Eesti
1. Short introduction of your business idea
The idea is to bring an e-learning platform NetiKool.ee which would enable students studying at home to acquire education at the same level as ordinary students, regardless of their location, to the market. In addition, it allows adults who do not have upper secondary education to continue their educational paths.
2. Where did you get the idea to start something like this?
The idea was born three years ago because of a personal experience, since I have been studying at home for 4 years. Now, when I entered the university, the idea reappeared within the framework of entrepreneurship education and my teammates formed a functioning team with whom we started to develop the idea and create the strategy.
3. How big is your team and how are the duties divided?
Our team has 4 members. I am the author and developer of the idea. Sigrid Kinguste does the creative side and marketing. Kristo Danilson analyses and develops IT solutions. Viivika Vahi helps to create a business model and marketing strategies. In addition, we have background forces from outside the team who help us to refine the idea. For example, we have mentors from Enterprise Estonia and Elisa.
4. What do you do marketing wise?
I applied to this year’s Ajujaht (Brain Hunt) competition wit this idea and getting into the TOP 30 there helped us to introduce Netikool in different circles. We have also created social media marketing channels on Facebook and Instagram. We looked for Facebook groups that connect home-schooled children and their parents. In one with more than 2,000 members, we have already introduced our solution. At the same time, we are currently investing more in identifying the need and creating marketing channels. We plan to do larger campaigns when we are ready to offer a partial service to them on our platform.
5. Which steps have been the hardest so far in bringing this idea to life?
In the context of Ajujaht, pitching was certainly the most difficult. The idea has been very well thought out for us from the beginning, but it is actually more difficult to make it understandable to strangers than we thought. In addition, of course, public speaking. In the context of implementing the business idea itself, our biggest challenge has been finding partners (schools, teachers, etc.). Although difficulties arise, thanks to our good teamwork, no obstacle has been insurmountable for us.
6. What are your current plans for the future? Where do you want to go with “Netikool”?
According to UNICEF, there are more than 75 million children in the world who do not have access to education. With the help of Netikool, in cooperation with UNICEF, we want to bring education to these children.
7. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to implement their business idea?
It is always worth a try, even by starting out step by step. By moving slowly, you can get from an idea to having a company. Even if it turns out that it is wise to leave the idea at some point, no one will take away the experience you get from it. Even if the first idea does not work, then you are already more experienced when implementing next ideas and you are more likely to succeed. In addition, everyone should dream bigger than we usually do, because each of us could possibly create the next unicorn company.
Editor: Tea Teesalu
Translator: Marlen Kuusk
