Founder Mode Episode 17 - Water, The Next Frontier

Have you ever thought about water as a tech product? In Founder Mode Episode 17, Jason and I chatted with Ravi Kurani. He creates tech companies focused on water. Ravi explained why water is so important and how tech can make our water use smarter.

Here’s what we learned from Ravi.

Why Water Matters So Much

Water is everywhere, but we rarely think about it. Ravi explained how water connects to everything we do. We use water for farming, cooling data centers, and even in our homes. But clean water is running out, and we need tech to help us manage it better.

Building Hardware for Water Is Tough (But Worth It)

Ravi built a robot called Sutro that tests pool water. He said that mixing electronics and water is tough. Water can damage electronics. But when you get it right, you create a strong business that’s tough for others to copy.

"Hardware gives you a strong moat. If you get hardware right, you have something special that others can't easily copy."

- Ravi Kurani

Why Pool Owners Need Better Tech

Pool owners usually don’t use smart tech. Ravi explained it's because pool tech is outdated. His robot takes the hassle out of pool care. It automatically measures the chemicals. This helps pool owners save time and avoid mistakes.

As a pool owner myself, I explained. The great thing about security cameras is I can monitor when the gardeners come. Similarly, smart water sensors like Sutro give me visibility into my pool chemistry, helping me understand what’s really going on.”

Advice for Founders: Focus Small, Then Grow

Ravi successfully sold two companies. His biggest lesson was to solve one small problem first. Once you have it right, you can grow your business to help more people.

Here’s how I summarized this key advice. Solve a clear, specific problem first. Build for a small audience, then grow bigger. Stay passionate about what you build because passion fuels persistence.

Ravi’s Story: Follow Your Product Closely

Ravi moved to China to watch his product being built. He even saw it arrive at the port in California. Staying close to your product helps you spot mistakes early. This also ensures quality.

I admired Ravi’s commitment. Ravi literally moved to China to oversee manufacturing. He flew ahead of the boat to see his container land onshore in California. That’s epic.

Passion Keeps You Going

Ravi might buy back his company Sutro. He believes strongly in his mission and isn’t finished yet. Passion helps founders stay committed and persistent.

I emphasized the importance of passion. Passion fuels persistence. Founders should follow through on what fires them up. Many founders even buy back or return to their businesses because the job’s not done.

5 Key Takeaways

Water Is Essential: Every industry needs water. Tech can help manage it smarter.
Hardware Builds Strength: Real products form a solid barrier for businesses.
Start small. Solve one clear problem first. Then, grow.
Know Your Product: Be familiar with your product to catch issues early.
Passion Matters: It pushes us to keep going and achieve success over time.

Final Thoughts

Ravi Kurani's journey shows that solving real problems can open doors in tech. His work with water shows that passion can change an everyday need into a big idea. His experience shows us to stay close to the product. We should build carefully. Ravi urges founders to begin small. Focus on key issues and grow at a steady pace.

These lessons are useful for anyone in tech right now, especially in new markets.

“Solve a clear, specific problem first. Build for a small audience, then grow bigger. Stay passionate about what you build because passion fuels persistence.”

— Kevin Henrikson

🎧 Listen to Episode 17 here: