AI Software for Streamlined Productivity: Jordan J. Mugenyi, Founder of MyndMap

The most promising startup concepts often come from personal challenges in search of solutions, and Myndmap, co-founded by Jordan J. Mugenyi, is no exception.

Jordan's story started with a strong desire to help his girlfriend, who has ADHD. He saw that traditional solutions weren't working well for her, and wanted to create something more in tune with the natural way her brain functions.

We chatted with Jordan, exploring his challenges, how he confirmed there was a need for MyndMap, and how he overcame any moments of doubt.

Through it all, you'll see his unwavering commitment to making a real difference. Here's Jordan's story, in his own words.

Can you tell us about your journey as a founder? What inspired you to start your own business?

The inspiration to start my own business came from a deeply personal place—my girlfriend. She has ADHD, and observing her daily challenges made me realise that traditional solutions just weren't cutting it for her. They often tried to force her brain to work in ways it naturally wouldn't, and that bothered me.

This realisation led me to conceptualise MyndMap, a platform designed to work in harmony with how her brain naturally operates.

My thinking was, if I could create something that truly benefits her, then it's likely that it could also help millions of others facing similar struggles. I was just 19 when the idea for MyndMap came to me. At the time, I was juggling university courses, which meant that I had to find a way to work on MyndMap while keeping up with my studies.

I've been able to sustain and fund the project through my part-time job at Wetherspoons.

Balancing school, work, and my passion project has been challenging, but the vision of creating something impactful keeps me going. MyndMap is a full-time commitment, and I want to make it a reality.

What challenges did you face in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey? How did you overcome them?

One of the earliest and most daunting challenges I faced was validating whether there was even a market for MyndMap. You can have the best idea in the world, but if there's no demand, it's not going anywhere. To tackle this, I dove into various online communities like Reddit (which is where I met my co-founder, Jake Haines), Hacker News, and Discord, seeking opinions and gauging interest.

The response was more than encouraging—within just a month, I had amassed over 500 signups from people in 12 different countries.

This was a strong signal that I was on to something, and it provided the motivation I needed to keep pushing forward. Then came the technical side of things. Determining the software architecture was like navigating a labyrinth. Questions about databases, service costs, and scalability weren't just theoretical—they were make-or-break decisions.

Could we afford to add more features in the future without crashing the whole system?

To overcome this, I took a deep dive into the technical aspects, weighing the pros and cons of different databases and services. It was a steep learning curve, but it was crucial for laying a solid foundation for MyndMap's future growth.

How did you identify the target market for your product/service? What made you confident that it would resonate with customers?

The target market for MyndMap was clear from the outset: people struggling with ADHD. Surprisingly, it's a market that remains under-addressed, with few tailored solutions beyond medication. I've seen firsthand, through my girlfriend and others I know, what the daily struggles of living with ADHD can be like.

People face challenges ranging from difficulties in focusing on tasks to impulsivity and managing emotional swings. There are gaps in the market that traditional tools and medications simply don't fill.

MyndMap aims to fill these gaps by providing a tool that works in harmony with an ADHD brain, rather than against it. The lack of comprehensive tools in this space made me confident that there was a unique opportunity for MyndMap to truly resonate with customers. The early response—signups from hundreds of people across various countries—further bolstered this confidence.

It was a sign that people were not just interested, but also in dire need of a solution that addresses the unique challenges that come with ADHD.

What were some of the major obstacles you encountered while building your business? How did you navigate through those hurdles?

While building MyndMap, several major obstacles stood out. One of the foremost challenges was gaining traction. For any new business, especially one in a niche sector like ours, capturing the audience's attention and making them believe in the potential of your product is crucial yet challenging. Another significant challenge was defining our Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

This was more than just listing out features; it was about capturing the essence of what MyndMap aimed to achieve. My co-founder and I spent countless hours in discussion, ensuring we only concentrated on the core features.

Our goal was to streamline the development process, ensuring it was swift and efficient, without compromising the product's quality or mission.

So, how did we identify what our MVP was? This was a blend of personal insights, feedback from potential users, and iterative brainstorming sessions. While a lot of the initial direction came from my personal experiences and vision, the broader perspective was shaped through collaborative efforts. And yes, our journey wasn't just about identifying one MVP.

Over time, we conceptualised multiple MVPs, each refining our idea further and helping chart out a clear roadmap for the year ahead. Each iteration was a stepping stone, not just in product development but in understanding our target market better.

Could you share a specific moment of doubt or failure you experienced along the way? How did you bounce back from it?

There was a particular moment when doubt clouded my vision. Burnout had set in, and I found myself questioning the very foundation of MyndMap. Am I actually making a difference? Is this truly beneficial for people? These questions consumed me, and it was a daunting phase.

However, I was fortunate enough to engage with the community of people living with ADHD. Their struggles were real, their needs unmet, and their desire for a solution was palpable. Hearing their stories and understanding their daily challenges was like finding a compass in a maze of uncertainty.

