Kevin Alexander of DesignCave3D: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A Founder

Work-life balance — When you’re a founder, your company becomes your baby, your pet project, your everything. And it’s easy to get sucked into this black hole where all you think about is your business. While the business may be equally important, it’s essential to make time for family. Those family dinners, weekend getaways, or lazy Sunday mornings with your loved ones help you take a step back, breathe and relax!

Aspart of our interview series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A Founder”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Alexander, Founder & Partner, DesignCave3D

Kevin Alexander is a trailblazing entrepreneur who embarked on his journey in 2022, founding DesignCave3D, an avant-garde additive manufacturing hub in Dubai. With a focus on 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing, DesignCave3D caters to a diverse range of industries, offering premium services that enhance business agility through cost-effective and timely prototyping.

Armed with over 10 years of experience in sales, project coordination, and operations management in Dubai, Kevin brings a wealth of expertise to his entrepreneurial venture. His entrepreneurial journey is characterized by a demonstrated history of excellence, where he seamlessly blended his skills as a project coordinator/manager with small business entrepreneurship, showcasing a versatile skill set encompassing sales, operations, business development, and organizational growth.

As a trusted engineer and consultant in his previous roles, Kevin has provided invaluable technical and commercial support to clients in the Middle East region, managing projects of substantial value, reaching up to USD 1 Million. His proficiency in AutoCAD, combined with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manipal University, underscores his commitment to technical excellence.

Kevin’s dedication to innovation and business acumen shines through in DesignCave3D, where he leverages high-end technology and machinery to deliver top-notch additive manufacturing services. Whether serving B2C or B2B clients, DesignCave3D stands as a testament to Kevin’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and contributing to the evolution of additive manufacturing.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Kevin’s interests extend to music & dance, playing badminton, and a passion for food. These diverse interests reflect his multifaceted personality and contribute to his dynamic approach to both business and life.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Ihave a background in Mechanical engineering, and after my graduation, I joined my father’s business. I’ve also worked in civil engineering roles, but I always wanted to do something of my own. Coming from a family of business owners, I knew I wanted to make a mark on my own.

In 2020, my father stopped his business operations in Dubai, and COVID-19 hit. That was when I took the entrepreneurial leap. I started a small business, selling reusable fabric masks in partnership with my close friend Vikyath Poojary, and my uncle. However, as COVID restrictions became easier, the demand for masks decreased, and we couldn’t sustain the business.

Being a curious child, I have always loved activities that involve creative and critical thinking, building things with my own hands etc. In 2021, I came across a video about 3D printing in construction, where they used a concrete 3D printer to build walls. That’s what got me thinking. If we had to build on Mars, 3D Printing would be the best way!

My curiosity about 3D printing led me to read more and I got hooked on this technology. After much research about the industry and market in the Middle East, specifically the UAE, I decided to start my 3D printing company in 2022 — DesignCave3D.

Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey?

3D printing is a comparatively new and very niche market and technology. When I started the company it was very confusing to understand the market for this technology in this region. Hardly anyone I spoke to about this within my network understood what 3D Printing was. So it was all dependent on what information was available on the internet. I dedicated a few months just to research, to understand what is the scope of 3D printing in the Middle East, sourcing the printers and raw materials, what kind of products I could make, and what kind of products were in demand.

It’s so fascinating because there’s just so much detail that goes into it. From the different kinds of raw materials like PLA, PETG and ABS, to the different kinds of printers like FDM, SLA, SLS etc. The sky is the limit for the kind of things you can make from 3D printing, so I had to narrow it down to what exactly I should start with.

Where did you get the drive to continue even though things were so hard?

Even in the toughest times, it is important to stay focused on your goals and the bigger picture. I believe that obstacles and challenges are mere stepping stones that lead you to your destination. As a founder, the rollercoaster of ups and downs is relentless, but I know I need to keep pushing forward. My drive stems from a desire to innovate and make a real impact. I’ve always been curious, and once I’m intrigued, I dive in deep. 3D printing fascinates me; I see it as the future of manufacturing, driving me to push boundaries and make a difference.

So, how are things going today? How did grit and resilience lead to your eventual success?

Things are going really well. All that time we put in R&D and continue to do so, have helped us a lot. We are now well known in the market because of our fast turnaround times and service. We are growing not only in revenue and profit but also as a team. We have recently invested in a Dowell Dual extruder large-scale printer. . It can print up to 2M in height! I’m really excited about this one, as it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for us!

We are constantly innovating and creating, bringing new products. Because we cater to both B2B and B2C, we are able to work on a wide range of products, This has, at times, tested our creativity but ultimately has helped us build the best quality product for our clients.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When I got my first printer after setting up the business, I thought I knew it all. I was so confident about setting up the printer, being an engineer, that I didn’t follow the instructions it came with.

