continue to improve the functionality, we work with the first users. In a word, we are trying to give Sugarrr new momentum and are preparing to make a loud statement)
Tell us more about the features of your product.
- Sugarrr’s big mission is to make diabetes control easy, fast and reliable – virtually invisible, so people can live productive and happy lives. Regardless of age, regardless of “experience” as a diabetic. Our goal is to become the first digital medicine in the country that every endocrinologist could prescribe to their patients along with insulin or pills for better health management. We are gradually moving towards such a future. And now we are a 100% product made in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. There are several popular apps for people with diabetes in the world, but most of them are either in the language of a civilized Western country, which is incomprehensible to our older generation, or in the language of a barbaric Eastern country, the use of which is unacceptable for any generation of conscious people. Ukrainian is the default language in Sugarrr, so now users with diabetes have the opportunity to support their native product.
Were you scared to launch your product on the market?
- A full market entry is still ahead of us, but there is no fear. After the release of the MVP version of the application, we work with early users and receive detailed feedback. This allows you to stay on the ground and adds confidence. We are systematically preparing for this, thinking through the steps, as well as studying the experience and being inspired by successful friendly startups that have already achieved something – such as Numo ADHD. Well, we believe in our idea, so everything will work out.
How are decisions made in the team, is it difficult to get along?
- Now we have a small team of three people. We make decisions together, discuss all the steps and possible options together – this allows us to look at the problem from different angles and strengthens confidence when the views coincide. Everyone has their own area of responsibility, but usually we listen to each other. Of course, sometimes there are opposing opinions. In this case, we return to the question after a certain time and the solution appears very quickly. I don’t remember the conflicts, but the two best actions in such situations are to listen to others and to speak up yourself.
You are a developer who has never been involved with startups before Sugarrr, was it difficult to dive into the new world?
- I believe that it is easy to do something that inspires. If there is a big idea behind your work that you believe in, and your efforts can benefit society, then your path will be much easier than if these factors were not present. In this case, what most people consider obstacles can become in your hands a tool to achieve the goal. New knowledge can be burdensome and acquiring it can be boring and exhausting. But they can open the way to the realization of your idea. The topic of startups is very interesting to me. I try to deepen my knowledge every day, not only as a CTO or developer but also in all related areas.
What are your goals for Sugarrr in the near future?
- Our immediate goal is to become a reliable assistant for every Ukrainian man and woman with diabetes. We are constantly working to bring this moment closer.
Sugarrr will make much more noise because it is conscientiously moving forward to realize its goals. And CfE will always support its Alumni and is waiting for new ones, so register for the programs, we are waiting for you 🙂