How to start a tech company

Season 2 Episode 8
This all started in a college dorm room, we weren’t looking to get rich, we just wanted to buy a drone. We needed $1000 and we wanted it fast. So we had the idea of printing sweaters for our university residence.
We pooled together $300, bought a Cricut vinyl plotter and got started. We posted ads all over our university’s Facebook groups with designs we had created ourselves. 24h later we had $1000 and sh*t ton of sweaters to print. We pulled our first all nighter (not knowing that it would be the first of many, many, many all nighters) and got the job done.
Word quickly spread throughout campus, with people coming up to us saying “Hey, you’re the sweater guys right? Can you print me some sweaters?“. The name stuck and we officially became The Sweater Guys.
This is our story
🌎 SweaterPlanet.com
👍 SweaterPlanet
📸 sweater_planet
Produced by Dom DeFelice, Michel Can and Dexter Storey
Filmed and edited by Dexter Storey

[@yewyewxd]

This is what entrepreneurship actually looks like, and it's not for everyone. After watching this episode, I realized that really no dream is unachievable, it's just we haven't worked hard enough. Vloggers, coders, entrepreneurs... you guys are exactly whom I wanna become. If I could get to work for and learn from you guys, I'd be willing to do it for free. Keep inspiring, the sweater guys. Much love.

[@Wittgenstein.]

That's absolutely not how it looks like. Don't get me wrong, boys in this video have lots of energy but I don't think taking lessons from them is the best idea. They opened small print on demand business, got some traction, then they decided to go big without knowing their basic value proposition, vision and plan. When your 'tech' company value proposition is 'ethical' and 'enviromental' you're not entrepreneur, you're just con artist. They undervalued importance of idea in business, thinking that 'every best idea starts with bad idea', which is not only just not true, but also pathology in world of startups. If you look at the first interviews with Bezos back in 90, he had idea of starting everything store in 1995, he just segmented it and started with selling books. You have Paypal, Facebook, KZbin, Twitch, Palantir, Apple, Google, Sony, Ford, Tesla, Google, Microsoft. Every one of this companies happened to have amazing business idea for a monopolistic product-based company backed by radically better technology, clear value propostion and clear future vision. There is trend in universities popularized by 'startuppy' professors like Bob Dworf, who didn't created anything in their lifes, telling other people that the best way to create a big company is by 'lean startup' methodology, by starting with non-vision, non-value prop. organization based on solving the core problems. But the problem is that without having clear product and future vision from the get-go, you're just bouncing off the walls like a maniac trying to build something out of thin air. Clear vision is always better than iterative process. Iterations are good, when you already created your product with unique value prospositon, that does something faster, better, cheaper. But you can't use iterative process to build your vision. You can't use iterative process to build world-class products. Because iterative process is always based on existing solutions. And vision starts with solutions that are non-existing, but should have. Facebook was first social network that cracked real identity problem. Google was first search engine that cracked search and positioning algorithms. Instagram was first platform that cracked filters. Apple was first that hardware company that cracked User Interfaces. And Micorsoft was first SOFTWARE company that cracked User Interfaces, refining revenue and becoming giant. Ford was first car company that cracked cheap production lines. Tesla is first car company that cracked self-driving cars. Amazon was first company that cracked shopping online. Supercell was first game producent that cracked decentralized game production. McDonalds under McDonalds brothers was first restaurant that cracked fast-food. McDonalds under Ray Kroc was first restaurant that cracked land-renting franchise business model. There are also some some big fails with big companies like Webvan (-$6B), Iridium (-$5.2B) which also had very clear product visions. But in those cases, founders and upper management decided to start on scale that was way too big. So start small, but have big and percise vision. That's how REAL entrepreneurs play. And you get this from 8 (closer to 9) figure entrepreneur. These guys did the opposite, they were trying to start big without any vision, and ended up spending 4 years on non-productive fucking around, their website is down, and their company went bankrupt. So watch out who are you taking lessons from. Don't be an idiot.

[@beyondme819]

@@Wittgenstein. Their company got acquired

[@atyourservice2157]

@@Wittgenstein. Agreed

[@rishijey]

Im speechless--literally speechless this is so freaking sick

[@gssupp-]

But in anyway Best that u 🤔

[@Pastorsun]

@@gssupp- hi Gabriel you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@pedromanuelcastorena8525]

This video is a hidden gem from the internet! Great work. Thank you for sharing.

[@marijab96able]

i will forever admire the passion and work you put into this company Dexter, along with everyone else on the team. I'm rooting for all your success in the future :) (also will be stopping by the office this summer for sure)

[@dexterstorey]

Thanks so much Marija! Ya come by any time, you're always welcome!

