Startup of the Day - Share Dimension

Share Dimension is developing a video broadcasting platform for live events that puts user in control. The platform broadcasts multiple cameras, multi angle videos and it is the user who decides what, where, how he wants to watch. The user is his private Virtual Director.

Website: www.sharedimension.com.

Interview with Claudiu Tanasescu, Managing Director of Share Dimension

Tell us who you are and your role in the company.

I am Managing Director of Share Dimension and we build internet based application to help companies extend their market reach on a global scale.

What did you do before creating your company?

I graduated from Telecommunication and worked for multinationals as Nokia, Canon and Philips. I am passionate about Software Development and Microsoft Technologies.

How do you feel being the most promising ‘Startup of the Day’ per Microsoft BizSpark?

It’s very exciting, we work closely with Microsoft on new technologies and I like to think we’re making a difference to our customers because of that. It brings great pride to me and the whole team to learn that our efforts have been recognized by Bizspark. It motivates us even further to invest in innovation and expand our competencies for the benefit of our customers.

What is your company’s mission?

Our business is governed by the principles of SIMPLICITY, EFFICIENCY and AFFORDABILITY. Our services are aimed at the ultimate customer satisfaction. We are your partners in talent.

In 140 characters or less, tell us what your company does:

We are developing a video broadcasting platform for live events that puts user in control. The platform broadcasts multiple cameras, multi angle videos and it is the user who decides what, where, how he wants to watch. The user is his private Virtual Director.

How did you get the idea for your company?

Just like with most of the startups we ending up doing something else than what we originally started. You may call it market adaptation. Truth is, ideas come all the time. Adapt or die. We started with a Dutch partner building financial software. We then developed the multimedia business line and ended up selling the financial business to our biggest customer. At the moment we’re fully focused on our multimedia and internet based application developments.

Tell us about your funding history. Are you currently looking for funding? If so, how much?

We have no external funding history. All the funding was done with own resources. Later the sale of part of the business helped funding further developments. At the moment we are looking for funding to expend our video broadcasting platform..

How many employees do you have? How many developers?

We have 15 employees, 10 developers. I am very happy with our team.

Are you hiring? If yes, what are you hiring and where?

We're always on the lookout for great partners to help expand our business. We’re hiring additional software developers and expanding the marketing and sales division.

Which platform are you building on? Why?

We’re building on Microsoft.NET platform and Silverlight. Silverlight is an incredible platform for rich online multimedia applications and we’ve been working with it since v1.0. We’re part of TAP and we’re very about that.

Where do you see opportunities today in the Software/internet area?

Video streaming, introduction of Smooth Streaming and Silverlight will totally rock the way we see video on internet. And not only because we’re delivering better quality (HD), better user experience (DVR) but also because we can build now rich application on a single platform (Silverlight) and then leverage it over a multitude of computers, OS and devices.

What do you think about the BizSpark Program?

It’s fantastic. Not only do you get to save on research and development costs because of the licensing system, but with on-going partnerships that Microsoft does with hosting providers and other industry players it brings a lot of value to start-ups.

Do you have any advice for young Software entrepreneurs?

Yes, join the Bizspark and start NOW on your next big thing.

Who’s your role model?

My grandfather. Simple, yet inspiring. Work hard, believe in your goal and results will come.

What’s the ONE THING you would like readers to take away from this interview

I am not going to say our product. If you want to read more about it see our website. But what I am going to say is: Developers, Developers, Developers. You need a great idea to start with, but without a great team around you, it’s worth nothing. I am happy I have my team around me.