Latent Reflections

Project List

Open-Source Product :: Meeting Recorder

Watson.ai

Startup - Work :: Hardware Test-Runner

Flojoy Studio

Project :: Private Server

Latent.host

Learning :: Engine

3D Renderer

School Project :: Self Driving Vehicle

Duckietown

Flojoy Studio

Type: Startup - Work
Link: docs.flojoy.ai
#Python#Typescript#Product Design#UI/UX#Hardware

Modernizing Test, Measurement, and Control

Key Features:

  • Automate pytest, Python, and Robot Framework scripts as saveable test sequences
  • No-code GUI to run test sequences with clear pass 🟢 / fail 🔴 status reporting
  • Visual scripting interface for common test & measurement automation routines
  • Optional test run synchronization with Flojoy Cloud

Test Sequencer

Built as an open-source alternative to TestStand, the sequencer allows users to seamlessly import existing pytest, Python, and Robot Framework test suites for automated execution. All test results can be synchronized to the Cloud, providing comprehensive oversight of manufacturing quality metrics.

Sequencer

Python-Based Instrument Workbench

Designed as an open-source alternative to LabVIEW, Flojoy Studio delivers a visual programming environment for hardware data extraction and analysis through an extensive array of pre-made blocks.

Users can:

  • Rapidly develop test & measurement automation apps by connecting pre-made blocks
  • Add custom blocks written in Python
  • Build complex data acquisition pipelines from hardware
  • Perform advanced data analysis

Studio

The Startup Journey

After working with Boreal Ventures, a Deep Tech VC, for almost a year, I joined Flojoy when the company was on the verge of securing Series A funding from major industry strategics. The goal was to build an open-source community around their Visual Programming environment. Unfortunately, days before starting, the funding fell through, leaving us with just 5 months to demonstrate a path to profitability.

Market Pivot

After meeting with countless enterprises to promote our open-source alternative to LabVIEW, we identified a more promising adjacent market: creating an alternative to TestStand. Test Engineers were dissatisfied with TestStand, which was prohibitively expensive for small and medium teams.

Strategic Approach

  1. Trial Phase Partners

    • Targeted companies with mission-critical hardware testing needs
    • Set clear pricing expectations ($100k per manufacturing line post-trial)
    • Notable partnerships:
      • DoD/NASA supplier for advanced board manufacturing
      • Medical robotic arm manufacturer

  2. Product Development

    • Built the Sequencer for Test Engineers to utilize existing Python test suites
    • Developed operator-friendly test execution interface
    • Created a Cloud platform (on-premises deployable) for:
      • Exporting all measurement and test run data for comprehensive analysis
      • Mechanical engineers to analyze part failure rates
      • VPs to monitor product quality metrics
    • Designed demo fixtures for solution showcase

Test Fixture

Outcome

Despite successfully developing the product and garnering positive feedback, we faced significant challenges:

  • Enterprise sales cycles proved to be year-long processes
  • Running out of runway despite strong product-market fit
  • Emergence of a well-funded competitor ($30M+)
  • Company ultimately closed operations

My Role

  1. Software Engineering
  • Frontend development
  • Backend infrastructure
  • Full-stack implementation
  1. Hardware Engineering
  • Developed Test Fixture for Pi Pico
  • Demonstrated solution to multiple enterprises and Raspberry Pi’s CTO
  1. Product & Business
  • Product Manager setting team requirements
  • Sales & Marketing support alongside founder

Why Did Flojoy Close?

  1. Market Dynamics

    • 10x longer sales cycles than anticipated
    • Emergence of strong competitor (Nominal.io) with 30x funding
      • Flojoy Founder later joined as Chief Product Officer

  2. Strategic Challenges

    • Late pivot necessitated team reduction
    • Limited hardware capabilities for comprehensive test fixture services

Key Learnings

  1. Market Validation

    • Secure paying customers before full product development is ++ (amazingly good for product-market fit!)

  2. Team Dynamics

    • Strong team composition is as crucial as founder vision
    • High ownership drives deep engagement
    • Solo founder structures carry inherent risks

  3. Cross-Functional Benefits

    • Engineering involvement in sales provides valuable insights
    • Understanding both technical constraints and business direction leads to better product decisions