[@adhirajkar7396]

Why is this video not famous

[@lolio5979]

this is the most high quality video i have seen, feels like an actual documentary, congrats on the sweater guys

[@nosesabe_]

this is THE MOST underranted YT channel Iv ever seen... the content is great and the production is really good too... You deserve more attention!!

[@nalinbranden]

Best of luck to you guys!! Love the journey you had and the utmost dedication. Keep up the good work boys!! 😎

[@manethk]

Hi! I am a student at McGill and I lived in Gardner myself. This video was the best thing I saw this entire week and I applaud you and your team for all the persistent hard-work you put into this company. I admire your work. Keep moving forward. I'm excited for you!!

[@ruthumerez445]

Exactly the kind of crazy and passionate people I want to surround myself with!

[@keeganajar8370]

People think you're crazy until you succeed, then you're a genius.

[@martinslanina8357]

You guyz'd ABSOLUTELY destroyed it!! Wish there were more people like you

[@TylerMalad]

KZbin recommended this video to me, and this is so dope! Will be watching more later

[@northzen8747]

Congrats guys. Keep up the hard work 👊

[@livmichael9328]

Congrats. I really need this right now. Thank you for sharing.

[@Blackpensmith]

damn guys, you're freaking awesome; when i grow up i wanna be like you. hope to see you reach greatness

[@Pastorsun]

Hi Sala you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@niiinnnnnnnnnn]

this video deserves a million views !! u guys are sickkkk

[@amanrubey]

Cinematography is top class.

[@macteh7298]

Super awesome man Really motivated by Ur story #one of the best once I have ever heard

[@Solo.nm1998]

Love the energy here boys!

[@garikayichinhakwe9209]

This is an undiluted gem. Real

[@noobgamer_05_90]

please more it was really cool and inspiring to watch

[@tashiiwhite2151]

Absolutely amazing vid! I feel the exact same once you make that first dollar and head down the entrepreneur path you’re stuck to it 😎 I think I might use your tip of using the “martial law” 😂😤😅

[@aleks4375]

why can't i find people like you love from Norway

[@ivanoleksii2163]

Kudos guys! Love it 🎉

[@frenzycars9983]

these guys are LIVIN A LIFE

[@sudhamjayanthi]

Thanks for featuring my boi diggi in the thumbnail!

[@sugarstore266]

thank you this means alot i was trying alot of things and i thought i was sucking at everything i do but the thing is i never kept presistant on anything i do thats the key thank you so much i ll try to keep presistant on one thing and see whats happen

[@Pastorsun]

Hi sugar you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@mechetech2311]

Really impressive guys! All the best

[@KazzyOfficial]

You guys are absolute pros

[@master-ik9ro]

Talk about the perfect team

[@panthatrades27]

yoo...where r u guys...the charisma hyped dayum...The contents grt !!.🔥🔥

[@tomerumesh417]

No. 25476 THIS VIDEO IS TERRIFIC. You guys are lucky. You found your passion at such a young age. Make impact on the world as well. 😊😎

[@TOTTP]

I liked that ..very motivating

[@Dev-nt9vt]

This needs a million views.

[@lukemcrae_]

Inspiring! Thank you guys

[@mr_jj_junior3440]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥I never like and comment on videos, but this one deserved it

[@dexterstorey]

hey thanks! Helps the ALGORITHM lol

[@Ohlookitsajosh]

..I've never wanted (to do) something like this so badly in my entire life.. Ill do it myself but where do I find people with motivation like this???

[@HernanHH95]

This gave me a nice shot of motivation

[@AlexaMichelleBackup]

Wow I needed this !!

[@danielisree]

Thank you so much #thesweaterguys, thanks for sharing your story, it is so inspirational and it also gave me a drive to believe in my self more. 💯🔥

[@aty4282]

Working in a team like this is my dream, never managed to find one tho

[@thesmiler9755]

Too Underrated 👍

[@khairulorama]

your videography is so cool..cheers

[@gowtham_pb]

Really awesome 🔥

[@rishubfilms]

really Inspiring!

[@rustinalexandru]

As a programmer, I'm curious about the learning to program in such a short time and so many languages. What's your background guys? What technologies did you settle on for your website? Etc. You got me following.

[@dexterstorey]

Background is non existent lol, this is my first job! We settled on React and GraphQL with Apollo. Medium articles are the bible for hacking websites together! Thanks for following!

[@peterluo1776]

I curious too. But good work though.

[@tegaogheneovo5881]

I just believe it's possible because 😎 yeah motivation

[@Pastorsun]

@@dexterstorey Hi Dexter storey

[@Pastorsun]

@@dexterstorey hi Dexter storey you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@DRKSPAD3]

Dude this is awesome

[@Pastorsun]

Hi Bryce Jones you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@KwenaSpaiz]

I've watched all the sweater guys'' videos several times and I feel sad every day because I can't watch new ones the worst part is we don't know what happened to the Sweater Guys, @Dexter what happened???😭

[@dexterstorey]

Hi @KwenaSpaiz Thanks so much for checking out the web series! Unfortunately we stopped making more because we decided not to continue the company. The team has moved on to different projects and we're still working around the clock to build cool technology for people. I'm still in touch with everyone involved and we're thinking of making a finalé at some point in the future! I'll be putting out more projects on my KZbin soon that show some of the tech companies we've been building since (:

[@tzmashrim3726]

I've become your 900 subscribers.

