Tell us about yourself?
After a 29-year-long career as an executive of various large companies, I was affected by a generalised anxiety disorder due to the high consumption of alcoholic beverages. I resigned from my job and decided to create a method to stop drinking. Watching our habits during the pandemic, I decided to make this a business to help other people in the same situation.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that my entire career as an executive in traditional companies means absolutely nothing in the startup world. Some examples are: planning is not crucial, execution needs and must be changed throughout the process and leading technology teams is totally different from leading executive teams.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Design a project uniquely and exclusively on PowerPoint, and knock on the door of all venture capital funds. If no one pays for it, throw it in the trash and start another one.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
My biggest dream has always been to create something that could change the world and people for the better. A contribution project. I want to leave a legacy. But unfortunately, I also learned in this startup world that someone else needs to help and pay for it, otherwise the purpose alone can die.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Agility, quick meetings, pragmatism in decisions, three computer screens, gamer chair! Am I a geek now?
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
Currently, our biggest mission and difficulty is being fundraising to continue our mission. We have already removed more than 700 people from alcoholism, smoking, and now meat consumption. Our customers ask for journeys to be 365 days for them to stay with us, but we need support for that.
Where do you see your business in five years?
We dream of creating a new vertical for workaholism and we have already mapped out many other unwanted habits that D1T can work on. We also want to go overseas in at least more two languages: English and Spanish.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
Fundraising and finding the right technology team. Tech salaries are an issue for companies in Brazil and great professionals are going to work overseas earning in US dollars or Euros. It has been hard to compete.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
Having abandoned alcoholism and smoking in such a short time and having made it a project to help other people. We have an in-app social network that helps us a lot to receive program feedback. It has been motivating to be with these people every day and help them to overcome these challenges.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
Digital. It is e-commerce in our B2C channel. We just need a sales approach for companies.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Don’t ever be tied to your dream the way you conceived it. Be open to changing what is necessary to make it happen.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
In the startup world? If I had this answer I’d be a fourth time entrepreneur!
