Shows
WHY DESIGN?Why 97% of Hardware Startups Fail (and How to Avoid It) with Sera Evcimen"97% of hardware startups fail. And a lot of the time, it’s the same mistakes repeated over and over again."In this episode of Why Design, I’m joined by Sera Evcimen, Founder of Pratik Development, Innovation Advisor at FORGE and Techstars Paris, and host of the hardware startup podcast The Builder Circle.Sera has built a career around one goal — helping hardware startups avoid the common pitfalls that so often derail promising ideas. She’s worked hands-on across cleantech, space, consumer tech, and robotics before launching Pratik to support deep tech founders with everything from sys...2025-04-3057 min
The BOM: Engineering a Path ForwardPractical Advice for an Imperfect World With Sera EvcimenIn this episode of The Bom: Engineering a Path Forward, we welcome Sera Evcimen, Founder of the startup consulting firm Pratik. Pratik focuses on finding practical solutions to finish hardware stacks and help get their product to market. Sera’s unique insight into the process of fleshing out a product’s design and manufacturing explains why she chooses to only work with companies that are designing meaningful and impactful hardware. If you’re curious about the best path forward for an engineer in the startup space, Sera has some advice, so tune in.Pratik2024-04-3037 min
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E9: Global Supply Chain Strategy with Ying LiuThis podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Ying Liu CEO of BlueLake Packaging, a seasoned expert in hardware product development and the sustainable packaging industry. Drawing from her extensive experience, including building Apple's supply chain infrastructure in China, Ying shares valuable insights onoutsourcing vs. insourcing,establishing strong supplier relationships,the importance of quality in product development,the challenges of scaling production andthe critical role of sustainability in manufacturing.Ying emphasizes the need for financial prudence, leveraging community support, and the importance of assembling a competent team. Through practical advice and personal anecdotes, this episode offers...2024-03-191h 17
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E8: Quality Engineering and Strategy for Hardware with Matt LipsitzQuality or sustaining engineering sound like big initiatives that only exist in big companies like GE or P&G but this is a common misconception in the startup world. Having a quality mindset and culture should come into play the first day of product development.I am excited to have Matthew Lipsitz, Head of Quality at Formlabs on to discuss exactly this. Formlabs started as a startup and scaled right in front of our eyes but quality was always front-in-mind. We talk about;defining #quality,applying quality from day 1, how to create a low-touch and non-burdensome quality infrstructure...2024-03-051h 01
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E7: Intellectual Property Strategy for Hardware Startups with Troy GrabowIn this podcast, TBC host and Pratik founder Sera Evcimen has a discussion with patent attorney Troy Grabow about the importance of intellectual property (IP) strategy for hardware startups. They explore the differences between patents and trade secrets, the complex process of filing and maintaining patents, and the potential costs involved,the strategic decisions startups need to make regarding patenting their inventions or keeping them as trade secrets,underline the significance of clear agreements on IP ownership in co-development and supplier relationships. Troy emphasizes the value of IP as a startup's principal asset in the early stages...2024-02-201h 10
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E6: Complex System Development with Kristine BarnesIn this episode, Kristine Barnes shares her extensive experience in the world of complex systems, straddling the fields of nuclear power and automotive engineering. She hails from General Motors and an executive member of Society of Women Engineers. At the end of the episode you will walk away with knowing:how to proactively start writing requirements for your complex system,how to effectively conduct a DFMEA (design failure modes effects analysis),risk managing,strategizing product focus and,executing development for a successful complex system launch.Hey! If you liked this episode you should...2024-02-061h 13
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E5: Rapid Prototyping Deep Dive with Greg PaulsenIn this deep-dive episode, Greg Paulsen, Director of Applications, Engineering and Marketing at Xometry, discusses the complexities and intricacies of physical product development. He highlights the importance of understanding different manufacturing methods and the potential biases they can introduce in the design process. The episode delves into the pros and cons of various 3D printing technologies such as filament-based, powder bed fusion, and resin-based methods. Greg also points out the potential pitfalls of not considering scalability when developing prototypes. He underscores the need for clear communication regarding design requirements and having in-depth discussions about the design and manufacturing...2024-01-231h 06
