We recently had the opportunity to interview Guardian, the pseudonymous CEO & Founder of AVATUS, an avatar-based social media platform. With over two decades of presence in the GCC region, Guardian has cultivated a passion for innovation and leveraged his skills to redefine the landscape of social media.
Driven by a vision of connecting people in a more meaningful way, Guardian came up with the idea of AVATUS. In this interview, Guardian shares his insights on on how he is trying to materialize his vision, the challenges that he faces, and valuable advice for other startups.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Can you tell us about your journey in creating AVATUS and your background?
Guardian shared, “While Thea is the fictional creator of the AVATUS platform, in reality, I, going by the name of Guardian on the AVATUS platform, am the Founder and CEO. With a presence in the Middle East for almost 20 years and a background in Project Management, Operations, and Business Administration, my journey in creating AVATUS was driven by a desire to transform the way people connect and communicate.
Recognizing an opportunity to prioritize privacy, security, and user-centered design, I developed AVATUS as an avatar-based social networking platform. My goal is to create a space where people can reimagine their lives and connect in meaningful ways. Combining passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence, I aspire to revolutionize the social media landscape through AVATUS, one avatar at a time.”
Spark Behind The Decision
We were curious to learn more about the advent of AVATUS. So, we inquired, “What inspired you to develop the idea of your company?”
Guardian responded, “The idea for AVATUS was born during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, within the confines of a small room, filled with sticky notes and a whiteboard. The realization that the world was undergoing a fundamental shift in how we live, communicate, and conduct business sparked the creative thinking process.
Starting with a blank canvas, the question “What do people want?” emerged. Through analysis of existing offerings, personal passions, and industry pain points, a concept began to take shape. A breakthrough moment came when my 7-year-old daughter, Thea, who is out for Theodora, answered my question “What makes people happy?” by saying “Friendship makes us happy because we’re together.” This led to the understanding that people desire a sense of belonging.
The final question became, “How can we build a platform that redefines the user-platform contract, adding value to the user experience and offering a true sense of belonging in a digital world?” This question served as the guiding force behind the development of AVATUS.”
Changing Priorities
Over the years of operating, businesses tend to change their priorities adapting to the latest market developments. So, we questioned, “How have your priorities in business evolved since you first started?”
Guardian shared, “Since the inception of AVATUS in 2020 until its official launch in August 2023, our business priorities have undergone significant evolution while maintaining a steadfast commitment to user-centricity. Central to our mission has been the creation of a platform that transcends traditional social networking by fostering genuine connections, personal growth, and self-expression.
From the outset, we recognized the importance of treating users as individuals, not products. This foundational principle has guided our approach to platform development, with a primary focus on enhancing the user experience while prioritizing privacy and security.”
He added, “As we progressed from ideation to execution, our priorities evolved in tandem with our understanding of user needs and market dynamics. We placed a significant emphasis on refining our platform’s aesthetics, with a particular focus on delivering an aesthetically pleasing design (UI-UX) that enhances user engagement and satisfaction.
Throughout the development process, we remained deeply attuned to user feedback, iteratively refining our features and functionalities to better meet the evolving needs of our community. Our unwavering commitment to putting the user first has been the cornerstone of our business strategy, driving our decisions and shaping the future trajectory of AVATUS. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to prioritizing the user experience remains unwavering, serving as the guiding principle for all our endeavors at AVATUS.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
While every business faces certain inevitable challenges, overcoming the same efficiently counts the most. We asked, “What are the most challenging situations that your company overcomes?”
He replied, “At AVATUS, as a self-funded initiative, we encounter the ongoing challenge of resource allocation between Research and Development (R&D) and marketing efforts. Our ambitious vision of creating a user-centric platform necessitates significant investment in research and development, particularly in cutting-edge technologies like blockchain for decentralizing user data and personal information.
Additionally, our innovative features, such as superimposing a 3D avatar on the user’s real face and introducing AI image generation for AVATUS posts, require substantial technological investment. While we prioritize technology development, it has limited our ability to invest heavily in marketing and reaching wider audiences. However, we are continuously exploring creative strategies to raise awareness and make AVATUS known to a broader user base.”
We further asked, “What’s the key strength to overcome it?”
