Callum Woznow from Slate

Callum Woznow is the Co-founder of Slate.

Slate is building the next-generation mobile keyboard.

Takeaways

• Working in different cultures (Singapore and Germany) provides unique insights into startup ecosystems.
• The keyboard is an underexplored product with massive potential.
• AI can revolutionize how we interact with keyboards and the purpose of keyboards.
• Consumer behaviour around keyboards.
• Lack of innovation in this space from T9 to BlackBerry Keyboards to the launch of the iPhone.
• Chat about SwiftKey acquired by Microsoft for $250M.
• Pivot from B2B to B2C.
• Nuances to different global markets.
• Monetization strategies differ significantly between iOS and Android.
• The focus on "prosumer".
• Why keyboard products need to be perfect from a UX standpoint.
• Obsession around design and product.
• Why are keyboards so interesting and available across all apps.

Chapters

00:00 Global Perspectives: Insights from Europe and Asia

08:21 Revolutionizing the Keyboard: Innovation and Consumer Behavior

15:03 Navigating the B2B to B2C Pivot: Strategies and Insights

21:12 Building a Keyboard: Challenges and Market Dynamics

26:29 The Balance of Speed and Quality in Startups

31:32 Navigating Remote Work Challenges

38:57 Personal Growth and Professional Excitement

Keywords

startup, entrepreneurship, global experience, keyboard innovation, B2B, B2C, consumer behavior, technology, AI, market dynamics, keyboard design, user experience, startup challenges, remote work, investment strategies, user feedback, product development, quality assurance, team communication, personal growth