Company tunes into technology
Iconnectivity builds products to help musicians
Calgary startup iConnectivity is harnessing the power of technology to help musicians in innovative ways.
It does this so that artists can create, record, learn and perform music using common networking technology.
“We are looking to connect with music industry experts, advisers and partners to attract the resources necessary to support the next stage of our growth,” says Michael Loh, iConnectivity founder and CEO.
We recently asked Loh more about his company and his thoughts about the startup community in Calgary. What’s your elevator pitch? iConnectivity builds musicenabling products for all levels of musicians to connect musical instruments with modern devices, like the iPad and computers using common networking technology.
So now you can plug all of your favourite keyboards, drum pads, guitars or controllers into your iPad and use those instruments to play the sounds generated by your iOS apps.
How did you come up with the idea for your startup?
When Apple announced that it no longer was a completely closed system and that they were now allowing for the connection of external hardware, I immediately saw the opportunity to develop products that integrate with iOS.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
Finding funding and resources to support the development and creation of innovative technologies for the music industry.
Are there any key individuals outside of your organization that have been of great help?
Yes, the company creation team at Innovate Calgary. They helped us engage with key individuals willing to listen to our idea and offer support.
Also artists like Jordan Rudess, Terry Lawless and Eyal Amir, who have supported us with reviews, advocacy, and even joining us in our booth at the Consumer Electronics Show. It’s artists that we’re building gear for, so their feedback is highly valued and dares us to push harder to create even better products.
What’s new with your startup that we can share?
We recently announced our COO for our company, Eric Galcher. We’re adding new distributors, retailers and vendors weekly as we now have product available for purchase in North America, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, and Poland.
Personally, do you think it is more difficult to raise capital or find the right talent?
Definitely raising capital. It is very well known that Alberta supports its energy sector.
There are great companies creating great products/services, providing jobs for talented individuals and yet we fail to recognize this.
We need to do a better job promoting ourselves.
What has contributed to your success to this point?
The right people and a passionate team.
There are many people out there that are willing to help whether it’s advice or more. Don’t be afraid to ask — you never know what may result from the right contact.
What made you choose to go down the path of entrepreneurship?
Honestly, I got tired of others benefiting from my ideas. I figured it was time to break out with a few key individuals and create something great built around our passions. Why passion? Because you never quit your passion.
What are your thoughts on Calgary’s startup community?
Calgary’s startup community has many people that are willing to help. The challenge is knowing how to access the community. It takes a lot of work to find out how to become involved. I would personally like to see the return of a world-class regulatory certification centre in Calgary. This was an invaluable resource for all innovators of technology. Now we are faced with finding another centre to support the certification process, which means going beyond the provincial border and in some cases out of country.
There are successful companies within Alberta — take notice and support them. At the same time, watch us closely.