Guardian continued, “The key strength that enables us to overcome the challenge of resource allocation between R&D and marketing is our unwavering perseverance, persistence, and patience. We recognize that building a successful platform like AVATUS requires time, effort, and a steadfast commitment to our vision. Despite the inherent challenges, we remain resolute in our belief in the value and potential of AVATUS. Our team is dedicated to pushing forward, even in the face of obstacles, knowing that each step brings us closer to our goal.
By maintaining a patient and persistent approach, we navigate the complexities of resource allocation while continuously refining our strategies for growth. With each milestone we achieve, we gain valuable insights and momentum, propelling us forward on our journey to reach a broader audience. Ultimately, it is our unwavering determination and resilience that empowers us to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of AVATUS. We remain committed to our vision, confident that with perseverance and patience, we will achieve the success that AVATUS deserves.”
Setting AVATUS Apart
Curious to learn how Guardian ensures to have a unique approach for AVATUS, we questioned, “What makes your company stand out from other businesses in your industry?”
He shared, “AVATUS stands out from other platforms in several ways. AVATUS puts users at the center of everything we do. Unlike other platforms that may treat users as products, AVATUS adopts a user-centric approach, values your individuality, and provides a safe and inclusive space for self-expression.
We also introduced groundbreaking features that set us apart. As far as we’re concerned, we are the first social networking platform to superimpose a 3D avatar on the user’s real face mimicking real time the user’s facial expressions, creating a unique and immersive experience. Additionally, our AI image generation for AVATUS posts allows for creative and dynamic content creation.”
Also, AVATUS offers a wide range of themed content areas inspired by our fictional story connected to Mars. These themed areas, which we call Domes and Sub-domes, allow users to explore and engage with topics that truly interest them in a structured manner. Whether you’re passionate about science, art, music, or sports, there’s a Dome for everyone.
Our approach to content is centered around providing a personalized experience for each user, avoiding the use of complex algorithms that may lead to addictive behaviors. Instead, we focus on structured content delivery that prioritizes user interests and preferences, ensuring a more enriching and enjoyable experience for all users.
”We also have moderation systems in place to prevent discrimination, harassment, and hate speech. This ensures that you can freely express yourself without fear of negativity or toxicity. In summary, AVATUS stands out as we’re not just another platform – we’re a transformative digital experience that revolutionizes the way you connect and engage with others.” Guardian added.
Measuring Success
To learn more about the estimates used by Guardian while measuring the success of his business, we asked, “What KPIs do you use to measure your business growth?”
He shared, “At present, AVATUS utilizes several key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge its business growth trajectory. While the platform is in the early stages of development and user acquisition, certain metrics hold particular importance as we anticipate exponential growth in the future.
- User Engagement: Metrics such as daily active users (DAU), monthly active users (MAU), and time spent per session provide valuable insights into user engagement levels and the overall popularity of the platform.
- Retention Rate: High retention rates indicate a satisfied and loyal user base, while declining rates may signal underlying issues that need to be addressed.
- Revenue Generation: While revenue may not be the primary focus in the early stages of AVATUS’ growth, it is an essential KPI for assessing the platform’s financial sustainability and potential for monetization.
As AVATUS evolves and experiences exponential growth, these KPIs will play an even more pivotal role in measuring business success. They will provide valuable insights into user satisfaction, platform popularity, and financial performance, ultimately guiding strategic decisions to optimize growth and enhance the overall user experience. We are eager to leverage these KPIs to drive AVATUS towards its full potential in the dynamic landscape of social networking.”
Current Offerings
Eager to learn more about the services offered by AVATUS, we questioned, “Tell us something about your services. What are you working on currently?”
Guardian passionately responded, “Currently, at AVATUS, we are working on several exciting initiatives to enhance our services and provide an exceptional user experience. We are thrilled to announce the launch of AI Image Generation for our posts. This feature offers four different options to enhance your posts. You can replace the background of your selfie photo with an avatar, replace the background of your full-body avatar using the rear camera, create textual posts with AI-generated images, and explore the AI Canvas Mode for wildly imaginative posts. With AI Canvas Mode, you can unleash your creativity and turn your wildest ideas into stunning visual masterpieces.
We are collaborating with our partners from Union Avatars to introduce the AVATUS Agora Collection. It’s a vibrant hub where users can discover and personalize their avatars with unique and stylish digital fashion options. Also, we are continuously expanding our avatar capabilities by introducing avatar animations. These animations bring your avatars to life, adding a dynamic and expressive element to your digital presence in a more interactive way.”
