Dylan Sidoo is the President and Co-Founder of his technology company, Disappears, Inc., and work in Business Development at BMEX Gold, Inc. He has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, whether it be co-founding a film and acquisitions company in 2014 where him and his partner distributed two films, securing an output deal with Netflix, to founding his technology company to solve a unique problem in the marketspace.
Over the last few years, Dylan has been working in the venture space, first starting in investor relations at Advantage Lithium as a founding shareholder, and transitioning to Business Development at BMEX Gold, Inc, after the lithium explorer’s acquisition. He is extremely dynamic, and can handle multiple work flows which he would say is one of his greatest assets besides his resilient and tough mindset. Back in 2014 Dylan’s partner and him had a vision of creating a heightened secure solution for consumers who care about data privacy, which is a topic that only has been getting increasing threatening. He has not given up on their vision since 2014, and has an innate responsibility to produce shareholder value. Whether that be through an acquisition, or a public offering; subsequently this highlights Dylan’s resilient mindset and attitude as a person and a businessman.
How did you get started in this business?
I was interning at William Morris Endeavor in Los Angeles when some of the company’s departments had their information hacked. I started looking into the space for secure commination solutions. Even prior to this in 2014 the Sony hack had altered my attention. With this all in mind, and seeing the solution in the market that still were not full proof, I decided to team up with my partner and I create a fully private and secure solutions for users, where they could 100% trust the secureness of the product.
How do you make money?
-Working in Business Development at BMEX Gold Inc., a junior miner that is a gold exploration company.
– Equity Investments (in the form of capital gains)
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
My tech company is not at a profit yet, everything else is through salary and investments.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Yes all the time, roadblocks always pop up especially when you are an early stage company looking to scale and support a common business goal long-term. You have to be willing to go through the ups and downs. The way I handle it even now is to know that as long as you are chasing the oscillating accent for your business and comprehend that these roadblocks are normal, you will keep the mind at ease.
How did you get your first customer?
Organic users through posting our encrypted product, Vanish Messenger, on the iOS and Android store (+ google ad/Apple ad campaigns that we did early on).
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
No marketing push now, as our current business goal for my tech deal is to implement the remaining feature sets. By hiring key members to round out our product team and only then will we be in a position to raise more capital and bring on a marketing director to help us with our go-to-market strategy.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Firing an employee.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My resilient mindset, not only in business but in life.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Raising our initial seed round of capital for my technology company (approx. 300k). Having others believe in your vision means a lot to me, and pushes me to make that venture a success for our shareholders.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am most excited about scaling our business fast once we raise our next round of capital. At that point we will have a full product team in place, with marketing, and proper structure. We can begin focusing on driving revenue, whether that be through the form of licensing deals, the sale of our IP, or through our subscription model. However, the most exciting thing is to bring a ROI for all my investors and liquidity for them, as my fiduciary duty is to the shareholders.
What business books have inspired you?
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Try to stay motivated through positive reinforcement and also harnessing negative energy in life and turning it into a drive to excel, push, and fight. A concept I learned playing sports all my life and even at the collegiate level. To never give up, no matter what.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Not at this time.