Next Generation Software Engineering Ecosystem

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Armağan Amcalar, Founder of Coyotiv, located in Berlin, Germany.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Coyotiv is a young and modern software engineering ecosystem designed to provide end-to-end technology solutions through four interconnected pillars. Our Collaboration Services provide tailored partnerships to companies in need of a product but without the resources to build it in-house. We offer a unique "CTO-and-a-team as a service" model, where we match them with a top-performing CTO and a team that already has a strong culture of working together. This allows startups to save on opportunity cost and immediately turn their ideas into real-life digital products with a team that would be very difficult to assemble on their own. Plus, as soon as we start working, we also begin the process of hiring replacements for ourselves, ensuring a smooth handover of the team culture over time.

At our School of Software Engineering, we aim to transfer our hands-on industry experience to aspiring software engineers by focusing on high-quality engineering practices. By adopting the software craftspersonship movement, we take on students as apprentices and provide them with the opportunity to work on their dream projects from day one. Through this unique approach, they gain a deep understanding of modern front-end development using Vue.js, databases using MongoDB, and backend development using Node.js. By the end of the course, they will have completed their project and be equipped to launch products on their own.

Our Mentorship Network offers expert guidance to help individuals chart their career paths, while CoyotivLabs is where we develop cutting-edge prototypes and ideas for startups. Together, these pillars work seamlessly to eliminate the unpredictable aspects of the volatile, competitive, and constantly evolving field of software engineering, so that our clients can focus on the actual uncertainties of their businesses and careers.

Tell us about yourself

My journey in the field began over 20 years ago. Acting as a team lead, software architect, engineering manager, and CTO, I've started multiple startups, led hundreds of people in the industry, and supported them through their career journeys, as well as serving in various leadership roles in prominent corporations. But through my experiences, I've noticed that the software engineering field continues to be plagued by time and resource wastage, despite rapid advancements in technology. I believe that the key to mitigating this issue lies in fostering a culture of high-quality engineering practices across the industry.

My vision for Coyotiv is to create a comprehensive ecosystem that addresses this issue at its root. I am driven by the ambition of creating a scalable system that can bring about a paradigm shift in the industry. Coyotiv represents a step towards realizing that goal. I'm excited to see where this journey takes us.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment in Coyotiv has been our ability to demonstrate that success in business does not have to be a zero-sum game but instead can be a win-win situation for all stakeholders. By working with other stakeholders in mutually beneficial ways, we have seen that both our partners and we can increase our chances of success. By sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, we managed to create value for our customers, employees, students, and society in a way that is not at the expense of others.

One of my proudest moments has been the implementation of a fair revenue-sharing system within our company. This system is designed to distribute revenue fairly in a remote international team, taking into account factors such as experience, dedication, and different purchasing powers in different countries. It promotes a culture of transparency and collaboration by ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goal and is able to see the tangible benefits of their contributions.

Additionally, I am proud of our impact on the software engineering industry through our School of Software Engineering, where we have been able to train and mentor aspiring software engineers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-changing industry. Since launching our apprenticeship program in 2020, we have seen incredible success with our graduates. Not only have we been able to make a meaningful impact on the careers of individual engineers, but we also aim to contribute to the sustainable development of the software engineering field as a whole through our efforts.

Many have gone on to become engineering managers and are now passing on the Coyotiv way to others in the industry. It's incredibly rewarding to see the impact our program has had on the careers and professional development of our students. It's a great feeling when you see the students you trained are building great products and changing the world.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Being a business owner is a complex task that requires a delicate balance between meeting the needs of customers, effectively running the business, and ensuring the well-being and productivity of one's team. One must navigate the challenging task of driving profitability, delivering value to customers, and fostering a motivated and engaged team. This requires a significant amount of effort, adaptability, strategic planning, clear communication, and a commitment to both growth and excellence.

Another significant challenge is managing the human aspect of the business, particularly as the company grows and expands. As operations grow, it becomes increasingly important to find individuals who align with the company's values, culture, and mindset. This requires a robust recruitment strategy, thorough onboarding procedures, and a sustained effort to cultivate an inclusive and positive company culture. Furthermore, it is essential to provide the team with the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed.

As the company scales, expenses increase, making it challenging to maintain profitability. It is critical to maintain financial discipline and adaptability to navigate these challenges and ensure long-term success.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Develop a strong business development plan: Before diving into the startup process, take the time to research and understand the market and your target audience. This will help you create a solid plan for growth and expansion, and it will give you a better understanding of what you need to do in order to succeed.
Network, network, network: Building relationships and establishing connections is crucial to the success of any business. Get out there and meet people, whether it's through industry events, social media, or by reaching out to potential customers or partners directly. The more people you know, the more opportunities you'll have to grow your business.
Build and maintain an excellent team: The key to any successful business is a dedicated and skilled team. Make sure you have the right people in the right roles and invest in their growth and development. Surround yourself with individuals that share your vision and values and who will be committed to helping your business succeed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.coyotiv.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coyotiv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coyotiv/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coyotiv/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/coyotiv/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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