BLOG

Name: Sebastian Požlep

Company name: Efan d.o.o

Colour of your eyes: My eyes are brown/green.

How many people do you have in your team: At Efan we are a 4 man team. Filled roles are CEO, PM and Marketing. The development team is being outsourced as we do not yet have the financial backing to employ them on the project full time.

What is the difference between you and Steve Jobs? I see many resemblances by comparing us two. We both want to make a product that will make life easier for our customers. We are both hard-headed and have a clear goal in front, despite the path being a bit cloudy.

Discussion on the product/service

Can you describe your product/service to us?

At Efan we are developing a social network platform designed for gamers. The platform is aimed at all gamers as it would incorporate the majority of relevant news and communities that the average gamer is interested in. we would also incorporate an e-sport tracking system for easy following of tournaments and have our own tournament organizing pages for users to create their own matchmaking tournaments. As the platform would only be built for gaming, we would eventually become a go-to HUB for all related news, information and event organizing.

How did you get to an idea to start with this?

Nov 2019 in Shanghai. At my previous workplace, I was sent to Shanghai to promote our products. I have set up meetings with Chinese VCs and introduced our products. All VC had one in common question and that was “is it possible to adapt the product for esports?” That is when I started doing research on esports and found a lack of platforms designed for gaming that have all the functionalities incorporated that are being used by the community. The next logical step was to start developing efan.gg, which would give the gaming community all functionalities in one platform. In 2020 we did an online survey and 75% answered yes to the question “would you be interested in using this platform?”

What are your plans for the future? Plans for the future of efan.gg is to expand! As our goal is very ambitious, we need users and YT influencers to hear about the platform and start using it. The end line is to become a backbone in the gaming industry. 

Rather Ginto or Whiskey?

I see myself as more of a Whiskey man.

Personal conversation

What is it like to run a business and what do you like the most?

Running your own business can be very stressful as you alone are responsible for all your employees. Every decision can reflect on their future. Despite some downsides, the upside is that I am able to build my dream.  

What are your biggest obstacles?

The biggest obstacle is financing.

 Are you more Goulash or Odojak? Caviar or Foie gras? 

I see myself as a Goulash. Making a Goulash is easy, but making a great Goulash requires not only the correct amount of ingredients but also the ingredients must be the correct type. If all falls into place you have a fantastic dish. The same is with a CEO, you have to have all the correct attributes to successfully strive towards the end goal. 

Caviar, like my personality it is a special flavour.  

What advice would you give to other people that are interested in starting something new?

My best advice would be if you believe in your product never give up. If you fail you only found another way at failing and have to search on to find a correct path to succeed!

What would you advise a founder to do?

Same answer as above + surround yourself with people who believe also believe in the project. There is nothing worse as to have people only work for you for money. In the beginning, you need dreamers who will live for the project. 

What would you advise a founder to do?

Get your product out to the public as soon as possible. You may have an idea as to what the people want or need, but the first reactions of users will determine if your vision is correct or false. The sooner you do that the sooner you can change the product so that it will appeal to a broader audience.  

What is a key factor to success?

Never give up! Some luck is also needed to succeed 😉

How to teach a frog to smile?

That would be an interesting talk with a zoologist.

FRC program

Can you tell us something about your experience in the FRC accelerator program?

The FRC program aims to share the knowledge of starting a new business, how to be successful, what are the downfalls, how to avoid them, and prepare the founders to create a compelling pitch deck for future investors. I think that they execute the plan flawlessly.

What is your favorite spot on the planet?

Sailing the Croatian islands.

What was the most important takeaway from the program?

The best knowledge I received from the program was the lectures/stories from founders that have established their businesses. To me, that was worth my weight in gold.

Would you suggest other founders apply?

Yes!

Who was your favorite FRC team member? Why?

Stevica Kuharski, we have a lot in common regarding gaming.