As we celebrate the successful launch of VENMATE, our journey from concept to product has been both exhilarating and humbling. Working closely with our pilot customers over the past months has been an invaluable experience, and we want to take a moment to reflect on some of the biggest learnings we’ve taken away from this milestone.
Customer-centricity isn’t just a buzzword
At VENMATE, we have always been committed to building a tool that truly serves the needs of Customer Success Managers in B2B SaaS companies. This means that from day one, we’ve placed our customers at the center of everything we do. But saying you’re customer-centric is one thing; doing it is another.
Throughout the development process, we actively sought feedback from our pilot customers, involving them in design decisions, feature prioritization, and even the roadmap itself.
Their insights and input were not just welcome—they were essential. By listening closely and iterating quickly based on their feedback, we’ve been able to build a tool that is not only functional but also aligns closely with the daily realities and needs of our users. It’s a testament to the fact that when you put customers first, you create something of real value.
Deadlines create a sense of urgency
One of the most significant moments in our journey was setting a launch date with our first customers. Suddenly, there was a real deadline, and that sense of urgency pushed us forward in ways we hadn’t anticipated. We were no longer just building a product in theory; we were racing toward a tangible milestone.
This deadline didn’t just help us focus, it energized the entire team. We were all aware that our product was going to be in the hands of real users who were counting on us. That pressure brought out the best in everyone, pushing us to make faster decisions, prioritize effectively, and, above all, deliver on our promises. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do is to set a firm deadline and commit to it.
The shift from building to selling
Another significant shift we experienced was moving from the mindset of building a product to actually selling it. – This might seem obvious, but the transition is profound.
When you’re in build mode, the focus is on features, functionality, and user experience. But once the are planning the go-live, you have to get it market ready and think about how to sell it. This means cleaning up, the smaller open things in the tool, prioritize effectively and start selling…
The value of working with the right customers
One of the most rewarding aspects of our launch has been the opportunity to work with first customers who are seasoned professionals in the software field and have started businesses from scratch as well. They understand the process of building a product from the ground up. They know how to give constructive feedback, set realistic expectations, and still push us to reach our full potential.
Having these customers as our early adopters has been a game-changer. Their belief in our vision and their willingness to partner with us through the inevitable challenges of early development has been both inspiring and incredibly beneficial. Their realistic but ambitious expectations have kept us grounded while motivating us to push further.
Looking ahead after the launch
As we move forward, we’re excited to continue learning, growing, and building on the foundation we’ve laid. The journey to launch has taught us invaluable lessons about customer-centricity, the power of deadlines, the importance of selling, and the value of working with customers.
At VENMATE, we’re committed to not just talking about customer success, but living it every day. As we continue to refine and expand our product, we’re excited to keep working closely with our customers, learning from them, and delivering even more value.
To all of our pilot customers—thank you for your trust, your feedback, and your partnership. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you, and we’re thrilled to have you on this journey with us.
Now we will focus on finding more customers to join us and improving the tool everyday
