Chris Ballance, CEO of Oxford Ionics, emphasises tackling unknown risks in startups.
- The company pioneers a trapped-ion approach to quantum computing.
- Founders should strengthen both understood and unforeseen challenges.
- Building a senior leadership team is crucial from the outset.
- Early academic interests can shape entrepreneurial journeys.
Chris Ballance, co-founder and CEO of Oxford Ionics, highlights the significance of addressing risks that founders do not yet understand. His startup adopts a state-of-the-art trapped-ion method to advance quantum computing, a field where navigating uncharted territories is essential.
Ballance advises that while it is important to focus on challenges that are already familiar, equal attention should be given to those that are not yet fully understood. This dual focus can bolster a team’s adaptability and success in the evolving tech landscape.
One of the major hurdles that Ballance encountered was forming an effective senior leadership team. Although identifying the company’s vision and intellectual property was straightforward, assembling a robust leadership team took considerably more effort and was underestimated in terms of time and resources.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Ballance recalls how his early fascination with chemistry steered him toward entrepreneurship. Despite facing academic setbacks, such interests ignited his passion for innovation and laid the groundwork for his professional path.
Understanding both seen and unforeseen challenges can drive startup success.
