Interview with Sean Seah, Co-founder of Phokki

Will the 3rd time be the charm for Seah Seah, co-founder of Phokki? Back when Sean first graduated, he joined the Defense Science Organisation but quickly got bored. So, he decided to leave and start his own startup. When that did not work, he joined yet another startup but left when disagreements on the direction of the company surfaced. Next was Phokki, which is something that is still alive and kicking today and which Sean still continues to run today. We speak to Sean about his entrepreneurship journey and the story behind Phokki – the site that connects buyers directly to digital artists.

Hi Sean, tell us in three words what Phokki is.

Arts for everyone.

What’s your background and what were you doing before starting Phokki?

I graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a Degree in Computer Engineering but spent most of my time playing Inline Hockey. My first job is in Defense Science Organization aka DSO as a Software Engineer, but got sick of it because none of the things I am doing is of practical use. So with a few friends from JC, we decided to do some business and landed myself in Bytesquare as their CTO.

After which, I got involved in a Singapore-based mobile VoIP startup for about 2 years, from doing project manager to Business Development. I left the company when my partner and I have different views on running the business. I wanted a Asia version of Ribbit.com back then, but they have more practical views.

Kris and I started Phokki after winning Start-Up@Singapore 2008. During then, we named our team as pic2pic.

Why Phokki?

To change the world of course.

If you look on the Internet, you see that there are so many photo editing tools. From Adobe PS to online tools such as FotoFlexer.com (endorsed by Facebook) and picnik.com.

They have done a fantastic jobs in helping artist wannabe to do photo enhancement. But we felt that there is still a missing gap. There are so many people like me, who simply wish to have a stunning artworks done with my friends/family photo and give it as a surprise to them. So Kris and I came up with Phokki, a concept to harness the true power on Internet (the power of decentralization) which bring digital artists and buyers together.

We help the 99% of the world people who knows nuts about photoshop (and really do not want to know) to find the 1% of the passionate digital artists, and get them to produce stunning artworks with their photos.

Was there any particularly difficult time when you were trying to start up?

About this time last year, I was down with medical problem and had to work without vision for a month (yes, no typo, its one whole month). Right after that is the recession.

One of the styles offered by an artist on Phokki.

Which has been more difficult for you, getting the buy-in from digital artists or buyers?

Our digital artists base has been growing, something that we are proud of, but at the same time, quite worry. This is expected since the artists not only get to build their art portfolio, they also earn money for the commissioned work too.

However, there is not enough web exposure to generate enough commissioned jobs to our growing artists base. Right now, our focus is to improve that.

What was the one thing that on hindsight was the best decision you ever made for the company?

The company name itself. We got several feedbacks that it sounds like something vague right after I announced it on the award ceremony of S@S 2008.

Initially my thought was, “What the hell was I thinking when I call Phokki?” But on hindsight, everyone remembers our name the first time we tell them. haha

How are you using social media to promote your business?

Besides the occasional updates on our Facebook, Blog and Twitter, we have not done much on our own till today. My wish list to get a social media expert to help us. I knew one that really met the mark but too bad we cannot afford him at the moment.

Saying so, we are still able to attract many artists on-board. So I reckon that if your service is desirable to your targeted group, it will spread itself in the internet space. All we need to do is to provide them with the tools to do so.

How has Phokki been funded and what are your funding needs?

We are funded by iDA’s EDTF scheme and we are seeking for further investments from angels. If anyone have some spare money made from recent market recovery and like to change the world as much as we do, please contact me.

Are you profit-generating yet?

Yes.

Where do you see Phokki in one year and what do you need most to get there?

Phokki will be the de facto webplace for everyone to get a piece of personal masterpiece to give their loved ones. For the digital artists, a place to gain recognition + commissioned works.

I need funding support and partnership in Print Fulfillment Businesses, Photo Sharing Sites and Gift Related Businesses.

Phokki team having a meal together.

What three values or qualities do you think are the most important in a founding team member?

Self-driven, smart and complements what other team members lack.

What would your biggest advice be to a struggling entrepreneur?

If you are struggling, it probably means you have a problem you cannot solve. So here is my suggestion:

Step 1 : Prepare a list of 10 people (even if you do not know them) that you think can solve that problem. E.g. manufacturers, mentors, advisors etc.
Step 2 : Locate them.
Step 3 : Tell them you need them and how they can help you.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions, Sean. All the best from SGEntrepreneurs.

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