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E4: Scaling up Manufacturing with Scott Miller Scott Miller is back again on the Builder Circle! A true hardware veteran, in this episode we will be privileged enough to talk with him within the realm of his professional sweet spot: how to properly scale your manufacturing with a focus on injection molding! The episode will dive into:When should a product team know to convert to injection molding? From a technological readiness level, unit economics and supply chain strategy perspective.More specifically, how many units should companies be aiming to produce for injection molding to make sense?What are some other manufacturing techniques that work...2024-01-0955 min
The Masters of Engineering PodcastSera Evcimen: Coaching Hardware Startups to Success | Masters of Engineering PodcastIn the world of hardware startups, building cutting-edge products comes with a unique set of challenges. Founders sometimes lose sight of their goals by falling in love with their first solution, and not fully focusing on the problem itself. Enter Sera Evcimen, mechanical engineer and founder of Pratik https://www.pratikdev.com, a product development consulting firm devoted to keeping startups away from the “Valley of Death.” In this episode, Jon chats with Sera about her approach to engaging with startups – whether it's optimizing their operations, aiding in manufacturing processes, or nurturing innovation. Sera also shares insights on how...2024-01-0224 min
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E3: Strategic Planning for Hardware Success with Pete BlakeFrom leveraging your ecosystem to building your product roadmap and from managing your board to determining who to hire and why, this episode has it all. Pete Blake from Sapphire Steel is a fellow All-Star Mentor at Techstars. In this episode we dive deep into:How to strategically incorporate your ecosystem in hardware development and launchThe mindset shift between research and productizationFinding your unique value in the value chainEffective ways to set up your board and board meetingsAnd many many more! Some resources that were mentioned in the episode:Book recommendation: Pasteur's Quadrant: Basic Science...2023-12-251h 03
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E2: Demystifying Medical Device and System Development with Alan CohenThis episode features a conversation between host, Sera Evcimen, and Alan Cohen, author of 'Prototype to Product: A Practical Guide for Getting to Market'. They delve into the complexities, misconceptions and opportunities in medical device development. The discussion includes the importance of generating good requirements, handling regulatory requirements, and conducting risk analysis. They also highlight the value of hiring experts conversant in both engineering and regulatory matters to guide a startup through navigating the FDA and EU approval processes.You can find his consultancy at www.alancohen.com.Rundown of Episode for easy navigation to...2023-12-121h 11
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS2 E1: From Code to Creation: The Building Blocks of Firmware with Elecia WhiteElecia White has worked on DNA scanners, inertial measurement units for airplanes and race cars, toys for preschoolers, a gunshot location system for catching criminals, and assorted other medical and consumer devices. She is the founder of Logical Elegance, an embedded systems consulting company based in San Jose and the host of the Embedded FM podcast. Elecia has strong skills in signal processing, hardware integration, complex system design, and performance. Having been through FAA and FDA certification processes, she understands the importance of producing quality designs and how they lead to quality implementations.In this episode we...2023-11-281h 05
Diverse: a SWE podcastEp 225: Empowering Innovators in Hardware Development With Pratik Founder Sera EvcimenDive into the dynamic world of hardware development with Sera Evcimen, Founder and Technical Director of Pratik Development! As a mechanical engineer, startup mentor, and hardware enthusiast, Sera has amassed a wealth of experience in industries from space exploration to robotics.
In this episode, she highlights the future of hardware development, shares exciting advancements in climate tech, and reflects on how to close the gender gap in hardware engineering.2023-09-0533 min
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E9: Building a Strong Capital Stack for a Hardware Product with Orin HoffmanOrin Hoffman is a seasoned hardware veteran and VC investor passionate about enabling hardware through capital. In this episode we dive into two main questions:How does a hardware entrepreneur strategically source capital to have a successful hardware product?What are the common pitfalls and failures hardware teams do when building their capital stack?Don't have time to listen to the full episode? Totally understandable, scroll to the end to get the key takeaways and summary during the TL;DL (too long didn't listen) segment!Music by: Joel Caffey and Tom Stoke (in addition to royalty-free music...2023-07-251h 15
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E8: Tackling Industrial Design and Regenerative Materials with PROWL PROWL is design and strategy studio helping companies reach their product design and climate goals. Lauryn Menard and Bailie Mischler (Davis) bring a wealth of experience and intuition around industrial design and utilizing regenerative materials in physical product design. In this episode, PROWL and I will talk through the following 2 big questions:Why is industrial design important and when should industrial designers be included in the product development cycle?What are regenerative materials and why is it important to shift our design culture to incorporate them in the material selection process?Don't have time to listen to...2023-07-1058 min
