Here at Tyk, we value technical innovation and wholeheartedly support the rising stars of engineering startups. That’s what we introduced the Tyk side project fund, a commitment to nurturing the next generation of visionaries.
Our founder and CEO, Martin, knows this journey all too well, as he kick-started Tyk as a side project when the perfect API gateway eluded him. Witnessing the evolution of his brainchild from a humble idea to the leading open source API management tool, he knows the highs and lows of transforming a side project into a success story.
Our fund applications opened in March, and we’re delighted to say that we now have our three winners – one of which is PipeOps. This solution creates a seamless and transformative DevOps journey, streamlining workflows and unlocking the true potential of operations.
We believe PipeOps will solve fundamental pain points – so let’s go ahead and learn more about these talented change-makers!
Tyk: Hey, PipeOps! Tell us about your background and what inspired your side project fund idea?
PipeOps: The birth of PipeOps traces back to a defining moment at Flux in 2020. Our app was running smoothly on Heroku until the introduction of Crypto, which sparked a surge in traffic that overwhelmed our infrastructure, leading to frustrating downtimes.
We sought to scale our operations to resolve this, but Heroku’s pricing proved too costly. Our best option was AWS, but we needed more expertise to migrate from Heroku to AWS.
Just when we thought the problem was insurmountable, fate intervened in the form of Alex, a seasoned Cloud Engineer and PipeOps’ future CTO. We believed in the startup dream, envisioning it as the future of remittance destined for a multimillion-dollar acquisition. Alex joined our team with our conviction and pitch and swiftly handled the migration within days.
This experience exposed the harsh reality for many early-stage businesses: few have access to or can afford the expertise required to set up, manage, and deploy on a scalable cloud infrastructure. As a result, they settle for inefficient remedies that will inevitably lead to problems in the future.
Tyk: What are the key features or innovations that differentiate your project from existing solutions in the same domain?
PipeOps: Pipeops is here to revolutionise the DevOps experience. We go beyond just provisioning; our platform takes care of all the necessary add-ons, allowing you to efficiently manage and monitor your entire infrastructure.
With Pipeops, you’ll enjoy a streamlined and hassle-free approach to DevOps. From provisioning to monitoring, we’ve got it all covered.
Tyk: What stage is your project at, and where do you see it going long-term?
PipeOps: At Pipeops, we’re at the early stages of development, working diligently to achieve product-market fit and fine-tune our product. Our primary focus is on meeting the specific needs of our target audience and delivering a solution that adds genuine value.
We aim to create a simplified No code DevOps OS that enables users to quickly and efficiently manage their infrastructure on any cloud provider. With Pipeops, you won’t need a DevOps engineer; we streamline the DevOps processes, allowing you to concentrate on your core tasks without getting lost in technical complexities. We’re committed to providing a user-friendly solution simplifying your infrastructure management journey.
Tyk: What key values drive and motivate you to work on the project?
PipeOps: Our journey began with a shared experience – a problem we all faced firsthand. Building a solution to this challenge has been incredibly rewarding, as we now see it benefiting countless individuals and businesses.
The knowledge that our platform makes a difference and streamlines operations for our users is a constant source of motivation. It drives us to go even further, to innovate and push boundaries, knowing there’s so much more we can achieve.
As we continue to grow and improve, we’re fueled by the belief that technology can revolutionise our work and positively impact the world.
Tyk: Could you share some insights into the development process and any obstacles you encountered?
PipeOps: PipeOps is one of the most technically demanding products we have ever had to build. Before fully committing to the idea, my Co-Founder and I dedicated several months to extensive research and development. Our primary goal during this phase was to test the feasibility of our vision. This initial testing period took approximately three months.
Once we were convinced of the potential of PipeOps, we transitioned into full-time development. However, this journey was challenging. We encountered numerous failed demos along the way. Despite these setbacks, we remained resilient and used each failure as an opportunity to learn and improve our product.
Building PipeOps required deep technical expertise, and we embraced its challenges. Our commitment to thorough research and development laid a solid foundation for the subsequent phases of development. Although the road has been challenging, we are driven by our passion for creating a product that will make a difference in DevOps.
Tyk: How will the Tyk side project fund help your project grow?
PipeOps: The Tyk side project fund is a game-changer for our project, offering invaluable support and opportunities for growth:
- Expanding Our Network: By being associated with the Tyk side project fund, we access a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, potential partners, and industry experts. This opens doors for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and exposure to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
- Boosting Credibility: The endorsement and backing from the Tyk side project fund add significant credibility to our venture. This validation of our idea’s potential and viability attracts further investment and instils trust in potential users and stakeholders. It’s a stepping stone towards establishing a positive reputation within the industry.
Tyk: How do you avoid burnout when working full-time and managing a side project?
PipeOps: At our core, we may be reclusive individuals, but we wholeheartedly embrace the significance of human interaction. That’s why we live, work, and play together as a team. And guess what? It’s been an absolute game-changer!
Maintaining a playful environment has become our secret weapon, making work enjoyable. We’ve realised that this perfect blend of togetherness and playfulness helps us reduce stress and boost our overall well-being.
Tyk: How do you envision your project positively impacting the developer community or the wider technology industry?
PipeOps: Our platform aims to simplify and streamline the software deployment process, offering a centralised hub for cloud and infrastructure management.
Our goal is to empower developers, DevOps teams, and non-technical founders alike by simplifying workflows, increasing efficiency, and promoting collaboration. With innovative features and a user-friendly interface, we strive to free developers from tedious operational tasks, allowing them to focus on what they do best—writing quality code.
We aim to boost productivity through automation and optimisation, enabling developers to deliver software faster and with higher quality. But we don’t stop there! Our vision extends beyond just a tool; we aspire to be a catalyst for knowledge sharing and community engagement.
Within our platform, we’re fostering a vibrant developer community. From forums and resources to networking opportunities, we’re creating a space for developers to learn, support, and grow together.
Tyk: What tips would you offer someone looking to start their own side project?
PipeOps: Here are some valuable tips to guide you on your journey:
- Follow Your Passion: Choose a side project that aligns with your interests and passions, providing the motivation and drive for success.
- Take Action: Move from daydreaming to action by taking concrete steps towards progress and development.
- Define Clear Goals: Set specific and measurable goals to stay focused and effectively track your project’s progress.
- Plan Your Time: Create a realistic schedule balancing your full-time commitments and side projects.
- Start Small and Iterate: Begin with a manageable scope and build on it based on feedback and user needs.
- Seek Support and Collaboration: Connect with like-minded individuals, join communities, and seek mentorship for valuable insights.
- Embrace Learning: View your side project as a learning journey, welcoming new skills and technologies.
- Prioritise Marketing: Promote your project, engage with your audience, and create a strong online presence.
- Stay Persistent and Resilient: Overcome challenges and setbacks with resilience, adapting and refining your approach as needed.
- Manage Expectations: Understand that success takes time, celebrate small wins, and stay committed to your vision.
- Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the creative autonomy and fun that comes with your side project.
Starting a side project can be a rewarding experience. With these tips, you’ll set yourself up for success and make the most of your venture.
If you want to learn more about what they’re doing, check them out here. And for more information on the Tyk Side Project Fund, read all about it here.