He added, “We are also developing a platform within AVATUS where users can find and hire freelancers for a wide range of tasks. Freelancers will be able to create and offer their services as “gigs,” which users can purchase for a fee. This feature will empower users to access a pool of skilled individuals and get their tasks done efficiently, all within the AVATUS ecosystem.
These ongoing developments reflect our commitment to innovation and creating a dynamic platform that empowers users to express themselves, connect with others, and explore new possibilities in the digital realm. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and features coming to AVATUS.”
Fostering Unity And Teamwork
To ensure long-term success, it is crucial to build a strong team. So, we asked, “How do you build trust with your employees and boost productivity without causing burnout?”
He shared, “Respect, transparency, agility and a shared vision are the cornerstones of our team dynamics at AVATUS. We believe in open and honest communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and has a clear understanding of our goals and objectives. Moreover, we operate with the understanding that in a startup environment, agility is paramount. We value the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and pivot when necessary.
In addition, trust and the lack of micromanagement are fundamental principles guiding our approach. We empower our team members to take ownership of their tasks and projects, recognizing that no one is an expert in everything. Instead of micromanaging, we foster an environment of trust, allowing individuals the autonomy to excel in their areas of expertise.
Furthermore, we are committed to creating an environment free from toxicity and politics. We encourage collaboration, constructive feedback, and a focus on the collective success of AVATUS. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, we aim to create a supportive and motivating atmosphere where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.
As AVATUS continues to grow and evolve, we will continue to prioritize these values and create a working environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of unity among our team members.
Acing The Latest Trends
To understand the perspective of Guardian on staying updated with the latest market developments, we asked, “How do you stay on top of the latest technologies and trends in your industry?”
Guardian shared, “At AVATUS, staying on top of the latest technologies and trends in our industry is a top priority. Here’s how we ensure we’re always at the forefront. We foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Our team actively engages in industry conferences, webinars, workshops, and online courses to stay updated on emerging technologies, trends, and best practices. We also conduct in-depth research, analyze market trends, and explore emerging technologies to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation within AVATUS.
We actively collaborate with industry experts, thought leaders, and technology partners. By engaging in strategic partnerships, we gain insights into the latest advancements and trends, ensuring that AVATUS remains at the cutting edge of the industry. Moreover, following a user-centric approach helps us prioritize our development efforts and stay aligned with the evolving demands of our user base. By actively listening to their needs and preferences, we gain valuable insights into the technologies and features that are most relevant and impactful.”
“Besides, we encourage internal knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration. Our team members regularly share their expertise, insights, and discoveries. This collaborative environment allows us to leverage the collective knowledge and expertise within AVATUS, fostering innovation and staying ahead of the curve.
By combining all these measures, we ensure that AVATUS remains at the forefront of the industry. This enables us to deliver cutting-edge technologies and experiences to our users, keeping them engaged and excited about the possibilities within the AVATUS universe.” He added.
Advice For Startups
We ended the interview by asking, “What advice would you give to starting entrepreneurs?”
Starting a business can indeed be a challenging and sometimes lonely journey. It requires dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. Here are a few additional points to consider.
Guardian shared, “Understand that entrepreneurship is a long-term commitment. It’s important to have a clear vision and be prepared for the ups and downs along the way. Embrace the journey, stay focused on your goals, and celebrate small victories along the path to success. While entrepreneurship can feel lonely, it’s essential to seek support from mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and support networks.
Starting a business often requires sacrificing personal time and family time. It’s crucial to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks that have the most impact on your business. Set clear boundaries and communicate your commitments to your loved ones, ensuring that you find a balance between work and personal life.”
He concluded, “As an entrepreneur, you will inevitably face setbacks and challenges. Use these experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. Analyze what went wrong, adapt your strategies, and use the lessons learned to make better decisions in the future. Passion is the fuel that drives entrepreneurs forward. Stay connected to your purpose and maintain a strong belief in your vision. Be persistent in pursuing your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and perseverance is key to long-term success.
Starting a business is a journey that requires dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. By understanding and embracing the challenges, seeking support, managing your time effectively, learning from setbacks, and staying passionate and persistent, you can navigate the entrepreneurial path with confidence and increase your chances of success.”
Follow AVATUS on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Discord, Pinterest, WhatsApp. and its official website www.avatus.com
Download AVATUS on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/avatus/id1585376629
Get it on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avatus
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