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Name: Rokas

Company name: CHRG Network

Colour of your eyes: Dark wood brown

How many people are in the team: 3

What is the difference between you and Steve Jobs: Not much of a difference, but I graduated college.😊

Discussion on the product/service

Can you describe your product/service to us?

SaaS solution for EV station management. 

How did you get the idea to start with this? I was following the Tesla company from the early days, and in 2015 decided to buy a Tesla EV myself. I have been a happy EV driver since then.  I was totally convinced of the transition to EVs long term. I wanted to be a part of this transition and decided that the best way was to help facilitate infrastructure for EVs. 

What are your plans for the future?

Our mission is to make EV charging accessible as air, everywhere, and for everyone. We are creating software tools for different parts of the value chain and helping customers and partners operate charging stations.

Rather Ginto or Whiskey?

Fresh Juice. 🙂

Personal conversation

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

Sometimes stressful, sometimes tiring, but never boring. I like most the fact that I can create new products, interact with customers, listen to them, deliver and get feedback and repeat the cycle again Also I like that I can meet, network, and work with people who are passionate about creating new products and concepts. 

What are your biggest obstacles?

Funding, competition.

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

I have been a vegetarian for the past 10 years. 

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

Just do it. If you think too much you will never do it because your mind will find 100 reasons why not to start. But when you start doing it consistently (sometimes enough to start as a side project), some good things start happening – sometimes you meet the right person, and sometimes you get the right call which helps you move forward. 

What would you advise a founder to do?

Go to startup meetups, hackathons, or other events. There you will either crystalize your idea or meet and join others.

What would you advise a founder not to do?

Don’t sit between 4 walls, better meet and talk to prospective customers.  

What is a key factor to success?

I believe persistence is a big part of it.

How to teach a frog to smile?

Just give her 420

FRC Program

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

I think the FRC program is a perfect blend for a mature startup. We got one-on-one counseling, and group training and had the possibility to learn from other founders and also reach out directly to some prominent people from the Startup community. At the same time, we had time to develop our business. 

What is your favorite spot on the planet?

Grand Canyon – amazing place.

What was the most important takeaway from the program?

There is money available, we as founders just need to deliver. 

Would you suggest other founders apply?

Yes.

Who was your favorite FRC team member? Why?

The FRC team is great – very nice people. I and I received help from all in one or the other way. Business wise Ales gave most of the critical thinking on one-on-one sessions to me for which I am much appreciative.