Some lessons from history: Campbell Scientific and Decagon
Eric’s rules of thumb Activity Allocation Production (parts and labor) 40% Marketing and Customer Service 30% Engineering 15% Profit
The first thermocouple psychrometer sample changer
SC-10 Precursor, 10 sample changer
SC-10
NT-3 Nanovolt Meter
SC-10
SC-3 Psychrometer for foods
Decagon’s first dew point water activity meter
Stirzaker’s complexity-utility model 1 2 3 Idea gets over-complicated and utility stagnates Idea is simplified and utility improves New detail improve utility again Develop idea to deliver utility Utility Complexity 4 5 Ward 2005
Recommended reading for entrepreneurs
Conclusions Elect and use a board of directors Plan for a profit Start with a minimum viable product Don’t give away the company