[@mcleankumwenda8918]

I am inspired

[@PleaseNoMoreFarmhouseDecor]

my favorite part of this was the outro music

[@ricobrasil401]

89 views then, 89k as of rn as I’m watching this video. Jolly good show

[@shanewhite3801]

I've been dying for a new episode! When's the next one coming out??

[@Pastorsun]

Hi shane white

[@cameronkolb8287]

I’m curious how much y’all got acquired for!!

[@CryptoMom7]

good stuff

[@moderngames8892]

Very inspiring

[@404Apollo]

what is the song used plz I need to use it for my vids also amazing vids WOW 12k views

[@hansalvarado5743]

A bad idea can't catch on until the right timing, and this won't be achieved if you're not persistent

[@maxeisen2367]

Love it! I gotta train over to Mtl and meet you guys

[@maxeisen2367]

Also really wanna hear about that fist fight lol

[@dexterstorey]

Drop by anytime 🤙

[@Pastorsun]

@@maxeisen2367 hi max Eisen you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@RusuTraianCristian]

"I taught myself 15 coding languages". Sure bro, sure. :D I mean, reading blogs and taking some tutorials =/= learning a language deeply. Let alone 15. Not even a 10x super senior guy knows 15 languages, unless we're taking here about knowing the very shallow surface and syntax. Other than that, no way. If someone insists on this, it's simply lying. :)

[@dilanlol6046]

Can I do something with IoT and Electricity?

[@yx2023]

Awesome

[@Pastorsun]

Hi Yx you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@mapesavenom]

Cool

[@dazzlingvids5845]

Do you think you could remake your machine and sell it online

[@atikemahatikemah9625]

#INSPIRED.

[@Darkness-uq6jw]

This is an amazing edit

[@dexterstorey]

cheers mate!

[@carles0460]

@@dexterstorey how'd you do it??

[@Pastorsun]

@@carles0460 hi Charles you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@santiagomedina1717]

And where is Closed captions?!?!

[@Pastorsun]

Hi medina you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@depstermanyepa3774]

Hey Dexter I'm Depster I'm the only Depster l know, Your name is closest to mine and i love tech

[@1ssas11saa]

太赞了 so 🆒

[@404Apollo]

guys where are the new vids

[@Pastorsun]

Hi Vexd you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@black12212]

Can you guys print a logo on face masks? Like those n95 masks?

[@dexterstorey]

SweaterPlanet.com Face masks are now available!

[@josephthecreator]

This is what "luck" looks like.

[@DioArsya]

wow, this is my first video and without furtherdo I smash the subscribe btn

[@abdullahe3674]

Hey 👋 guys are you'll alive Or turned zombies Lol PS how do I get in touch

[@brahmabull4004]

what was this video edited with?

[@dexterstorey]

Big Forty Five hey! I edit everything in Final Cut Pro or premier depending on whether I need after effects or not. This one was FCPX 🖖

[@Pastorsun]

Hi Brahma bull you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@A1_Dean.]

Boss

[@Pastorsun]

Hi Daniel Wesson you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@huzz6281]

So do you only do this business or something else too?

[@huzz6281]

@Dexter Storey where did you learn from?

[@sarill5919]

broooo i wanna join u

[@Pastorsun]

Hi sari you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@ahmadusama725]

Hello there

[@Pastorsun]

Hi Ua you can be part of my technology startup company on Google Hangout so join us Join the conversation on Hangouts: hangouts.google.com/group/6CTn2G64X5H2fN9N7

[@juanmiguelnieto9975]

Holyfuck

[@alexthecreator8380]

did he say 15 programming languages

[@kellkay]

I know right

[@rochidzwachester8723]

Can you guys hook me up am skilled in mern stack i really want some collaboration

[@nadaassa3410]

i'am gonna start a tech company , i have no paln ,no idea ,no skils but im gonna make it happen from now edit: maybe one when i have it all i could come back here and see how far i have come

[@tegaogheneovo5881]

Wanna laugh 7:50

[@wojciechkowcz5303]

You aren't the first to come up with that idea

[@Elkardashev]

thanks for the inspiration😁 , Kinda got lost for moment there. Its had starting a tech company in a third world country. 🥲

[@Burtconleyvlogs]

And you gave up !!!!????? NEVER GIVE UP !!!

[@dexterstorey]

never give up, working on something new :)

[@dexterstorey]

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