Our Journey with the Digital Platform Accelerator

Joining the Digital Platform Accelerator (DPA) Cohort 3 has been a transformative experience for us. As co-founders of Mainichi, we’ve learned and grown tremendously through this journey. Here’s a glimpse into our story, the challenges we faced, and the invaluable lessons we gained along the way.

Chapter I: Introduction to Mainichi

Interviewer: Can you introduce yourselves and tell us about your roles and your startup?

Summer: Hi everyone, I'm Summer, and this is Frank. We're the co-founders of Mainichi, a fun and forward-thinking digital marketing agency that offers digital services through a monthly subscription.

Frank: We're super excited to share our story with you all today!

Summer: So, a bit about us - Frank here is our tech ninja, handling all things web and app development.

Frank: And Summer is our marketing sensei, crafting brilliant content and strategies to make sure our clients shine.

Chapter II: The Beginning of Our Idea

Interviewer: Please describe some old story about how you began with your idea.

Summer: We met unexpectedly in Phnom Penh while Frank was on a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia. We learned that both of us love traveling and aren't fans of the 9-5 jobs. We clicked right away and realized we had the skills and passion to create something amazing together.

Frank: During my freelancing days, I noticed that project-based billing just wasn't working well. It was slow, costly, and full of risks. We decided to flip the script with a flat monthly fee for all our services.

Chapter III: Motivation to Join DPA

Interviewer: What inspired you to join this program Digital Platform Accelerator?

Summer: We wanted to learn from the pros and their experiences to build a better startup. DPA offers a fantastic platform to showcase our work and create awareness.

Frank: And tapping into the startup network has been invaluable. Learning from others and sharing experiences has been a huge motivator for us.

Chapter IV: Overcoming Challenges

Interviewer: What are some of the challenges you've faced, and how have you overcome them?

Summer: Getting our first client was definitely a big challenge. Honestly, when we first started, we weren't very confident that Mainichi would work out. But through ups and downs over the past nine months, we've kept improving and growing.

Frank: Yeah, it was tough, but we kept on reaching out and before we knew it we were already dealing with multiple clients and leads.

Chapter V: Impact of the DPA Program

Interviewer: How has the Digital Platform Accelerator program helped you develop your project?

Summer: The program has been a game-changer. It's helped us identify our weak points and improve them significantly.

Frank: Our liaison, mentors, and fellow startups have taught us so much about business models, operations, team management, and more. Their support has been crucial to our journey.

Chapter VI: Support Network and Community Impact

Interviewer: How has the program's support network and community impacted your journey as a startup?

Summer: The support network and community have been amazing. The insights and advice we've received have really shaped our approach and boosted our confidence.

Frank: We feel more connected, informed, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead, thanks to the incredible people we've met through the program.

Chapter VII: Grateful Moments and Experience Sharing

Reflecting on our time with the DPA, we’re filled with gratitude for the many moments that have defined our journey. From the initial nervousness of presenting our startup business model to the joy of seeing our progress recognized, each step has been a learning experience.

Summer: One of the most memorable moments was our first pitch session. We were nervous but excited. The feedback we received was invaluable, and it pushed us to refine our approach and strategy.

Frank: I remember a particular workshop on product market fit that was a turning point for us. It helped us reframe our thinking and approach our service offerings in a more structured way.

The mentorship and peer support have been highlights of the DPA experience. The guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts provided us with new perspectives and practical advice that we could immediately apply to our business.

Summer: Our mentors, in particular, has been a constant source of wisdom and encouragement. Their real-world experience and honest feedback have been instrumental in our growth.

Frank: The peer support has also been incredible. Sharing our highs and lows with fellow startups created a sense of camaraderie and mutual learning. It's a reminder that we’re not alone in this journey.

Chapter VIII: Looking Forward

As we look to the future, we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The foundation we’ve built through the DPA program has equipped us with the tools and confidence to pursue our vision for Mainichi with renewed strength.

Summer: We're truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of DPA. It's been an incredible journey so far, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for Mainichi.

Frank: The Digital Platform Accelerator has not only accelerated our startup's growth but has also enriched our entrepreneurial journey with invaluable experiences and relationships. We’re eager to continue this adventure and are optimistic about the bright future ahead for Mainichi. Thank you for being a part of our story.

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