Lukasz Zajac: Who are you, and who would you like to be?

MACIEJ MAZURKIEWICZ: Genre: man. Genre: husband and father. I don’t plan to change.

While you’re shaving, are you already devising a strategy for your startup’s work?

No – because I shave in the evening. That’s how my wife likes it.

What kind of education do you have? Does it help with the job?

I am a graduate of the Warsaw University of Technology. In addition, I completed a management study at the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH). The first helps me in planning and strategic thinking. The second in sales and operational matters. However, I advise against doing an MBA right after graduation. It’s better to work a bit earlier.  

How did you get into a startup? What is a startup itself in Polish conditions?

Almost 20 years ago, together with a group of friends, I launched the educational project “STERNIK” (non-public single-sex schools). At that time, multimedia solutions offered for schools were very expensive. I decided to see if they could be produced more cheaply.

I have to raise the issue of the young cooperatores? Your co-workers are usually the age of your children. How do you get along with each other?

The same as with my children – that is, perfectly. I base my cooperation model on freedom and trust. We define goals together, but I leave the choice of means to achieve them to the employees. I give a lot of freedom to act, allow mistakes to be made, require lessons to be learned and expect to bear the consequences of their own negligence. If someone abuses my trust then he or she drops out of the team.

Your biggest successes in startups over the past decade?

At Funtronic, we have created the Magic Carpet interactive projector. The product not only entertains and teaches. It helps in the rehabilitation of children with brain damage and elderly people struggling with dementia. We experienced a lot of emotion seeing our idea work. In 2018, Magic Carpet was named a Young Success Brand. At the awards gala, we stood next to the most expensive Polish brands such as Orlen, PZU, PKO Bank Polski. To this day, I remember the evening with pride.

How do you manage something that is spontaneously building a service, among brilliant but also whimsical and people?

Eric Ries answered this question in his book “The lean startup method”. The biggest challenge is to quickly create an MVP (minimum version of the product) and give it to the user for testing. In the second step, we need to be reminded that it is the customer who pays our fees.  In the third to convince my “definition of done”. I do not accept the expression: “almost done”. Either the task is done or it is not done.

To what extent does money determine the success of an innovative product or service?

In a big way. They are needed at every stage of development, but especially in the phase of implementing the go-to-market strategy. Without money, it’s much harder and much longer. Of course, it’s better for your own and without giving away shares. However, getting to market quickly and starting to sell is always key. There is a reason why it is said that time is money.

What is your booklet about? (It has less than 100 pages)

First of all, about the role of COO (chief operating officer) in a startup. And more specifically about how to increase your chances in the startup world. The theory is available online. I only focused on the practical aspects. I do not bring new knowledge. Rather, I organize what is known. I point out that the five pillars of success (PEOPLE, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SALES, FINANCES), which must form a coherent organism. If any one of them does not work then the whole organization gets sick.

Is Poland a country for startups, or are we more of a talent exporter?

Definitely an exporter of talent. Poland lacks big investors and big money. Added to this is our national trait – reluctance to integrate. We have a lot of small startups, which find it much harder to raise funds and fight in the global market. Poland lacks investors capable of effectively integrating the market. It is enough to take the example of Ukraine.

What should I take into account when someone comes to me with an idea and a plan, expecting my involvement as an investor?

Ask about the addressee of the idea and what problem the potential user solves. Get to know the people. Assess the market size and competition. Check the sales model: one-time or recurring (subscription). Well, and count on a little luck …

Is a startup a 24/7 job? How do you combine it with family life?

A startup requires flexibility, but it is not a 24/7 job. A startup is, after all, a small and agile organization. Working hours are mobile, so maintaining sanity is very important. Corporations are much more dangerous in my opinion. 

Are your sons also in startups?

Yes, Maciej Junior worked with me at Funtronic. Now he independently runs his own company, into which he dragged his brothers. Maybe I will join them someday, too?

Where does the heart of Polish startups beat: cities, events, environments?

I don’t know if it can be defined somehow. A startup is not a place, it’s a state of mind.

Anything you would like to add?

A startup is a constant search for the way to the goal and constant returns. It is a great adventure for the brave and bold. And that’s why I love startups so much!

Thanks for the interview!

MACIEJ MAZURKIEWICZ

Privately a husband and father of three sons. Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of the EdTech Poland Foundation. Member of the Council of the Cyril and Methodius Foundation, which runs the Tato.net portal. Co-founder of the Association for Support of Education and Family “STERNIK”. Trainer, often conducts workshops for parents about the benefits and risks of new technologies. Loves mountains and running. Passionate about solving crossword puzzles.