Jacob McEntire

First-time entrepreneur

Honors in Math and Physics Degrees,
Awarded maximum amount from Rubin Fund (Vassar College)
Awarded Asaph H. Hall Fellowship by Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College.

I want to change the world.

Fitbit

The most frustrating thing about entrepreneurship is dealing with and worrying about unknown unknowns; the problems that you don't even know exist until they blow up in your face. No matter how much premeditation and expertise you have, these always seem to crop up at some point or another.

The most rewarding experience is seeing a potential customer light up when you hand them something that they've always wanted, but never even known to ask for. That sigh of relief and excitement as their world changes because of your work, even just a little bit, is the whole reason I'm doing this.

Believing that being smart and working hard is enough to make your product succeed. While those are both very important, it's important to know the system into which you're entering; presenting to investors, contacting media, etc. are completely different from creating a good product, but are just as important to your success.

1) Work smarter, not harder.
2) If you don't believe in it (and sacrifice for it), nobody else will.
3) Don't be afraid of failure; examine your failures closely to determine their cause. it's only a true failure if you make the same mistake again.

I consider myself a very fortunate person that my lifelong love affair with making things, breaking things, and talking to people on a stage has converged so perfectly with my desire to make the world a better place.

Although I love my work, I do also have many hobbies.  When I am not designing firmware or pitching to potential investors, I enjoy juggling, dance, game design, writing, and many other activities.