In this insightful interview from “Bright Founders Talk,” hosted by Temy, a leading international software development company, we sit down with Valentin Izquierdo, the co-founder of Hamelyn. Valentin shares his journey from a small town in Seville, Spain, to the bustling business environments of the UK and the US.
His passion for reading and books played a pivotal role in the inception of Hamelyn, a company that launched with books as its first product category. Valentin’s favorite read, “Made in America” by Sam Walton, reflects his interest in retail and company-building stories. His appreciation for biographies, including those of Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, offers insights into the minds behind successful brands. As an early riser, Valentin’s routine contrasts with that of his co-founder, highlighting the complementary nature of their partnership.
The interview delves into Valentin’s entrepreneurial lifestyle, underscoring the non-stop nature of his work and his strategic approach to managing intellectually demanding tasks. This conversation provides a unique glimpse into the life of a dynamic entrepreneur and the inner workings of a fast-growing company like Hamelyn.
Valentin Izquierdo: The Early-Rising Co-Founder Fueling Hamelyn’s Rapid Growth
Valentin Izquierdo, co-founder of Hamelyn, brings a unique blend of cultural and professional experiences to the table. Born in the quaint, picturesque town of Seville in southern Spain, Valentin’s journey took him across the globe, from the UK to the US, shaping both his academic and professional outlook. In our candid chat, he reveals how these diverse experiences fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. “Launching Hamelyn was a leap into the unknown,” he admits, reflecting on the company’s beginnings just three years ago. Hamelyn’s rapid growth can be attributed to Valentin’s vision and a shared love for books among its founders, a passion that’s evident in their first product category.
Launching Hamelyn was a leap into the unknown
Valentin IzquierdoCo-Founder of Hamelyn
Delving deeper into his personal life, Valentin shares his favorite read, “Made in America” by Sam Walton. It’s more than just a book for him; it’s a mirror reflecting his own journey in entrepreneurship. “It’s fascinating to see how retail giants like Walmart started from scratch,” he says. Valentin’s recommendation for budding entrepreneurs? Dive into biographies. They’re not just stories; they’re windows into the minds behind the brands. From Elon Musk to Steve Jobs, each biography offers a unique perspective on building a successful venture.
What sets Valentin apart in the bustling world of startups is his disciplined lifestyle. While many envision entrepreneurs burning the midnight oil, Valentin breaks the mold, rising at the crack of dawn. “I’m at my best early in the morning,” he says, a routine starkly different from his co-founder, a night owl. This yin-yang partnership at Hamelyn epitomizes the balance necessary in any thriving business. Valentin’s day, beginning at 5:36 AM, is meticulously planned, with intellectually demanding tasks slotted for his peak productive hours. This disciplined approach is a testament to his belief: “Success in entrepreneurship is as much about smart work as it is about hard work.”
Valentin Izquierdo: A Symphony of Risk and Balance in Entrepreneurship
Valentin Izquierdo, co-founder of Hamelyn, delves into the intricate dance between risk and optimism that defines entrepreneurship. “When you launch a company, there’s a 99.9% chance it will fail,” he says with a mix of realism and daring. This stark admission lays bare the high stakes of startup culture. Yet, Valentin’s approach isn’t bogged down by statistics. He’s a self-proclaimed unconscious risk-taker, driven by an unshakeable optimism, aiming for that elusive 0.1% success rate. His philosophy? “You just take the risk, sometimes unconsciously.” It’s this blend of calculated risk and bold optimism that has propelled Hamelyn forward.
When you launch a company, there’s a 99.9% chance it will fail
Valentin IzquierdoCo-Founder of Hamelyn
In the entrepreneurial world, the concept of a 9-to-5 workday is virtually non-existent, a sentiment Valentin echoes. He believes in integrating work into life, a necessity to build something substantial. “The first few years of a company are intense,” he shares, reflecting on the evolution of his work habits. Initially, it was about pouring hours into the business. Now, it’s about being smart and efficient with his time. This transition from quantity to quality in work reflects a deeper understanding of productivity and the art of delegation, crucial skills for any successful entrepreneur.
