On Tuesday, February 4th, we welcomed the CEO, CTO, and Head of Solutions at Mobikit; a local startup driving the future of connected vehicles through data integration. Mobikit is one of a plethora of tech startups based in Columbus. They are based just off of West Campus and are embracing the Columbus startup culture which has allowed companies like Root Insurance to scale at an unprecedented pace.
Like Root, Mobikit is addressing a large problem within the rapidly evolving auto industry. Large auto manufacturers are under heavy pressure to redefine themselves as data-driven tech companies, especially since they have to potential to collect enormous amounts of data through connected vehicles. However, most car companies don’t have the resources to pivot to become tech-driven companies. That’s where Mobikit fits into the picture. Mobikit’s mission is to streamline data integration by building the infrastructure that allows auto manufacturers to effectively utilize the data from their connected vehicles. Connected vehicle data is now at the forefront of the industry as more agile and tech-focused car companies like Tesla are disrupting the space.
Mobikit’s panel of experienced entrepreneurs emphasized the importance of recognizing a trend, defining a niche problem, and developing a laser-focused solution. They warned that many startups try to be everything and therefore, struggle to gain any traction. That’s why Mobikit has positioned itself as a leader in connected vehicle data, rather than trying to become a tech giant that spans multiple industries. As a result, Mobikit has been able to attract the attention of and work with companies like Honda.
The Mobikit panel also shared advice on the importance of industry knowledge for business development and sales, especially at the enterprise scale. The entire panel had extensive experience working with large corporations, therefore, they are able to position themselves more effectively to enterprises. They shared that their sales cycle is usually around 1-2 years, therefore, their experience is instrumental in finally closing sales. The lesson that we can all take away from their advice is that it pays to pay your dues. Even if working for a large corporation isn’t for you, the experience that you will gain could pay dividends for your future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Zak Reape
VP of Public Relations
