Brian Raney

Brian Raney

CEO at APAX Software. Founder at Awesome Inc. MS in Economics, BS in Computer Science from University of KY. I also coach soccer. I love building a culture that attracts smart, creative people.

Website: www.brianraney.com
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Member since November 12, 2008
Quote
Always do something awesome over something not awesome Quote_down
  • About
Education
2005 University of Kentucky , BS , Computer Science
2006 University of Kentucky , MS , Economics
I am a(n):

Entrepreneur

Companies I've founded or co-founded:
Apax Software, Awesome Inc, BookExchange.com, AwesomeTouch
If you're an entrepreneur or corporate innovator, why?

I want to change the world.

My favorite startups:

AwesomeTouch

What's most frustrating and rewarding about entrepreneurship/innovation?

Just like anything else, the most frustrating thing to me about entrepreneurship is losing / failing. It can be a major blow to your confidence when someone passes you or beats you in a sale, contest, or other competition.
The most rewarding thing about being an entrepreneur is seeing someone use your product and knowing that if it wasn't for you, the product wouldn't have been created. I remember starting my first business (BookExchange.com) to help students buy/sell textbooks directly to each other. The first semester I launched it I was blown away and became addicted to the feeling of having customers use my service.

What's the No. 1 mistake entrepreneurs/innovators make?

Lack of focus

What are the top three lessons you've learned as an entrepreneur?

1. Fire fast
2. The team with the most best players wins (it's less about the idea, more about the team)
3. Don't hesitate. Develop a quick short term plan and then start acting. Take some time to think long term occasionally, but spend most of your time executing / acting on your short term plan.

Full bio

CEO at APAX Software. Founder at BuildingLayer. Founder at Awesome Inc. MS in Economics, BS in Computer Science from University of KY. Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Kentucky. I also coach competitive soccer. I love building a culture that attracts smart, creative people.