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E7: Level Up Your Hardware Product Pitch with Haje KampsHaje Kamps is an entrepreneur, pitch coach, hardware enthusiast and former VC. He brings a wealth of experience and intuition around the art of pitching hardware products for a successful fundraise and wide-spread adoption. In this specialty episode, Haje and I will talk through the following questions:Why should builders care about their pitch, shouldn't the technology stand for itself?What are the common pitfalls founders fall into when putting together their pitch?What do investors care about in a pitch?What metrics are important to put in place so that the hardware product pitch writes itself?What...2023-06-271h 04
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E6: Pivots, Trials, Errors, and Validation in Product Development with Madhavi GaviniIn this Hardware Case Study episode we talk to Madhavi Gavini, CEO of Droplette. If you are a founder, engineer, product team or builder who has the following questions, this episode is for you!Sunk Cost Fallacy: How can we avoid the sunken cost fallacy and prevent over-engineering and unnecessary features from hindering the minimal viability of our products?Pivots: How do you feel confident in the decision to pivot? How do you execute on a pivot successfully?Insource vs Outsource Perspective: How can we make informed decisions about insourcing and outsourcing in product development, considering core competencies...2023-06-131h 05
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E5: The Path of Product Design for Successful Development with William BurkeWilliam Burke is a seasoned mechanical engineer and hardware enthusiast. He is passionately building tools for the next generation of hardware engineers through his company Five Flute. In this episode we explore key questions related to engineering design and product development:How can we strike the right balance between extremes in engineering design requirements?What is the importance of understanding use cases and generating a Product Requirements Document (PRD) with minimal prescribed numbers?Why should we prioritize a core subset of non-negotiable or known values in our designs?How can we effectively update and maintain requirements as we...2023-05-301h 26
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E2: Mastering the Art of Modern Hardware Development and Innovation with Tyler Mincey In this episode, we delve into the world of modern hardware development and uncover its intricacies. Tyler Mincey, shares invaluable experiences from his time at Apple during the launch of the first iPhone, as well as his insights as a General Partner interacting with hardware entrepreneurs daily. Gain exclusive perspectives from industry giants like Apple and be inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation forward. Get ready for a deep dive into the remarkable journey of bringing revolutionary hardware products to life.The Episode centers around:Tailoring Program ManagementThe Power of Demos and PrototypesIterative Testing for SuccessBalancing...2023-05-1549 minThe Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E3: Navigating the Full Product Development Lifecycle with Bridget Hunter-JonesIn our first hardware case study episode, we talk to Bridget Hunter-Jones from Impact Biosystems, a startup developing an adaptive muscle scanner hardware and software solution, about the following topics;Market Research and ValidationCommunicating Complex Systems to a Mass AudienceInsourcing vs. Outsourcing Functions at an Early Stage (i.e. engineering, industrial design, manufacturing..etc.)Product Design Strategy and Requirements GenerationFinding, Choosing and Managing Overseas VendorsDetermining Target Cost of GoodsDesign ConsiderationsNote: This episode provides insights into market research, effective communication, engineering decisions, supplier relationships, cost determination, yield optimization, and design considerations in the hardware manufacturing industry.Music...2023-05-151h 09The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastS1 E4: Cracking the Code of Hardware Manufacturing with Scott MillerScott Miller is a seasoned entrepreneur, engineer and supply chain/manufacturing expert. He has been involved in many teams that were focused on getting concept to product including the first ever Roomba! He brings a wealth of knowledge, rules of thumb and kindness to entrepreneurs all around. What you can expect from this episode is discussions around:Outsourcing vs. insourcing: metrics to make an informative decision that works best with your business and innovation productWorking with manufacturers, factories and suppliers from a low leverage standpointTiming and Design StabilityLifecycle TestingDual-SourcingApproaching and finding the right fit with Contract ManufacturersQuality AssuranceSetting...2023-05-151h 14
The Builder Circle by Pratik: The Hardware Startup Success PodcastThe Pilot: Unveiling the Blueprint of "The Builder Circle"Introducing The Builder Circle, a podcast dedicated to helping individuals transform their ideas into physical systems and products. Created out of a passion for mentoring and assisting entrepreneurs, this podcast aims to bridge the gap between aspiring founders and the expertise they need. The episodes are designed to be easily consumable, with TL;DL (Too Long; Didn't Listen) summaries at the end, allowing listeners to grasp key takeaways in a shorter time frame. The podcast offers actionable advice, expert insights, and discusses real-world case studies to empower and inspire entrepreneurs.Join us on this exciting journey as we delve...2023-05-1411 min