From Development to Disruption: Brendan's Entrepreneurial Journey with Antler
From software development roles at Dexter, Block, and Bannockburn Developments to diving into the realm of machine learning, explore the journey of an entrepreneur who, armed with extensive experience and the backing of Antler, transformed groundbreaking ideas into a thriving startup, skillfully navigated the complexities of the VC landscape
Brendan Mcgivern | Co-Founder at Yieldwize
From Development to Disruption: Brendan's Entrepreneurial Journey with Antler
From software development roles at Dexter, Block, and Bannockburn Developments to diving into the realm of machine learning, explore the journey of an entrepreneur who, armed with extensive experience and the backing of Antler, transformed groundbreaking ideas into a thriving startup, skillfully navigated the complexities of the VC landscape
You have had a diverse career, transitioning from roles as a software developer at companies like Dexter, Block, and Bannockburn Developments to machine learning. Can you talk more about your journey within those roles?
I've always been interested in entrepreneurship from a young age, which is why I chose to specialize in it. My interest in the tech side of things made me realize that the tech startup world was where I wanted to be. As I got into business, I understood that having a technical idea was just the beginning. To materialize that idea, you need the ability to build it, which involves significant financial risk and uncertainty about whether it will work out.
How did these experiences shape your career path, leading you to entrepreneurship?
I pursued a more technically focused career because of this realization. I wanted to ensure that when the day came to build something, I could do it myself, reducing the financial risk. These experiences taught me the importance of combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision.
Why did you decide to build your company with Antler? How did you find out about Antler?
Somebody from the Antler team reached out to me, and it made me realize that there is no "right" time to start the entrepreneurial path. After looking into Antler's program, I knew it was a good investment. I broke down the problems I faced like principal principles and took a leap of faith. This led me to meet a bunch of interesting, smart, motivated, and talented people throughout the cohort. I learned so much about the entrepreneurial process and the VC game.
There is no "right" time to start the entrepreneurial path.
Can you share your experience from day one to the end of the Antler residency program and the key things you learned?
I had a general idea of what I wanted to work on when I joined Antler. Where I currently live, there's a big niche market that many people don't know about, and it's substantial. I recommend having an idea of the industry you want to target and a particular problem to solve. I was in the idea phase when I joined Antler, but I would have joined regardless. There was a lot more to gain compared to staying in my previous role.
What would you advise people who are thinking about joining Antler?
It's hard to make progress if you’re 50% into entrepreneurship and 50% into your job. You have to be 100% committed to see progress, and it's important to commit wholeheartedly. The most enjoyable part was interacting with the cohort and being in a unique environment. When you take 70 incredibly bright, motivated people from all different walks of life, different backgrounds, and domain expertise and throw them in one room with the common goal of building something great together, it creates a unique environment that I enjoyed being part of. I've remained lifelong friends with a few people in the cohort, so the mentorship and network are invaluable.
When you take 70 incredibly bright, motivated people from all different walks of life and throw them in one room with the common goal of building something great, it creates a unique environment
What were the main takeaways from the Antler program?
Antler brings in phenomenal people to present who are very seasoned in the entrepreneurial space and provide candid answers. I remember a discussion about imposter syndrome where they said it never goes away. It validated my feelings and thought processes as an early-stage founder. Antler's main focus is on matching you with a co-founder. When you start out on your own and go through different platforms, it can be challenging. A month before the program started, they opened a Slack channel for everyone to get to know each other. This was great for learning about their goals, motivations, and more. I found my co-founder before the program even started.
What advice would you give to those considering joining Antler?
Jump in and just commit to it. Have an open mind and don’t second guess yourself. It's an intense program, but the value is forever. The team itself is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and will help you whenever you need, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
What did you learn from the Antler program?
The main skillset I acquired was how to communicate with VCs and work effectively in a short time frame. The teachings and mentorship opportunities at Antler were invaluable in validating my ideas and understanding the VC process.
Thank you for reading.
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