During Office Hours we often get asked many similar topics. Given there are common questions and answers, how can we better share these directly with entrepreneurs when they need them? We recently began testing the concept of a digital twin with a startup named Figbox, including using it at our last monthly Office Hours event. Why did we do this and what have we learned so far?

Information now

We live in a world where you can get answers to questions instantaneously. Given that, why would an entrepreneur want to wait to schedule time to speak with an investor or attend an event in the future? The hope is that by making a digital twin available 24-7, anyone in the world can get answers to their questions in real time. The twin never sleeps : )

Common patterns

Given we see many common types of questions and answers, we thought it would be relatively easy to tap into those responses. During a typical Office Hours event, we almost always end up discussing topics like The Mom Test, don’t build too much too soon, get passionate, paying customers, meet with investors before you are fundraising, etc. If there are many common threads, let’s find a way to make those available and shared with more entrepreneurs.

How did the first test run go?

The digital twin nailed some of the questions, some it got part right but could have added more related commentary, and some were funny in the tone and style it used to respond. Naturally it did better at some of the more common questions than nuanced questions. It also responded better to general advice than specific questions about a company or product. But as with anything in the startup world, better to test an imperfect solution early than wait too long building the “perfect” twin (that will never be perfect).

The digital twin is getting better and still improving. If you would like to check out a working version of my digital twin, feel free to do so here. Would love your feedback on how to make it better!