From Father’s Workshop to Business Boardroom: Jonas Menesklou Unveils the Blueprint of Entrepreneurial Success

In today's age of rapid technological advancements, few leaders stand out as vividly as Jonas Menesklou, the CEO of AskUI, a trailblazing startup focused on automation for B2B processes.

Emerging from the innovative streets of Karlsruhe, Germany, this startup positions itself uniquely at the intersection of intuitive user instructions and machine learning. In a candid video interview, the dynamic Matthew from Temy, a reputable international software development company, sits down with Jonas to delve deep into AskUI's journey, challenges, and breakthroughs.

As the conversation unfolds, Jonas sheds light on the origin of AskUI, its current trajectory, and the hurdles they've faced while carving a niche for themselves. Dive in as we unpack this fascinating exploration into the world of automation, startups, and the drive to revolutionize business operations.

Unraveling AskUI: Jonas Menesklou Spills the Beans on Automation, Growth, and the Journey Thus Far

Grabbing a coffee (or perhaps something stronger) and settling down to chat with Jonas, the vibrant co-founder and CEO of AskUI, was nothing short of enlightening. I mean, how often do you get a glimpse into the world of a startup that's shaking things up in the realm of automation? Jonas, with his charismatic flair, shared the core of what AskUI does - think giving "chaps a mouse, a keyboard, and some eyes" to let the magic of automation unfold. It's a charming way to describe the intricate world of automating B2B processes.

"You can't just implement everything the customer asks for, otherwise, you won't have the greatest solution," Jonas mused, hitting the nail on the head when speaking about the challenges of building a product. In his narrative, he painted a vivid journey - starting in 2019 as a research project and growing, with some hurdles, into the beast it is today. Doubling users every month? You bet! Yet, the road wasn't always smooth. It took a great deal of understanding, patience, and not merely listening to, but truly understanding customer needs.

It's evident that AskUI's meteoric rise isn't just about fancy machine learning or automation. At its heart, it's about relentless perseverance, adapting to market demands, and maintaining a laser-focus on solving genuine problems. Jonas' chat was a delightful reminder of the hustle, grit, and passion that makes startups like AskUI truly shine. We're stoked to see where this journey takes him next!

From Test Automation Challenges to Aiming for an IPO: Jonas's Vision for the Future

Navigating the tricky terrains of the test automation market, Jonas's passion-driven journey captures a story of perseverance and adaptation. Test automation, for the uninitiated, revolves around the automation of certain software development processes. While its inherent value might be hard to measure in direct numbers, the challenges presented by it served as a learning curve for Jonas and his team. "It's not the easiest market. The value you get for the customer… it's not really measurable," he confesses. But Jonas's approach is one of flexibility. Moving towards more tangible, general automation cases, they've ventured into realms such as invoice processing and ERP automation, making the value of their product more "quantifiable."

A reflection on the company's growth cannot be complete without touching on its employee-centric philosophy. Presently at a respectable 12 full-time employees, with plans to grow to 16, the company remains development-focused. Three distinct teams target machine learning, cloud-based solutions, and core technology development, giving the organization a well-rounded structure. Jonas's approach to hiring is notably unique. He doesn't just seek skill or expertise, he seeks passion, motivation, and a vision aligning with that of the company. It's not about the titles or climbing a corporate ladder, but about building something meaningful and transformative.

What does the future hold for Jonas and his team? Beyond the recent funding rounds and potential growth in staff, the vision is clear and ambitious. Jonas and his team aim to dive deeper into general automation, targeting enterprise automation and introducing innovative solutions for native applications. "We want to bring a first solution out there by next year… and then really scale from there," he confidently shares. And with an IPO glimmering on the horizon, Jonas's journey is one of aspiration and tenacity, driven by a genuine desire to change the world through automation.

Ditching Exams for Dream Chasing: Jonas’s Startup Odyssey

Picture this: It's high school diploma time, the culmination of years of hard work, and most students are buckling down to prep for the biggest exams of their lives. But not Jonas. Instead, he and a friend decided to shoot their entrepreneurial shot, leaving behind the safety of exams to chase dreams at a startup conference in Berlin. The venture didn’t quite pan out as expected, but it did ignite a fire. Fast forward a few years, Jonas finds himself amidst the startup ecosystem, forging bonds with co-founders, navigating the complexities of the industry, and diving deep into the test automation field.

So what did Jonas take away from these rollercoaster experiences? A significant lesson about tuning out the noise. "Opinions from other people are not really that important," he mused, reflecting on the many naysayers he had encountered on his journey. He elaborates, "Everyone is telling you to really look at what kind of knowledge has this person, what did he do in his past? Is this opinion or feedback valuable?" Filtering out unnecessary advice, focusing on gut instincts, and challenging oneself remain at the heart of his growth.

Diving deeper into the technological realm, Jonas is on a mission to enhance automation. Not just any automation, though. His goal is to elevate processes by automating intentions, not just interactions, bridging the gap between human decision-making and machine efficiency. He paints a picture of a world where machines understand human intent without being tied down to rigid rules. A world where we can still be deeply human but let robots handle the robotic tasks. Jonas’s vision is clear: Let humans be more human, and let the machines take care of the rest.

"Building from Scratch: Jonas Reflects on Fatherly Wisdom and Entrepreneurial Instincts"

There's a certain spirit of tenacity and innovation that drives Jonas, and it was evident when he delved into the heartwarming story of his father's journey. Starting from humble beginnings, Jonas's father navigated through life with grit, ultimately landing at the university as a lecturer and doubling up as a freelancer. A jack of all trades, Jonas recalls fondly how his father, an expert in electrical engineering, would involve him in hands-on projects. "I remember soldering on boards and developing smart solutions," Jonas says with a reminiscent smile, "he gave me this attitude that I can build stuff on my own."

But Jonas isn't just a product of the past. His forward-thinking perspective is what sets him apart in today's entrepreneurial landscape. When asked about starting a business, his advice was straightforward yet profound, "Talk to your customer." Instead of diving head-first into software development or any venture for that matter, Jonas suggests validating and challenging one's assumptions. "Challenge the solution you have," he recommends, highlighting the importance of feedback before implementation.

While he might not be super active on social media, Jonas's authenticity shines through. His easy-going nature and openness to engage in conversations make him an approachable figure in the professional world. "You can find me on LinkedIn, and if you have any questions, always reach out," he offers. As the interview wrapped up, the warmth and gratitude in Jonas's voice were palpable, a testament to his journey and the impact he's made. Building isn't just about businesses or projects; sometimes, it's about relationships, memories, and a legacy passed down from one generation to the next.

Rusana ShkarabanPodcast Host at Temy

Are you ready to peel back the layers and uncover the real story behind industry leaders’ success? As a Podcast Host and Writer at Bright Founders Talk, that’s exactly what I’m here to do. Whether the journey was smooth sailing or filled with bumps in the road, I’m here to get our guests to remove the smoke and mirrors and share their authentic experiences. We all have a story to tell, and my job is to get to the nitty-gritty of it all, picking their brains to reveal secrets to their success.