Yaron Saghiv of UVeye.
Tell us about yourself?
I am the global Chief Marketing at UVeye – creating automatic inspection devices for vehicles (like an external MRI just for cars!). Currently living in New Jersey, USA after relocating with both the CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of the company.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
People tend to focus on the positives alone while not knowing the challenges along the way. Every product-market fit needs to go through a lot of hardships and adaptations and those are the less colorful moments which most are not exposed to.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Keep believing – I know it sounds cheesy but if you have a light at the end of the tunnel you can get there. In my case that’s both in terms of scaling our business and also building a long term brand of standardizing the inspection world in the automotive industry.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
Most of the senior management and the co-founders at UVeye have already founded and scaled with several startup companies before (both in the B2C and B2B world). We all took our experiences and made the best out of it.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Going for a 30 minutes walk every day and getting a standing desk. Getting up and being active is not obvious in our business!
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
UVeye grew from the homeland security market developing scanners for locating bombs and illicit materials below vehicles.
Fast forward 6 years the company has developed the world’s most sophisticated AI based scanners to find any mechanical or safety issues below or around vehicles.
We are active in 5 countries including setting up an office and employees in the UK.
Where do you see your business in five years?
Scaling throughout the global dealership, auctions and fleet networks – when going to your next service appointment or buying a second hand vehicle you will get a full certified UVeye report and gain transparency and clarity about the vehicle state.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
Continuing to deliver exceptional service and getting more of the best talent from the automotive industry.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
We have formed 2 terrific partnerships with General Motors and Volvo Cars USA which have really assisted our growth.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
We have built our presence with the right influential customers and also our technology has been featured in the right automotive and tech publications so customers inquire and reach out to us.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Be agile and stay humble. Being able to change fast during different industry effects and situations like the COVID pandemic have really shone out the flexible companies.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
Continue our growth and our terrific scale both in the USA and in Europe. This journey has been incredible so far and it’s only the start!