For Valentin, each day begins with a long-term vision. It’s this vision that gets him out of bed every morning, ready to face the multitude of challenges that come with running a startup. “It’s not the day-to-day problems, but the mid to long-term vision of the company that motivates me,” he explains. Money, in his view, is a short-lived motivator. True drive comes from a deeper place – a commitment to a vision that outlasts immediate obstacles. This mindset is a reminder that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, often requiring a longer journey than initially anticipated.
Rising with Resilience: Valentin Izquierdo on Hamelyn’s Visionary Journey
As the year winds down, Valentin Izquierdo, the dynamic co-founder of Hamelyn, reflects on the journey with a contented smile. “Yes, quite happy,” he says, acknowledging the rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs that have marked the year. His approach to entrepreneurship is not just about riding out the storms but finding joy in them. “Lots of challenges, more to come, but I’m happy,” Valentin shares, embodying the spirit of a true entrepreneur who finds satisfaction not just in success, but in the very act of overcoming obstacles.
Lots of challenges, more to come, but I’m happy
Valentin IzquierdoCo-Founder of Hamelyn
The birth of Hamelyn was not just a lightbulb moment but a response to a glaring gap in the online marketplace. Valentin explains, “Our mission is to accelerate the transition to the circular economy by making it easy for consumers to sell their unwanted items.” He paints a vivid picture of the problem Hamelyn aims to solve: the cumbersome process of selling used items online, in stark contrast to the streamlined buying experience. It’s this vision of simplifying and enhancing the user experience that has driven Hamelyn from its inception.
Navigating Hamelyn’s operational complexities has been Valentin’s biggest challenge. Starting with books, the company had to establish a system to collect, process, and globally sell these items. “It’s been operational,” he admits, noting the unexpected shift from technology challenges to logistical ones. But it’s in these challenges that Valentin finds his greatest lessons. “High pain tolerance,” he quips, summarizing his entrepreneurial journey. This resilience, the ability to endure and adapt, is at the core of his and Hamelyn’s success. As the company grows, so does Valentin’s vision, continually adapting and expanding beyond initial expectations.
Scaling New Heights: Valentin Izquierdo’s Vision for Hamelyn’s Expansive Future
Valentin Izquierdo shares his ambitious plans for Hamelyn in the coming year, brimming with the confidence of a successful entrepreneur. “We’re scaling our product categories and opening in Portugal,” he announces, outlining a vision that transcends geographical and operational boundaries. This expansion, a blend of extending existing categories and venturing into new markets, is more than just business growth—it’s a strategic maneuver to enhance Hamelyn’s footprint in the circular economy. With the focus on books, CDs, DVDs, and games, Hamelyn is not just scaling up; it’s making a definitive statement in the world of e-commerce.
We’re scaling our product categories and opening in Portugal
Valentin IzquierdoCo-Founder of Hamelyn
Delving into the logistics of this ambitious expansion, Valentin reveals that about 80% of the groundwork is already laid. “Logistically, we’re managing from Madrid,” he explains, showcasing the meticulous planning that underpins Hamelyn’s operations. The translation of the website, sourcing marketplaces, and leveraging third-party platforms like Amazon and eBay are all part of the master plan. This preparation is a testament to Valentin’s philosophy that success in the startup world is not just about having a great idea, but also about the relentless pursuit of operational excellence.
Technology, according to Valentin, is the cornerstone of Hamelyn’s future. “Our technology base is strong,” he asserts, emphasizing the role of instant pricing technology and AI in revolutionizing the customer experience. From processing technology to AI-driven product recommendations, Hamelyn is not just keeping up with technological advances; it’s aiming to be a step ahead. “AI will be used for recommending products to our customers,” Valentin shares, illustrating his vision of a future where technology doesn’t just support business operations but enhances the customer journey, making Hamelyn a leader in its field.
