Ventrify Inc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of a small business that creates third party peripherals for Table Top games like Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ventrify Inc., and what were your goals?

The first product my company is designing includes a custom binder designed for the game. I had no idea how to build or create or produce such a product so I needed some serious professional help. I hired Ventrify to design the binder and to communicate with manufacturers to help find me a quality company with reasonable costs that would allow me to produce my product en mass.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Early on in the creation process I did some online research to figure out how to get my product manufactured. I found several companies whose focus was helping to achieve that end, Ventrify included. I spoke with representatives from each of those companies.

I will be honest here, as a small business owner (the reality of that statement being: one guy blindly fumbling his way around a world he knows nothing about) I spoke with several companies and Ventrify said something no one else did. The four greatest words in the life of a small business owner…”We’ll work with you”. Done. Hired. And they have. They’ve gone above and beyond to help make my dream a reality.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

I needed a completely custom designed binder that wasn’t something you could just go out and buy at any Walmart or CVS. I sat with Hugh and Chris and over the course of several meetings we worked out a design that would fulfill my needs. The process I thought was both fantastic and educational. The questions they asked often came with a response of…hmmm I hadn’t thought of that or I’m not sure let me think on that.

Their expertise in there field helped to shape my vision with a significant dose of reality without squashing my dream in the process. They communicated with their contacts at manufacturers overseas and after about 6 months of work a fully functional prototype was delivered. Ultimately we decided that the cost of mass production for that prototype was untenable and Chris and Hugh went to work on figuring out how to lower costs and still maintain my idea. We are currently in the process of creating our second prototype.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Although I spoke with a managing partner at first my primary contact has been with Chris the CAD designer and Hugh the project manager. They have been outstanding and incredibly helpful. This process is one of constant back and forth and communication and Ventify, specifically both Chris and Hugh, have been excellent about keeping me and my team constantly updated on where we’re at and what’s coming next.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The initial prototype, although too pricey to mass produce (this was no one’s fault by the way. We went big on the first prototype and in the end it didn’t work out but, that is the nature of a new idea. Somethings work and some don’t and you learn to pivot and adjust to bring it to fruition) was fantastic and it will forever be displayed on my desk as a symbol of what can be achieved when you put your heart and soul into something, and what happens when you partner with the right people to help you bring that dream to life.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

My project is simple and my business small so I may not have much to offer here. Hugh, Chris and I communicate via email and periodic Zoom calls to catch up and make sure we’re on the same page. My graphic designer is included in this emails and often speaks with Hugh on her own when the content isn’t something I need to participate in directly.

My timeline was very open when we started because, I had chosen to seek this help earlier than most creators. So there was no pressure to accomplish it in a given timeline. Although given my constant and speedy communication with Ventrify I would postulate that a project with a deadline would find their communication above expectation.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are clearly experienced in developing new products and assisting “young” business owners (I’m referring to experience not age) through the process. The most impressive element of Ventrify for me has been their constant willingness to be patient with me. Whether it has been my lack of experience, a late payment, or roadblocks that Pop up in business.

They have been right there by my side. Easy to talk to and endlessly helpful. Skill is fantastic. Capability is necessary. Experience a must but, if a company has all of these and treats you poorly or like just a number. Or, as in my case, lesser because you’re not pouring tens of thousand of dollars into them then none of those other attributes matter. Ventrify has ALL of those traits and treats you like you matter. Now that’s impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Being that this is my first project and that I have had such a fantastic experience working with Ventrify this one is difficult to answer. Perhaps down the line I’ll learn things that might make me look back and think “ooh they could have done x, or z differently or more effectively” but at this moment in time I have absolutely zero complaints or suggestions. They have knocked my project out of the park and continue to treat me like a valued customer even after hundreds of questions and what I’m sure were probably more than a few annoying emails. 10/10

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Wetflix; we provide water level monitoring and management for domestic water tanks in the Caribbean region. We have a subscription service where we install sensors on the tank, and the sensor then transmits the fluid level signals into the cloud, which sends information to each user’s account.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ventrify Inc.?

