Start-ups Need to Focus on Creating Value Before Expanding

When the pandemic hit, many businesses were told to shut their doors, some of which never reopened them. Though unfortunate for many, others had different outcomes. Founder and CEO at Volta Energy, Dr. Denis Kouroussis, sits down with Greg Crumpton and Tyler Kern to highlight his upbringing, company, and the effects of the pandemic.

After building a heavy background in tech and engineering, including a stint in developing the components of the Motorola Razr and tech investment, Dr. Kouroussis founded and developed Volta Energy, a technology company aimed at making electronic systems safe and efficient.

Coming from a Greek immigrant family, Dr. Kouroussis learned to work hard and, from this, that a successful startup must be aimed at creating the “ultimate customer value.”

Volta Energy reflects this belief, while also understanding the impact the topic of energy as a Canada-based company has, “energy has always been a big thing in Canada,” said Dr. Kouroussis. With lots of projects happening all over, “The challenge has always been if you try to go into a big market as a small startup you can spend a lot of cycles trying to penetrate that market unsuccessfully.”

Instead of doing this, Dr. Kouroussis said he has learned as an entrepreneur to, “focus on something small that can create value and expand on that.”

The pandemic highlighted this notion. While others shut down, the pandemic fast-forwarded the EV and automation world and allowed Volta Energy to really expand their toolset and hire more engineers. “It was one of the best years we’ve ever had quite honestly,” stated Dr. Kouroussis.

And while people in the industry might currently be hesitant to dive headfirst into a career given the fragility of the pandemic, Volta Energy is only set to continue growing.

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