

## **Introduction**

We’ve been through a lot as a young company while developing our product. Two years and one global pandemic later, we are delighted to be finally launching our product into the market. As the arts and entertainment industry returns with full auditoriums all over the world, we wanted to reflect on our journey as a startup.

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## **Idea Generation**
**Concept Stage**  
Initially, the idea was to create a digital version of the promptbook, specifically the cueing and blocking system that Stage Managers create for calling their shows. The traditional way this is done for the majority of the industry, is in a large folder using handwritten notes with a pencil and rubber.
This was clearly an issue, and so out of touch compared to the increase in technology within the technical departments each year, without any clear innovation in such a key aspect of running a live performance. 

After a few days of research and our own domain knowledge within the industry, we weren't convinced there was anything out there with the overall functionality that we wanted to include. 

**Market Research**  
Before setting out to create the platform in its entirety, we reached out to other industry professionals working across different teams and departments to understand certain aspects of the problems they come across in their daily working environment. One of the main questions we asked was would they even use something like this? Was it needed? 
We received a huge amount of positive feedback from them and got a strong understanding of the actual issues they faced in their roles. 

This was key for us to evaluate what pains our product would actually solve.

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## **Our First Steps**

With somewhat of an idea and vision for the platform in our heads, we were good to go, right?. Not even close. We knew we couldn’t do it alone. Neither of us had studied business since school and didn’t know where to even begin. We needed some guidance. 

**Startup Programmes**  
We came across a start-up business course called The New Frontiers Programme, which looking back on it now was definitely a turning point in our development. The programme is run by Enterprise Ireland and is split into two phases. The first, being a six-week introductory course on all aspects of business management, marketing and finance. 
The second phase is a full time six-month commitment that goes into much more detail on building a company from the ground up, including one-to-one mentorship on each topic.
We were very fortunate to be chosen for both phases of the programme, working with like-minded people trying to build their own products and brands in the startup ecosystem - it was quite a special dynamic to be part of. 

A few months later, we were asked to participate in DublinBic’s (now Furthr) Startup Evolution Programme. The programme ran for a number of weeks and focused on being "investor ready", which was facilitated by their top business consultants.

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## **MVP Creation (Minimum Viable Product)**

Shortly after beginning creation of the platform, we decided to branch out, and to include what are now some of the core features within PromptPad. Some of these were the addition of the scheduling and reports feature, the cast and crew cards and expense management.

One other key feature we wanted to implement and focus on was the communication and collaboration aspect. We knew from our conversations with professionals in the industry, and our own practical knowledge of theatre and events that there were real issues around how data is shared and communicated to team members on a daily basis.
Based on this, we implemented our Collaborators function, where other Cast and Crew members can be added to the platform with specific access permissions.

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## **What Next?**

Now, we have successfully completed our final Beta Tests with our connected network, which we gained valuable feedback from and are in the process of gaining PromptPads first customer in Ireland. We are also very honoured to have been put forward for this year's Sunday Independants ‘30 Under 30’, listed alongside some of Ireland’s most exciting startups. 

Read the full article here: **[Sunday Independents 30 Under 30](https://www.example.com)**


As 2022 comes to an end, we are excited for the new opportunities we will see in the new year and look forward to building a successful business.

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### Follow Our Journey
- [Visit Our Website](https://promptpad.com/)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/promptpad/?viewAsMember=true)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/promptpad)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/promptpad/)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/promptpad)

**[Watch Our Product Demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc8sJjeKGs4&t=1s)**




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Our Story: Idea Generation to MVP

Our journey so far as a young Irish Tech Startup

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