On this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew and Anthony sit down with David Pillinger, a serial entrepreneur who took his experience running a surfboard company and transitioned it into managing multiple software companies. David started out making and selling surfboards when he left school early, eventually launching an online real estate company called Property Gallery and then a software company called Safesoft in 2018. David now heads up his software as a service company, Venture Capital Exchange (VCEX).
Throughout their conversation, David tells Anthony and Andrew about how he started VCEX and the practical side of running the company technology-wise. Together the three discuss how David sources talent from LinkedIn, David’s motivations for getting up and continuing to innovate every day, and how the internet is changing the way we do business. David believes that anything is possible for anyone—a mindset he draws from his own life and struggling with school, only to go on to become a successful business owner.
The episode wraps up with a look at where David sees himself in five to ten years, and how leaders have to be constantly looking out for “icebergs” on the horizon that could hinder their progress and continued innovation. David’s childlike wonder at opening up the “present” under the Christmas tree that is waking up every day serves as a motivation for all entrepreneurs and innovators alike to keep moving forward.
“If you’re doing something that’s new, no one’s got facilities for you, there’s no playground for you to test it, so you’ve got to be really cautious.” – David Pillinger
Topics Covered:
• The story of surfboard seller turned to software innovator.
• How do some regulations tend to make expanding software technology harder?
• How David developed the technology platforms for his different businesses.
• Building the best team.