Little did I know it was a whole different ball game. I realised I had plugged the wires completely in the wrong positions and the printer ended up doing the complete opposite of what I wanted it to do! When I wanted it to go up, it went down and so on.

Lesson learnt!

1. It never hurts to follow instructions.
2. Always be open to learning, even if you think you know it all!
3. What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Currently, there are only a handful of companies that do 3D printing in Dubai. Our brand differentiation is the fact that we cater to all. What I mean by this is, for example, if there is a customer who needs something as simple as printing a small part for their house or a school project, we can help them.

For example, one of our clients wanted a small 8cm length sword to be printed. It was for a project he was working on and all he had was a 2D sketch that he had sketched on a piece of paper. We converted his imagination into a digital 3D model and printed it.

Another example is when we printed car parts like tyres and axles etc for miniature versions of F1 cars for multiple student teams from UAE participating in the “F1 In Schools” competition.

In addition to this, we also cater to big B2B brands with more large-scale requirements and other B2C customers who are looking for customised gifting or decor options.

We are also the only ones who offer large-scale 3D printed structures at a higher resolution in the country.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

I’m not an expert at this, but here are just some things I’ve learnt in the last 2 years, that I’d like to share:

• Embrace Delegation: Success isn’t a one-person show. Delegating tasks not only lightens your load but also empowers your team.
• Work Hard, Play Harder: Sure, building a startup is intense and chaotic! But its also fun! Seek out the fun moments amidst the chaos. Celebrate even the tiniest wins!
• Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Just like watering a plant, you need to nourish yourself to thrive. Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, soak up some sunshine, and hug your loved ones tight. Recharge your batteries and make time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.

It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

Absolutely! I don’t think I would have been able to pursue this passion had it not been for my partners and investors John Jacob & Biju Thomas, who believed in me and gave me the confidence to start this business.

With their years of experience being ace businessmen, they are always guiding me, helping me grow and scale the company.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s our guiding principle — from reducing our carbon footprint to minimizing waste. It also aligns perfectly with the UAE’s vision for 2024 as the Year of Sustainability.

Our products are eco-friendly and sustainable as we use biodegradable plastics as raw material But we didn’t just stop at producing sustainable goods. We’ve invested in cutting-edge technology that helps us recycle any wasted raw material so that it can be reused for the next product!

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I started leading my company” and why?

Starting a company is like diving headfirst into a whirlpool of challenges and adventures. There are definitely a few things I wish someone had given me a heads-up about before taking the plunge. But, here are my top 5:

1. Customer Acquisition Cost: When I first started out, I had this optimistic view that once I launched my product, customers would absolutely love it and it would really sell like hotcakes! Boy, was I wrong! Acquiring customers is like persuading a shy cat out from under the sofa. It takes time, effort, and money! I wish I’d known just how much it really costs to reach those potential customers. It’s like fishing in a big ocean; you need the right bait, the right gear, and sometimes, a lot of patience.
2. Distribution: So I had this amazing product with innovative technology that I had poured my heart and soul into. I knew it was a game-changer, but here’s the catch: nobody knew it exists! That’s where distribution came in. It’s like having the best recipe in the world but no one to taste your dish. But once you find the right partners who believe in your product as much as you do, it’s like hitting the jackpot!
3. Time Management: As a founder of a startup, you will wear many hats. You are the captain of the ship, the conductor of the orchestra, and sometimes, the janitor too. There’s always a million things vying for your attention, and it’s easy to get pulled in a hundred different directions at once. Learning how to prioritize and manage your time effectively is essential. I wish someone had handed me a magic wand that could add a few extra hours to the day!
4. Failure — Failure is part and parcel of the entrepreneurial journey. Not every idea or product might work, and in fact, quite a bit may fail! But that is not the end of the road; it’s just a detour. Embrace the failure, learn from it, and move forward. Use it as a guiding tool, to help you become better.
5. Work-life balance — When you’re a founder, your company becomes your baby, your pet project, your everything. And it’s easy to get sucked into this black hole where all you think about is your business. While the business may be equally important, it’s essential to make time for family. Those family dinners, weekend getaways, or lazy Sunday mornings with your loved ones help you take a step back, breathe and relax!

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

This idea is not new, but I would initiate a movement, particularly targeting South Asian communities, to transform children’s learning. We need to raise awareness among parents, encouraging them to move away from traditional educational approaches and instead allow children the freedom to explore their interests and learn at their own pace. It’s crucial to emphasize teaching children to think creatively and solve problems, rather than just memorizing facts. Teachers should act as mentors, guiding children to discover their strengths. This approach will help unlock hidden talents, fostering a more creative & happy society. Ultimately, every child deserves the opportunity to shine and make a difference, especially as future entrepreneurs and innovators.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Our Instagram (@DesignCave3D) is the best place to follow us and our work. We have a lot of new and fun innovations coming up!

You can also check out our website (https://designcave.ae), which has links to purchase our products (we ship worldwide! 🙂 )

Or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinalexander77/

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!