We needed help with product design.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Ventrify Inc. has been doing product design and development for us from scratch. I had ideas that I needed help moving forward with two components to go into the market. One was our need to build a sensor that would attach to the water tank. It had to have WiFi and cellular capability. The other piece is the software side, which is a mobile app. Once we had those two components, we could then go to market.

Regarding the process, phase one was the discovery phase, which included trying out a proof of concept and building a 3D model for me on a 3D printer. After that, they tested it and proved that it could work, showing on a video that the light came on when the water level reached the sensor. Consequently, we started speaking about the market size, and Ventrify Inc.'s team recommended that we move forward. Phase two was going into the prototype to build a finished product based on it, testing it to prepare the design for manufacturing, and then getting ready for the last step, which is mass production.

What is the team composition?

I've been working with David (CEO) and industrial and electrical engineers from their team, who submit their drawings and proposals to me.

How did you come to work with Ventrify Inc.?

I found them by searching online for a company that could help me from ideation to the prototype, and I decided to give them a try because they had good reviews.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we've spent $20,000 CAD (approximately $14,500 USD) with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2022, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

I'm happy with how they've transformed our lives because they've exceeded expectations, and I feel very comfortable with them. They also have some of the best engineers who can take my ideas and implement them in a way beyond my thoughts.

How did Ventrify Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They're timely and meet our agreed deadlines while staying within their cost estimates. Regarding tools and communication, we use Microsoft Teams, where they present documents. After every meeting, they upload the recording to Google Drive so we can access it. It's an overall transparent collaboration — I feel confident in them and trust them with my eyes closed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

David made himself available for the kickoff meeting without a time limit and was very accommodating, which spoke about their culture as a company. Overall, I've felt a good vibe from them, and we like that they're not too big for small people.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As a small startup, we could always ask for better pricing, but their prices are reasonable enough.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know what you want; the more you can reveal and guide them, the easier it will be for them to be creative.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a pet product startup. I’m the only employee right now so I’m doing everything.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ventrify Inc.?

We hired Ventrify to create a dog treat dispenser.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our main goal was to create a dog treat dispenser that would allow pet owners to give treats to their dogs while out on a walk. To kickstart the project, I turned over my sketches on iPad to Ventrify. We then worked together to enhance the product’s design. The team also conducted a marketing analysis.

After that, they 3D-printed the first prototype of my product. Then, we made adjustments again and they 3D-printed another prototype for me. We’re currently in the process of getting some samples straight from manufacturers in Asia. As far as the patent is concerned, the team referred me to people who can help me with that.

What is the team composition?

We’re working with David (CEO), Humam (CTO) and Henry (Project Manager & Mechanical Designer).

How did you come to work with Ventrify Inc.?

I reached out to 5–6 companies to help me start building the prototype of my product. Ventrify was one of the companies I approached. We saw that they were driven, and they put a solid document discussing the actual pricing projections. When we called them, everyone was so kind. I liked their experience in 3D printing, too. Overall, they seemed like they really wanted my business so I went with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $40,000 CAD (approximately $32,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing collaboration began in May 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

The design Ventrify has created is definitely an improvement over my initial design. A lot of external stakeholders have also left positive feedback about our product, and they’ve mentioned that the product works really well and is fairly intuitive. Overall, many people are excited about my product launching, so I’m really happy with that.

How did Ventrify Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve gradually improved their project management process. In the beginning, they had less transparency on timelines, but now they have a dedicated project manager who gives me weekly updates.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We've been impressed with their entry phase — it's really well done and professional.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As I previously mentioned, I wanted them to give us more visibility in their timelines. However, it seems like they’ve been able to improve that now.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be specific in what you’re looking for — just cherry-pick what you’re going to ask from them. In our case, they conducted a marketing analysis in the beginning, but I could’ve probably done without that since my product is focused on an area I know.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I own a few companies but wanted to branch off into a new field of creating build from home Firetable’s. I needed a new burner system to go with the cedar Firetable design

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ventrify Inc., and what were your goals?

