Introducing Ani from Crosscreators
Q: Can you introduce yourself and your startup?
A: My name is Ani Manjavidze, and I’m the co-founder and CEO of Crosscreators. We operate in the augmented reality (AR) space, offering a marketplace designed for marketing. Our platform allows for acquiring AR content from across the entire AR landscape. We pride ourselves on delivering this content with 60% more accessibility and three times faster than what’s currently available. It’s a game-changer in the marketing field.
Q: What inspired the creation of your startup?
A: My inspiration stems from my extensive background in marketing. I’ve spent nearly 15 years at the C-level, striving to make marketing more effective. Traditional methods were becoming less efficient and increasingly costly. That’s when I turned to augmented reality. The challenge was, that in my home country of Georgia, AR experts were scarce, and looking internationally, it was an uphill battle. Producing a simple AR filter took two to three months, which was frankly unacceptable.
Despite these challenges, AR’s effectiveness was undeniable. This led me to leverage my product management and marketing expertise to establish a marketplace. At Crosscreators, we cater to marketers who may not be familiar with integrating AR into their campaigns. Our creators don’t just provide content; they also help with ideation and promotional strategies. It’s a comprehensive service that simplifies the entire process.
Why Startup Wise Guys?
Q: What led you to choose Startup Wise Guys?
A: We were drawn to Startup Wise Guys primarily because it was the first accelerator project focused on Extended Reality (XR). Their specialization in XR was a major factor since it aligned with what we were doing at Crosscreators. They had a sophisticated understanding of XR, which meant they could easily grasp our concept and provide significant benefits.
The Application Process
Q: Beyond specialization, were there other factors that influenced your decision?
A: Yes, a key factor was a recommendation from a friend, Amy Peck, who works at Nixar. She informed me about the program and encouraged me to apply.
Q: Was the application process for Startup Wise Guys competitive?
A: Definitely. Around 400 international startups were in the running, but only ten made it to the final stage. The application involved multiple stages, including interviews and due diligence. Despite the competition, the process felt straightforward for us, as we were at the right place and time.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the accelerator?
A: The program started in Malaga, Spain, which was a new and exciting experience for me. The live interaction with other startups and mentors was particularly enriching. We gained invaluable insights from the mentors and expanded our network in the XR field. This network continues to benefit Crosscreators. The program was hands-on, with daily calls and on-site mentoring. Our program leader had prior experience in augmented reality, providing insightful and practical advice that greatly assisted us. This experience at Startup Wise Guys, including our final pitch at AWE, significantly contributed to our growth and attracted investor interest. We’re soon opening our funding round thanks to our time with Startup Wise Guys.
Funding and Equity with Startup Wise Guys
Q: Did you receive funding after joining Startup Wise Guys?
A: Yes, we successfully fundraised and converted investments afterwards. In total, we raised $650,000. Though we already had some investment before the program.
Milestones and Challenges During the Program
Q: What significant milestones did you achieve during the program?
A: During the program, our primary goal was to retain existing customers. We increased our retention rate by 20%, which was a significant achievement. Post-program, we established strong partnerships with major international marketing and advertising agencies.
Q: What challenges did you face during the program?
A: My biggest personal challenge was being pregnant during the program. Balancing pregnancy with my first accelerator experience was unique, but everything turned out fine. Outside of the program, the startup’s main challenge has been hiring the right people with a suitable mindset for startup work.
Growth and Future Objectives
Q: Can you talk about your team’s growth and future objectives?
A: Initially, we were a team of 21, but we’ve streamlined to 14, focusing on quality over quantity. We learned the importance of hiring slowly and firing fast. We’re seeking senior roles to strengthen our team, with a key objective to finalize our seed-stage fundraising round of 1.5 million dollars by spring.
Q: How has the accelerator equipped you for success?
A: The accelerator significantly reshaped our approach. We learned to think big, be proactive, and believe in ourselves and our team. It also helped us redesign our pitch and mindset.
Q: Have you expanded into new markets since the accelerator?
A: We were already in the European market when we applied, but our client base has since tripled, significantly boosting our revenue.
Advice for Future Accelerator Applicants
Q: Any advice for those applying to startup accelerators like Startup Wise Guys?
A: My advice is to apply with readiness. Your pitch is crucial – you must be passionate and thoroughly understand your business. If you think small, don’t apply. But if you have big aspirations, apply and articulate your vision clearly and actively, regardless of language barriers.