The need for more women in tech has been a focus for some time among big corporations, but for startups, they’re in abundance! Colleen Wong is one such example, having set up a tech business designed for children. Here’s her story.
Meet Colleen Wong
Colleen is Founder of Techsixtyfour, the company behind the leading children’s watch, phone and GPS tracker, My Gator Watch. Designed to help children to learn how to become more independent, the watch gets kids away from devices and the internet and out enjoying the world around them.
1. Why did you start Techsixtyfour and what were you doing before?
I was at Bockett’s farm with my kids in 2015 and saw a mum running around looking for her young child. It really hit me as a young mum that in the blink of an eye, I could lose my children. So I thought of a way of staying connected to our kids but without giving them a smartphone. Before this I was a stay at home mum for 18 months and before that, Vice President at a Swiss bank.
2. What were the biggest sources for inspiration and support when you were starting out?
Other entrepreneurs and their stories, be it success or failure, have always been my inspiration. I am also always inspired by people who don’t give up. I was watching this little boy jump on a chair in a viral video and his determination to land on the chair was admirable. So even kids inspire me!
My biggest source of support was my mother as when I started, my children were 18 months and 4 months. I was working every night until 2am as I was too excited and my mum would help with the kids in the morning or when I needed to crash. She was only visiting from Canada so needless to say when she left, I was in tears!
3. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting the business?
There has to be balance in your life. Once I had the idea, I became obsessed. I wanted to work all the time and I found it really fun and exciting. But as I worked so much, I spent less time with my family and I had zero time for myself. And what I have learned is that even if you work really hard, external unforeseen circumstances can prevent you from succeeding and so, no matter what, you must take time out for yourself and your family.
4. What has been your proudest moment/biggest achievement so far?
Hiring my team. They all work flexibly as most of them have young children. I have never met such smart, dedicated and hardworking people. And they all have such big hearts. They are the main reason why I want to succeed as they deserve so much!
5. What piece of advice would you give to anyone starting out?
Know your numbers. Don’t be daunted by numbers as it is the only way you will know how to make a decision with your company. The best idea or business will fail if financial management is not a priority.
6. What piece of investment did you make in the business that was worth every penny?
Xero accounting software and a good accountant. I’m big on numbers and the story the numbers tell.
7. Which element of marketing has made the most impact to your business?
Facebook ads as they are cost effective and I can analyse the results.
I’m also super excited about the changes we’re making to our brand. We appointed Upmarketry to make My Gator Watch appeal more closely to our target audiences of parents and their kids and we’ll be launching it very soon across our website and social media. I’m so impressed by what the team has suggested and I can’t wait for it to go live.
8. What does 2018 look like for you?
This year will be the breakthrough year I think. My product has solid reviews, I have ironed out the issues, my team is amazing and ready to go and I have some great partnerships lined up. I think the foundation has been solidly built over the last 2 years and it is this year that we will see some amazing things happen in terms of sales and growth. It will be the first year where I will take a proper vacation with my family also so this is exciting.
You can follow Colleen and her team’s progress this year at www.mygatorwatch.com
