Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ben Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ben, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
I was raised on three core principles: education, discipline, and ethical behavior, instilled by my grandparents who endured racial injustices in the South. Their mantra was to strive for excellence to overcome inequality. Despite setbacks, like being cut from the basketball team in 7th grade, I was determined to prove myself. Eventually, I earned a scholarship and played professionally in Europe. Though I regret not prioritizing education, I cultivated unwavering discipline. Growing up, I learned the values of integrity and commitment from my entrepreneurial grandfather and father. Their handshake deals, like my father’s refusal of a higher offer to honor his word, exemplified their integrity over financial gain. These experiences shaped my ethical compass, earning me trust among investors, employees, and customer and partners. Their confidence in my commitment and prioritization of their well-being has sustained my business success over the years.
Ben, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Phizzle was founded on a core tenet: the indispensable role of data integrity in driving impactful consumer engagement. Our initial stride into the arena of intimate fan interactions marked us as pioneers, laying the groundwork for what would blossom into the dynamic consumer data platform sector. However, like many ventures, we encountered obstacles—timing nuances and developmental missteps that momentarily hindered our revenue and outreach.
Faced with adversity, we embraced adaptability as our guiding principle. I led the charge in steering Phizzle through a strategic pivot, rallying investor support to navigate the shifting landscape. Recognizing a ripe opportunity, we directed our focus towards applying the data integrity ethos to machine-generated information—an area primed for disruption.
A pivotal partnership with industry titan Cisco, coupled with the backing of key executives who shared our vision, propelled us forward. This collaborative effort yielded a monumental breakthrough: securing a Fortune 50 pharmaceutical giant as our flagship client.
Our platform, EDGMaker, stands at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. By automating the operation of diverse scientific instruments and seamlessly integrating data into clients’ Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), we’ve eradicated manual processes and ushered in a new era of efficiency and accuracy. The benefits are tangible: reduced time and labor costs, along with the elimination of errors.
Today, Phizzle stands as a trailblazer, offering the world’s sole scientific instrument platform capable of centralizing drug production data. Our technology serves as a catalyst, empowering the pharmaceutical industry with data standardization, instrument automation, and FDA-compliant digital record-keeping—essential pillars of drug production.
Amidst a landscape teeming with contenders tackling data integrity and automation hurdles in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Phizzle distinguishes itself as the sole entity with a software-defined use case in production. This accomplishment speaks volumes about our engineering prowess—committed to crafting technology that transcends complexity, catering to the most demanding industries.
I take immense pride in our journey, from the realm of fan engagement to the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing. It underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Moreover, I’m honored to play a role, however modest, in the creation of life-saving medications—an endeavor that resonates deeply with our mission and values.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Effective team management hinges on consistency, honesty, and leading by example. Firstly, uphold the principle of doing what you say you’ll do. Make realistic commitments and follow through on them consistently. This builds trust and demonstrates reliability, essential for fostering a positive team culture.
Secondly, maintain transparency by being honest about both the successes and challenges. Acknowledge achievements openly, while also addressing setbacks constructively. Transparency breeds trust and encourages open communication, enabling your team to navigate obstacles collectively.
Lastly, prioritize actions over words. Lead by example through your actions, showcasing the values and work ethic you expect from your team. This reinforces accountability and inspires your team to emulate your dedication.
By adhering to these principles, you cultivate an environment of trust, transparency, and accountability, laying the foundation for high morale and sustained team success.
Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?
I had recently sold my last company, Pixiem and was still an employee of the acquiring company when I received a call out of the blue from Ira Shapiro. Through a network of connections linking back to ESPN, one of our esteemed clients, Ira reached out for advice on transforming his son, Gavins web-based game into a mobile format. Realizing the game’s unsuitability for mobile platforms, I pivoted the conversation toward potential monetization strategies. By introducing Ira to prospective publishers, we successfully positioned the game for sale under their brands, ultimately generating revenue for Gavin.
During our discussion, Ira expressed interest in investing in my mobile gaming company, not realizing it was already sold, I shared with Ira that I was formulating a new business plan for a new venture. Prompted by curiosity, Ira requested a glimpse of the plan, to which I promised delivery upon completion.
Following our initial exchange, I flew to Connecticut to meet Ira in person. Over lunch, our rapport blossomed, culminating in Ira’s generous $100K investment, even before the formal establishment of the new company. Ira and his wife, Jacque, epitomized the essence of angel investors—stepping in unexpectedly to provide crucial support.
This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of Phizzle’s journey, which I would helm for six years, steering it to annual revenues exceeding a million dollars. The subsequent $3 million A round investment from Alsop-Louie, led by Jim Whims, propelled Phizzle to new heights, affirming the impact of fortuitous connections and unwavering support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phizzle.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phizzle/