How I Became A Founder: Omneky’s Hikari Senju

How I Became A Founder: Omneky’s Hikari Senju

In the world of technology, innovation is key. The constant change, independence, and camaraderie drew me in, making me feel like I was at the forefront of societal change. My journey as a founder started when I studied computer science and attended events organized by Peter. It was at these events that I met like-minded students who would later become core members of the network of founders I am connected with to this day.

But it wasn't just about the connections. Luck also played a role in my journey. Shortly after leaving my job at Yup, I was fortunate enough to receive my first investment from Village Global. They believed in my vision and incubated my company, Omneky, for the first six months. Village Global hosted weekly dinners with other portfolio companies where we discussed challenges and shared learnings. It became evident to me that building a successful company takes a community, and Village Global played a critical role in getting Omneky off the ground.

One of the things that has greatly contributed to my growth as a founder is my love for reading. I devour books, articles, and anything I can get my hands on. Reading has become an integral part of my journey, allowing me to broaden my horizons and gather insights from various sources. In fact, I have compiled a reading list that has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset.

But starting a company isn't always easy, especially when it comes to finances. Many aspiring founders face the hurdle of needing a consistent income while also trying to build a company. This financial burden can be discouraging and prevent many talented individuals from taking the risk of starting their own ventures. That's why increasing access to capital is crucial. We need to create an environment where more people can take the leap and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Thomas Edison once said, "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits." This quote resonates with me deeply. It highlights the importance of taking action and hustling while waiting for opportunities to come your way. As a founder, it's essential to have a proactive mindset and seize every chance that comes your way.

You and your mind garden

In French, there's a saying, "cultiver son jardin intérieur," which means to tend to your internal garden and take care of your mind. This metaphor perfectly encapsulates the importance of nurturing your mind, just like you would tend to a garden. To cultivate your mind, you need to embrace curiosity, grow your knowledge, and produce new thoughts.

Curiosity is the seed that allows your mind garden to flourish. It's essential to consume a variety of content, both deep and broad, to plant many seeds of knowledge. The depth of the content you consume is not always an indicator of its quality. By immersing yourself in different sources, you open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives.

As you consume content, it's crucial to grow branches on your knowledge tree. Take notes, highlight key points, and jot down your thoughts. This process helps you internalize the information and gives you a foundation to build upon. Consider using a note-taking app, such as Roam or its open-source alternatives, to collate your snippets, ideas, and raw thinking. These notes will serve as the seeds for your mind garden and allow you to connect the dots.

The ultimate goal of tending to your mind garden is to ensure that all the information you consume leads to increased productivity and creativity. Instead of letting it fester and get forgotten in the depths of your mind, nurture it and cultivate it into something meaningful. When you articulate a new idea, write it down in a more structured form and add it to your digital garden as an evergreen note.

By embracing the concept of cultivating your mind garden, you can harness the power of your thoughts and ideas. It becomes a continuous process of growth and development, allowing you to tap into your full potential as a founder.

Actionable Advice:

1. Build a strong network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for entrepreneurship. Attend events, join communities, and connect with fellow founders. Your network can provide valuable support, guidance, and opportunities along your journey.

2. Seek investment opportunities: If financial constraints are holding you back from starting your own company, explore different avenues for funding. Research angel investors, venture capital firms, and incubators that align with your vision. Increasing access to capital can help you take the leap and turn your dreams into reality.

3. Embrace lifelong learning: Never stop seeking knowledge and expanding your horizons. Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage in continuous learning. The more you feed your mind, the more ideas and insights you'll have to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

In conclusion, becoming a founder is a journey filled with challenges, but it's also an opportunity for growth, innovation, and making a lasting impact. By building a strong network, seeking investment opportunities, and embracing lifelong learning, you can navigate the path of entrepreneurship with confidence. Remember, success comes to those who hustle while they wait. So, plant the seeds of curiosity, nurture your mind garden, and watch your ideas bloom into reality.