University of Applied Sciences Utrecht student Sekou Donzo is combining his studies with building his own startup Spectral Sounds. The idea for his company came from his own work experience as a freelance visual designer for concerts and events.
During assignments, he noticed that technical problems or missing equipment often prevented his work from being performed as planned. That gave him the idea to develop a software solution that would make the ambience and audiovisual setup of events easier and more efficient.
from idea to startup
With Spectral Sounds, Sekou wants to make it possible for event organizers to create a strong experience with less manual coordination. Instead of having to manage multiple freelancers for visuals, lighting and atmosphere, part of that process could be automated via software. This would allow entrepreneurs or event managers to create a certain atmosphere in a space faster, while reducing the cost and complexity of the organization.
Sekou has been working on his startup for several months now and is still in the early development phase. He is currently building the second version of his prototype. The goal is to develop a working beta product that can be tested by a small group of event managers or event agencies. The next few months are mostly about experimenting, testing and discovering what is technically and practically possible.
“The best thing about PLNT is that there are so many people here at different levels. I just started and then it’s really nice that you can just talk to people here who are further along than you are.”
Spectral Sounds at PLNT
During his search for support for his startup, Sekou came across PLNT in Leiden, where he now works regularly. Within the community, he participates in the Get Things Done Days, where entrepreneurs collaborate on their projects. In addition, he is currently in the selection round for one of the PLNT programs. According to Sekou, PLNT’s environment helps him make quicker strides with his startup.
“It [Get Things Done Day] reminds me a little of a hackathon or studying in the library for your exams. Everyone is focused, and it’s just nice to feel like you belong somewhere.”
So in addition to building his software, Sekou is also working on his development as an entrepreneur. Through the combination of study, startup and the community at PLNT, he hopes to develop his idea into a working product that can be used in practice in the near future.