Winds of Change...

March 21st was my last day at Aeroprise (talk about a well-timed post!). I co-founded the company ~ 7 years ago in the then extremely nascent (probably somewhat true still!) market to bring enterprise applications, wireless data technologies and personalized software together. I am proud of having built a (reasonably) successful company while doing right by our customers and partners. We were bootstrapped for the first few years, having gotten early customer deals in. As the market started to grow at a quicker clip, we also raised VC capital.

It needs to be said that our customer base has taught me a lot, both large and small. More than once. They helped us co-develop the first product, taught me a lot about referenceability as we showcased early successes to the larger market, and were quick to kick us in the backside when we needed to re-invent the product to cater to a larger market. Working closely with them also made me realize a love for marketing to build on my technical background.

Some of the lessons learned from the experience, are coming in a separate post. Also, I'll be chatting about them in an upcoming speaking slot.

The memories remain, all the way from a loud humming server in my Stanford dorm room which served the first pages of our product to late-night drinks with customers trying to understand which way the bullets are flying or trying to bring in a deal to a 30x30 ft. Aeroprise booth at HDI 2008. I'll miss the team (already am...) and working with them everyday.

In terms of next steps, I'll be guest lecturing and helping teach the immensely popular Global Entrepreneurial Marketing class with Prof. Tom Kosnik at Stanford this Spring. Stay tuned for more news and drop me a line if you are on stanford campus. I'd love to get together!

Here are some random pics. from the ride:

the whole device-independence thing


one of the thousands of demos, hoping everything worked each time.


part of the team, wearing the colors!


quote from one of our customers, that we leveraged to the hilt in tradeshows


Best in show (beating sybase, palm and ibm) at Dr.gerry purdy's event.


one of my favorites... my trash can, 2 nights before launch of the first product


at the company launch (in 2001).


the @Home NOC, which served as the first customer.


Aeroprise gave me some amazingly fun experiences, like meeting Chuck Higgins (president of see's candies) who I really admire.


Siliconindia 100... check!


An aeroprise customer, getting ready for rollout and training


2004 MIT Technovator award winners

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