Ventrify was hired to help me redesign a propane burner and tray set up that could be ready for manufacturing.

SOLUTION

How did you select Ventrify Inc. and what were the deciding factors?

They were able to give me access to a skilled team of designers with the proper knowledge to make an beautiful and very effective burner!

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

First we isolated how to get kore flow, then we worked on the best shape to be efficient for design and performance, then tweaked to make it fit into multiple table designs

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

4, the CEO, one of the founder, and 2 engineers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

I am quite satisfied with the outcome of this. Now I have a highly effective and cost-efficient option for my new up and coking season

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

Timelines were hit efficiently and the tools used were able to help solve the issues we had.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The personal relationship and care that each member took

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I think they did incredibly. I can’t see any areas to improve

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Co-Founder of Densified Technologies and our company developed a novel manufacturing technique to make innovative consumer products out of new materials.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ventrify Inc.?

Our company needed help with the design and then manufacturing optimization for our novel product process. We wanted to expand the types of products we could manufacture and Ventrify was able to investigate and then design a way we could improve the production process to accommodate new product development.

What were your goals for this project?

We need the ability to create new products from our process and Ventrify was able to design and deliver new methods for us. This expanded our abilities and put the company is much more competitive position.

SOLUTION

How did you select Ventrify Inc.?

My first experience with Ventrify was via LinkedIn and then I visited their website to learn more about them. The team quickly reached out to me and we engaged in a couple discussions and determined they could help solve our problem. Me and my fellow co-founders selected Ventrify to work on our project.

Describe the project in detail.

The scope for the project including exploration of new methods and then the design and prototyping of the best method. We began with a detailed project outline and together defined the scope. We had a series of meetings where Ventrify showed us their progress and what they learned along the way. In the end, they delivered with a proven concept we could use in our manufacturing.

What was the team composition?

We worked with Ventrify's Managing Directors for the project which provided an excellent mix of technical expertise and project planning and communication.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Ventrify successfully designed and delivered a new method for us. This process included their own prototyping and experimentation to ensure everything worked properly and would provide our company value in the end.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project management process was very seamless. Ventrify kept our team up to date on the project at every step along the way through a mix of emails, phone calls and in person visits.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Ventrify showed exceptional commitment to the project and made sure that our expectations aligned with their progress. Their team did a great job at communicating with us every step along the way and we enjoyed working with them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing comes to mind!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of a startup company, and I’m trying to develop a new dog leash.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ventrify Inc.?

We needed someone to help us develop our product and give it a unique look.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had this idea for a dog leash and we’re trying to add new features to it. Ventrify Inc. has been helping us engineer and design the product to deliver a working prototype. Apart from the ongoing development, they also connected us with people from manufacturing and marketing, so they’re a great networking resource.

What is the team composition?

I’m in contact with two of the owners, as well as six different people from their team. They’ve been great to work with, super friendly, and they provide us with a positive working atmosphere.

How did you come to work with Ventrify Inc.?

We came across them through other networking contacts, and we chose them because they were just reasonably priced and they’ve produced some really great work.

How much have you invested with them?

The total of what we’ve spent is close to $100,000 USD.

What is the status of this engagement?

The ongoing partnership started in June 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

So far I’ve been very happy with their deliverables and the prototypes they’ve created.

How did Ventrify Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re quite good from a project management perspective, even though some deadlines got blown out a bit. They communicate with me almost every week through email to provide me with constant updates.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One of their biggest strengths is definitely their network of contacts. I also like that they work with us on the whole program to get this product to market.

Are there any areas they could improve?

One minor issue we’ve had is their adherence to timelines, but we’ve already resolved that in the past. They’re very easy to deal with when it comes to problem-solving, and I don’t find them difficult to work with at all.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communication is the most important part of any working relationship, so make sure everybody’s on the same page.