It reaffirmed the importance and the need for MyndMap.

Their feedback was more than just validation; it was a source of inspiration and a strong reminder of why I started this journey in the first place. Those conversations wiped away my doubts and rekindled my commitment to creating something that genuinely makes a difference in the lives of people with ADHD. It was a reality check and a confidence booster, all in one.

Since then, I've been more resolute than ever, knowing that MyndMap has the potential to bring meaningful change to a community that has long been overlooked.

How did you approach scaling and expanding your business? What strategies did you employ to ensure sustainable growth?

As MyndMap gained its initial traction, the next logical step was to scale and expand. But scaling isn't just about growing bigger; it's about growing smarter. I recognized that the organic appeal of MyndMap was
its strongest asset, so I decided to leverage word-of-mouth to fuel our growth. I specifically targeted communities on social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok. Why those platforms?

Well, they are places where candid discussions happen, where real users share real problems and look for real solutions. The demographics of these communities closely align with our target market—people who are tech-savvy, open to new ideas, and often in need of the solutions MyndMap offers. The success we've seen has been incredibly validating.

These platforms have not only helped us reach a larger audience but have also created a snowball effect.

One satisfied user leads to another, and another, creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth that’s both exciting and rewarding. In a nutshell, our strategy for scaling has been about being in the right places and connecting with the right people. It's not just about numbers - building a community of users who genuinely benefit from what we offer and are eager to share their positive experiences.

Did you face any scepticism or resistance from others when pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams? How did you handle it?

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is often met with a mix of excitement and scepticism, and my experience was no different. There were those who believed in the vision of MyndMap, but there were also naysayers who doubted its potential. Some thought it was an overly ambitious endeavour and questioned whether the market even existed for such a product.

I even faced remarks suggesting that I was wasting my time on a pipe dream, with one person bluntly telling me that I didn't have the "capacity" to pull it off.

Facing this kind of scepticism was disheartening, but it also became a catalyst for self-reflection and renewed commitment. It compelled me to critically evaluate my business model, market research, and the core value proposition of MyndMap. In a way, the scepticism served as a litmus test for my own conviction.

Can you describe a key decision you made that significantly impacted the trajectory of your business? What were the factors you considered?

One pivotal decision that significantly shaped MyndMap's trajectory was the choice to focus on a niche market rather than attempting to cater to a broader audience. The temptation to create a "one-size-fits-all";
product was certainly there, especially given the myriad cognitive and productivity challenges people face today.

However, upon deeper reflection, I realised that generalising the product could dilute its core essence and value proposition.

The primary factors that influenced this decision were uniqueness and specialisation. A tailored, niche product allows for a deeper understanding of our users; specific challenges and needs—something that a broader tool wouldn't necessarily provide.

This focus ensures that MyndMap doesn't just become another app in a sea of productivity tools; instead, it becomes a lifeline for those struggling with ADHD, offering features and solutions uniquely suited to their experience. Choosing this path has made MyndMap distinct in a crowded market and created a strong, almost personal, bond with our user community.

What advice would you give to aspiring founders who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey?

If I could offer a piece of advice to aspiring founders, it would be this: Always believe in yourself.

Entrepreneurship is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, victories and setbacks. There will be moments when you're on top of the world, and others when you wonder if it's worth it. Doubts will creep in, and that's completely normal. Remember, second-guessing yourself is part of the journey, not a sign that you're on the wrong path.

What separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest is their ability to adapt and iterate. You will face obstacles and you will encounter failure. But understand that failure isn't the antithesis of success; it's a component of it.

Each setback offers a learning opportunity, a chance to pivot, refine your strategy, and come back stronger. So, when you find yourself in those inevitable troughs of doubt and fatigue, dig deep and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Keep your vision clear and your resolve steady. It's the challenges that make the victories worthwhile, so embrace the entire experience as an integral part of your path to success.

What role has mentorship played in your entrepreneurial success? Were there any specific mentors who made a significant impact on your journey?

Mentorship has been an invaluable asset in my entrepreneurial journey, even if it hasn't always been in the form of direct, one-on-one guidance. There are figures in the industry who have significantly impacted how I approach business, even though I've never met them personally.

One such mentor-from-afar is Elon Musk.

His audacity to take on colossal challenges across various industries—from automotive to aerospace—has been a significant inspiration for me. Musk's philosophy of "thinking from first principles" has influenced how I approach problem-solving and decision-making for MyndMap.

Rather than accepting conventional wisdom or industry norms, I've learned to dissect problems to their core elements and rebuild solutions from the ground up. This approach has been instrumental in shaping our product, particularly in focusing on a niche market and tailoring solutions for people with ADHD.

Even if you don't have access to direct mentorship, don't underestimate the power of inspiration. Books, interviews, podcasts featuring entrepreneurs and thought leaders can provide invaluable insights. These "virtual mentors"; can offer guidance, provoke thought, and provide lessons that help shape your own entrepreneurial journey.

To find out more about MyndMap, you can visit myndmap.uk