The young entrepreneur: Coi Software

Starting your own business whilst studying. Several students at Fontys took up the challenge. What sort of businesses do they run? How are they getting on? And what are the most important lessons they’ve learnt? Today we hear from Jordi Coll about his company, Coi Software.

In this series, we interview various (former) Fontys students about their own businesses. We discuss how they came up with the idea, running a business whilst studying, and the pros and cons of entrepreneurship.

Jordi is a third-year ICT student at Fontys and runs his own software company. He is also a member of Fontys’ Student Entrepreneurs Scheme (SOR), where he receives support in balancing his studies and his business.

Jordi, how long have you been running this business and what exactly does it involve?
“I only started in January this year, so I’ve been at it for about ten months now. Coi Software is a service provider that develops software for SMEs that are unable to do so themselves. Instead of using off-the-shelf software, I develop solutions that are tailored precisely to their needs.”

How did you come up with the idea of starting your own business?
“I was already working as a software developer at a start-up and doing some freelance work here and there. As I got to know more people and received more assignments, I decided to officially register my own business. Since then, for example, I’ve developed software for boat tour companies, bringing all the key business processes together in one place.”

How exactly did that work?
“I’m from Spain, was familiar with boat excursions and eventually got in touch with an owner. He wanted a system that would bring together work schedules, departure and arrival times, payslips, the boat’s inventory and documents in one central place. I designed that, including an app through which the crew could access all the necessary information. After I’d completed that project, I started approaching similar companies. There was a good chance they were facing the same problems, so I offered my services to them as well. That’s paid off.”

How do you balance running the business with your studies?
“It’s challenging, let me say that straight away. I work long hours. In the mornings I spend a lot of time on my studies, and in the afternoons, evenings and at weekends I mainly devote my time to my business. Fortunately, I also get support from Fontys, both from lecturers and from the Student Council (SOR). Everyone is willing to help or look things up for you, and that really helps.”

How do you find running your own business?
“It’s had its ups and downs. I sometimes see it as a more sophisticated form of freelance work. Because although I do have my own business, I really do have to find clients myself. Networking is therefore very important, but it also takes up a lot of time. On top of that, I’m sometimes a bit afraid to commit fully to entrepreneurship. I’ve only just started, of course, but that means I don’t yet have a clear picture of what everything will look like in the future.

You also miss out on the ‘fixed’ benefits of being an employee, but I’ve always seen immense value in being able to earn money using the skills you’ve developed yourself, without being dependent on others. I can’t focus entirely on my business just yet; I need to finish my degree first. We’ll see what happens after that, but despite the uncertainties, I’m really enjoying it.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt as an entrepreneur?
“Promise less, but deliver more. As a budding entrepreneur, it’s very difficult to gauge how well you can do something and how much time it will take. So if you promise less but deliver more, that always works in your favour. And you should definitely highlight that extra work, otherwise it’ll go unnoticed.

Also, never work for free just to attract your first clients, because your work is simply valuable in its own right. And always maintain good communication with your clients. With the advent of AI, the barrier to offering all sorts of services has become increasingly low, but other aspects – such as communication, regular contact, proper follow-up and the human element in collaborations – are becoming ever more important.”

Have you experienced any highs and/or lows?
“Every completed project or payment received always gives me a boost to carry on with what I do. I also see the things I learn along the way as highlights, because they only make me better at what I do. And low points? I find it particularly disappointing when you have a conversation with someone who’s interested, develop a full project plan, send a proposal, but then notice that the person in question is responding more and more slowly and eventually declines. That’s demotivating.”

Finally, do you have any tips for other students who want to start a business?
“Take that first step. Come up with a name and talk to people as if your business already exists. Share what you’re doing and learn from the feedback you receive. Keep developing yourself and your product, and find someone who’s willing to pay for what you’re offering. Once you’ve found that person, there are bound to be others who need the same thing.”