The first time Ian Scarffe joined us for a Hive meeting was for our first pitch training session, in January this year. It was immediately apparent that his perspectives and feedback would be useful for any startup founder, perhaps even more so here in Kraków as he brings an international viewpoint to any idea. Ian is an Australian entrepreneur who has been in Poland for the last six years, and it is very hard on meeting him not to get caught up in his infectious energy and enthusiasm. It’s hard to keep up with how many projects he has on the go - from wine importing, to children’s edutainment, to a new business incubator here in Kraków.
One of the pitches that Ian gave feedback for was from Damian Słuja, who had an idea involving a new type of social networking for student societies. Looking back, Ian remembers with characteristic frankness that he didn’t understand the idea. “I didn’t really get it” he laughs “But I was intrigued, and met up with Damian, and began to see that there was a much bigger opportunity than he had identified”. Ian has since started mentoring Damian and his business partner Rafał Bugaj, and is helping them see a broader, more global business landscape for the type of platform that they are developing.
It’s clear on talking with both Ian and Damian that both are enjoying working together - the word that kept on being used was “fun”. And both are very positive that the partnership is useful - indeed, Ian is clearly making sure that Damian and Rafal work hard on validating their idea, making contact with institutions from Silicon Valley as a potential proving ground for an initial launch.
As Hive grows we’ll surely see more such connections being made, and the startup scene here can only benefit. Good luck to Damian, Rafał and Ian with this project!
It’s clear on talking with both Ian and Damian that both are enjoying working together - the word that kept on being used was “fun”. And both are very positive that the partnership is useful - indeed, Ian is clearly making sure that Damian and Rafal work hard on validating their idea, making contact with institutions from Silicon Valley as a potential proving ground for an initial launch.
As Hive grows we’ll surely see more such connections being made, and the startup scene here can only benefit. Good luck to Damian, Rafał and Ian with this project!
