ReDeTec
Name: David Joyce
UBC Major: B. ASc. Engineering Physics – Mechanical
Year in E101 Class: January 2014
What we do in our business:
ReDeTec works towards renewable design solutions aimed at reducing the cost of 3D printing. We have created a desktop filament recycler that is able to grind down and reduce old 3D printed parts or certain types of recyclable waste such as water bottles, and extrude them into new reusable filament. When used in tandem with a 3D printer, the filament can be reused multiple times, giving the consumer a lifetime supply of filament at the touch of their fingers.
Url:
http://redetec.com
Why this particular business?
Environmental motivations and a market need. Filament is very expensive right now, and it doesn’t need to be. Simple stat: store bought consumer filament costs around $50 per Kg, virgin plastic pellets costs $5 per Kg. When you factor in the reusability of thermoplastics, and the potential to install school/community recycling programs it really gets exciting. I like thinking of the potential worldwide impact and am thankful I have two incredible gifted co-founders to work with.
Biggest day-to-day challenges as an entrepreneur:
There is not enough time in a day to do anything.
Greatest delights in being an entrepreneur:
Getting paid that one time before we ran out of money. Also being able to take “sick” days without being questioned.
Four key pieces of advice you would give to future entrepreneurs:
1. Figure out what you define as success.
2. The amount of interest, support, and guidance you can receive by asking for help is astonishing. Don’t be a hermit.
3. Have a good idea and only pick the best business partners.
4. Your first business starts when you decide. Stop talking about it and take action.
Where do you see yourself going as an entrepreneur in the future?
I would like to see this through and learn as much as I can, then hopefully do it all over again. My entrepreneurship portfolio project from Comm 486A is on deck. I see my endgame being somewhere in the sports industry but who knows when that will be.