Turning a Toy into a Data Platform – Akinori Takahagi

The Internet of Things is becoming so commonplace that it is almost almost invisible. About a year ago, Moff launched an extremely clever IoT toy called the Moff-band that allows kids to add sound effects to their every-day play. They toy had been successful, but for Moff to take the next step they need to create a platform around the toy. Akinori Takahagi explains how he bootstrapped up Moff while receiving a steady stream of rejection from so-called experts in the field and how a successful Kickstarter project and enthusiastic children changed the industry’s opinion. Aki is based in Japan, but he explains the importance of launching overseas. There is a lot of good advice in here about how to build a hardware startup, how to get international attention and how to make the big jump to nationwide (and international) retail distribution. There is a lot to unpack in this interview, and I think you’ll enjoy it.