Ever thought about build!ing your business?

During my doctoral studies, two colleagues and I started a joint project to combine the different topics of our research. After refining the idea, it became a functioning product, and eventually, we founded our startup. The build! startup center was a tremendous help, providing us with a workspace, access to a community, workshops, mentors, and, most importantly, valuable feedback. Early-stage financing is always a challenge, but with the support of build!, we were able to overcome this hurdle. To this day, we have our office at build!, as it allows us to work together while being surrounded by other inspiring founders. My advice to students considering starting a business: a solid business plan is key. The most important thing is to clearly understand what, how, and to whom you want to sell – the more detailed, the better.

Ever since I started exploring the area of game development in 2017, I dreamed of working in the gaming industry. However, with no suitable companies in Carinthia, it quickly became clear that I wanted to start my own indie game studio. My studies at the University of Klagenfurt, particularly the Master’s in Game Studies and Engineering, greatly supported me. It helped me improve my skills, build valuable connections, and put my theoretical knowledge directly into practice. Through the build! startup center, I received additional support in realizing my idea. Working with build! was especially helpful in developing our business plan and value proposition canvas. This was crucial in allowing us to completely rethink our game and better understand our target audience. My advice to students who want to start their own business: use your time at university to foster networks and take advantage of resources like build! as becoming an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but with the right support, you can achieve a lot in Carinthia.