Interview with Bart Creasman, Co-Founder and CEO of Hiero

Hiero is a mobile app that focuses on the growing trend of image-based communication. It allows users to combine graphic images (like stickers or emojis), photos, and text into .gif messages, playing each one like a slideshow. These messages, which we call glyphs, can then be shared with friends individually or via social media.

Who is your startup aimed at?  

Hiero is aimed at people who like to use emojis and stickers when they communicate with others. We’ve seen a growing trend of people using these relatively new language tools more and more. Our app will aim predominantly for younger people who can take more time to form creative messages that communicate in this fun and casual manner.

How does your startup stand out against its competitors?  

Always be looking for good people to join your team. We needed an iOS developer, and we found a really good one, but it took us awhile because we started looking too late. And a delay like that in this fast-paced startup world can take away so much (enthusiasm, momentum, and a possible first-mover advantage)

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about starting a business, what would it be?

I would talk to someone else who has done it successfully. They usually have some good advice and insight, they can help point you in the right direction, and you’ll also realize that successful people in the start-up game were once like you and me. I would also run the business idea by as many people as possible. If you can’t convince your friends and family it’s a good idea, then you probably need to think of something else.