Holding the nerve

This is the key lesson I am taking from last night’s discussion with Robert Wakeling regarding his 20 year journey of building Wadaro.

We are all unique. As tech entrepreneurs, we are all trying to steer our boats and ships to a destination on a course through rough seas. Some never even leave the harbour. Others get damaged or sunk at the very first moment they get hit rough winds. A few find a way to navigate correcting the course all the times when get swept away.

Chatham house rules apply but I can share a summary.

1. Earned cash from selling Magic 4 shares.
2. Pumped some of that into building Wadaro.
3. Raised a round of funding from Enterpriese Ventures – now Mercia Asset Management PLC
4. Refinanced.
5. Owned 100%
6. Gave equity away to build a strong management team in the US.
7. Raise round from US based Corporate Venture Arm. Will be announced in next year.
8. Started getting very large orders.

Somewhere in the above mix, Robert started to focus heavily on the US Telcos. This paid dividends and got the attention of key players.

There has been many tricky moments where he had to hold the nerve and navigate through logical steps without loosing it all.

I have known Robert since 2006 as we continue to be tenant buddies at Sci-Tech Daresbury – the place to be.

Robert has always been calm. Never seems to get over excited and make rash decisions. He worked damn long hours. Hopefully he can relax a bit now thanks to the funding, the new management team and the corporate partner (investor).

But this does not mean guaranteed success. He has to navigate the next phase of development.

Here’s to Robert! 🍻

He is not in the pic as I forgot to take one with everyone who came, which included:

– Andrew Threlfall
– Russell Mills
– Russell Groves
– Eric Matthew Masaba
– Jon Twigge
– Robertas Kareckas
– Kristian Ambruch

Robert, thanks for the beer, the story, the friendship, Techcelerate Membership and the company. You are an inspiration for all of us.