Working with true entrepreneurs

We’ve never been busier facing mission impossible deadlines, but even with this outlook we’re doing it. I really owe a lot to Matthias Maurer (a VERY intelligent guy whose new company La Red has taken the entire project management of ijoule.de - absolutely excellent work so far). I must say I am beginning to feel a little bit German staying in Hamburg a lot - we’re going to share offices with an online Karokee company and these guys are moving fast - looking very much forward to feeling the start up spirit around us.
As always I am humble towards the project, because numerous processes have to work, however, in the DK office I am now so fortunate to be working with Ditte (very gifted psychologist specialized in overweight) and Pia (M.sc. in public health and dietician with enormus positive energy), both part of our little organization now. It feels simply amazing!

Organization is growing

We’re receiving a lot of qualified applications for various job openings at the moment - what I really like is the similar motivation driver for most of them - wanting to make a change!! Apart from good track records this is paramount to our organization.
Further, I had a very interesting phone conversation with a guy from Germany whose passionate will to succeed in this industry really inspired me. So to all the people who are reading this and wanting to join, look up the vacant positions on the blog and send your application. You’ll be part of a start-up where your fingerprints can help change the lives of thousands of people!

Target is closing in

We have processed miles of information during the last 6 months thanks to our fantastic beta users. Now we’re re-wrapping our prototype in the commercialization of iJoule together with the most gifted people I have ever met.
Once again thanks to all partners, investors, believers and users for helping us - we woudn’t be here if it’weren’t for you guys!

things move fast as ligtning…

Ok, a little personal comment, since I haven’t really had time to blog cause of the heavy workload, but now it starts to be exiting.

1) Our Indian partner is developing and we can start seeing the shape of the baby. Rico and I have been spec’ing and shaping like crazy - what a great guy to work with! Neal from HELLO has also done a great design job soon to be presented here.

2) DEALS. As we’re beginning to have something to show, media partners start to have interest. December will be a month of heavy presentation and deal making - can’t wait to get in that cave to show them our amazing community

3) My backend especially Morten Lund was the guy making my dream possbile, can’t wait to show him this kick A** community - He’s putting pressure on you, but I like to work that way! ALSO my new close contact Michael Steiner from First Love Capital is there whenever I need him, becoming a friend as well as business associate - Looking forward to getting in closer coop with investors Kabel+Kobza in 2008.

That was it for now - soon blogging will be a minor part of iJoule.

The development phase

We’re approaching the first phase design of iJoule and functionality is well underway. As CEO, I am more than thrilled to captain this process. Things start to take shape and soon we will have our focus groups try it out. After all, THEY are the guys who are going to use it, so I listen more to them than to my bankers :)

Obesity rates - a tale of 4 nations

iJoule is not the only one to address the paradox, here’s a tale of 4 nations

Mexico:

In 1989, fewer than 10% of Mexicans were overweight. In 2006, that number skyrocketed to 69%!
Almost 1 in 7 Mexican adults have type 2 diabetes – now that nations number 1 killer.
Brazil:

Percentage of overweight adults (1975): 20%
Percentage of overweight adults (1997): 36.7% (Likely much higher today)

Egypt:

Percentage of overweight/obese adults (1998): 59.1% (Again, likely higher today)
Urban woman are especially prone to overweight due to adopting modern habits such as watching T.V.

China:

Percentage of overweight/obese adults (1991): 12.9%
Percentage of overweight/obese adults (2004): 27.3%
In addition to the shifting lifestyles of these countries, scientists have long believed that Latin American, African and South Asian populations have an abundance of thrifty genes that help humans survive times of famine.

If we haven’t already hit the panic button on this issue yet, we need to. As of yet, no country has successfully reduced obesity rates. Reversing this trend will take a powerful social paradigm shift and perhaps an even more powerful shift in political will. (diet-blog)

iJoule WILL address the elements of the panic button in the coming months - fortunately we have an election in Denmark on Nov 13th which can boost new initiatives towards fighting obesity.

The iJoule wealth paradox

The world is becoming rich as 1.7 billion people now have overload of calories in their body banks while only 850 million people are malnourished.

Think about it for a minute!

Talking to potential team members

The last couple of weeks I’ve been talking to people who find iJoule VERY inspiring and want to join. What strikes me most is that the people I am corresponding with are really passionately burning for the vision - I feel a bit humble today, all these great people potentially joining and helping out.

Welcoming another partner

Last week iJoule had the great pleasure of signing up Leif Skive. Leif is one of the pioneers in building tools for exercising, a.o. he was part of the Danish “Motion på Recept”. Coming from a background as doctor/general practitioner, he’s got all the knowledge we need and thereby complements the existing range of competencies on board.
I can’t wait to show you the exercise tools we will make together – keywords DO IT, sorry for stealing a bit from Nike.

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