CatJira aims to optimize digital platforms for marketers. JFDI Discover helped its founders get funding less than 12 months from startup, writes Crystal Neri
CatJira CEO Richard Moh (left) and cofounder Sheng Yeong (right)
Richard Moh and Chia Sheng Yeong team believed in optimising the way marketers leverage user-generated content, but did not have the resources and community support to validate their idea. They had read about ideas like Lean Startup, Design Spirits, Research Sprint, Scrum and Agile, but found the rigid rules of each discipline inflexible and were unclear about how to structure a business using them. So, when the opportunity came up to enrol in a guided-course for early-stage startups, they jumped on it and chose JFDI Discover.
Catjira began as a platform to help marketers leverage user-generated content, seamlessly connecting marketers and creators with automation and accounting. The cofounders spent two months laying groundwork for their Malaysia-based startup, but got hogtied. They felt frustrated by the lack of guidance on startup resource materials and community support around them. “We felt isolated. For early-stage startups like us in ideation stage, we needed community support for validation. We also tried startup guides online but they’re not industry-specific.”
In January 2015, Richard searched online for startup courses. They got attracted to JFDI Discover because as an online course, it allowed his team to work remotely and yet take advantage of a global viewpoint. With the pre-accelerator’s promise of well-organized, feedback-oriented course structure and access to a like-minded community, Richard knew this was the right choice for him.
Richard is a fast learner and a stickler for results, factors that soon attracted attention from investors. Just a few months after the JFDI Discover program, CatJira got funded by an angel investor in Singapore. Richard says: “Founders always ask how to get funded, so this is my advice: Show investors that you’re sincere, persistent and the right team to execute the idea.”
Team CatJira credits JFDI Discover’s flexibility, community and course structure as part of their success. “For us, the best part of JFDI Discover was the conference calls from other founders. Not only because relationships bolster learning, but because it helped us understand the realities of the market in different countries.” says Moh. “Now that we got angel funded, we are ready to open business.”
Crystal Neri writes content and handles social media at JFDI Asia. Say Hi to her on Twitter, @nericrystal.