Entrepreneurs vs Appreneurs: What Makes Startups Different
If you keep up with the tech scene, chances are you’ve heard the term “appreneur.” While it’s often used interchangeably with “entrepreneur,” mobile businesses are actually radically different from other entrepreneurial endeavors. That isn’t to say it’s easy. In fact, mobile startups have never faced tougher odds. For those who have the right mix of […]
The Cult of Failure: Why Startup Culture Celebrates Mistakes
One failure is bad. Two is questionable. Three indicates persistence. Beyond that? Unstoppable. One of the most confusing things about startup culture, from an outsider’s perspective, is the tendency to celebrate failure. Just browse Medium, Twitter, or anywhere else where iPhone app developers and entrepreneurs air their opinions, and you’re sure to come across dozens […]
Huawei, Humai, and the Quest for Immortality Through Tech
In a fascinating report to Bloomberg, Huawei spokesperson Kevin ho described the company’s ongoing investments in an idea that may strike the general public as outlandish: immortality. Specifically, the company believes that mobile app developers will one day be able to design products that allow users to live on in the digital world through a […]
Explain Like I’m Five: UX vs UI vs Graphic Designers
You say tom-ay-to, I say tom-ah-to. I say UX designer, you say “what’s UX exactly?” Of all the roles in a mobile app development company, the roles of the various types of designers are often most confusing to newcomers. In this post we’ll explain the difference between UI, UX, and graphic designers. More importantly, we’ll […]
Even YouTube Wants in on the Messaging App Revolution
It’s no secret among Chicago iPhone app developers that messaging apps like Telegram and WeChat represent the future of the mobile experience. Even social networks have been becoming increasingly private (Snapchat’s rapid domination among young users stands as living proof), while chat apps like Line and WhatsApp are now used for the sake of their […]
Slack Vs Hipchat: Communication Isn’t Just about Tools
“It’s a poor carpenter that blames their tools.” It may be a cliche, but that doesn’t make it any less true, for carpenters and iPad app developers alike. Most app development companies (and many non-tech companies) made the switch to Slack, Hipchat, and other chat-based workplace communication tools over the past year. As users move […]
Apple Watch Apps Blaze the Trail for Wearable Developers
The Apple Watch has been on the market long enough now that it’s begun to lose the new gadget glow. This is good for iOS and Apple Watch developers. Soon it will have completed the transition from “toy” to “tool,” offering developers much more long-term value in building relationships with users. Early apps for the […]
Discovering Startup Talent at the Knapp Venture Competition
A mobile app that brings employee engagement to the cloud. Revolutionary medical devices for spinal cord injuries. Year after year, UCLA Anderson students participating in the annual Knapp Venture Competition create positive-impact startups that have a huge effect on the community. We’re honored to be on the panel judging this year’s startup pitches, and Dogtown […]
Why You Need a Co-founder and Where to Find One
Partnering with a capable co-founder may not be a requirement, but it’s strongly suggested by leading venture capitalists. Investor Paul Graham famously listed single-founder team structures as one of the leading causes of startup failure. Any iPhone app developer can tell you that the road to startup success is challenging emotionally as well as logistically, […]
Design Vs. Time to Market for Mobile App Developers
If startup culture had a mantra, it would probably be “always be shipping.” Market validation is key to fast-moving industries like iPhone app development, and startups that enter the market early with a cutting-edge idea often gain critical user traction — even if the initial launch is less than polished. On the flip side, the […]