How many companies in New Zealand can claim that they played a critical role in our COVID response and helped Barack Obama get elected? Silverstripe can, and they can also rightfully claim to be a key part of the fabric of the Internet in New Zealand.
This great Wellington company got its start at Creative HQ back in 2003 as one of the first startups we ever helped. We sat down with Sam Minee, the founder and former CEO of Silverstripe to help us tell their story.
Introduction to Silverstripe
Silverstripe, initially named Totally Digital, was co-founded by Sam Minee, Tim Copeland, and Sigurd Magnuson in February 2000. The young founders, fresh out of high school and early university years, embarked on a journey fueled by ambition and a keen interest in technology. By 2003, when they joined Creative HQ, Silverstripe had developed its first version of a content management system (CMS), a pioneering move at a time when simple, user-friendly web CMSs were rare.
The Journey Begins
The decision to apply to Creative HQ was sparked by a desire to elevate the business. At this stage, Silverstripe was a small team transitioning from a service-based company to focusing on their CMS product. Creative HQ offered an opportunity to gain insights, networks, and the necessary push towards commercialization.
“It seemed like a good way of trying to take the business to the next level, get some advice and support and figure out what we could do better.”
The Creative HQ Impact
Creative HQ’s incubator program was helpful in shaping Silverstripe’s early days. The co-working space, advisory network, and connections facilitated by Creative HQ provided Silverstripe with visibility and access to Wellington’s business and local government scene. The environment at Creative HQ fostered camaraderie among startups and offered a platform for growth and learning beyond technical skills.
“Creative HQ helped to level up our thinking about what running a serious business actually involves… It was a great time while we were there. The connections, the advice and camaraderie were the three big pieces.”
Overcoming Challenges
The journey wasn’t without its lows. Financial constraints were a significant hurdle, with the team experiencing periods of virtually no income. Mistakes in client engagements and the learning curve of transitioning from a group of tech-savvy teens to a professional company marked their early years. Yet, these challenges were critical learning experiences that shaped the company’s resilience and professionalism.
“We were learning to be a professional company in those early years… We were just smelly teenagers for the first few years and you know, some of those early clients, I am thankful for their patience back in those days.”
Key Milestones and Highs
Silverstripe’s decision to release its CMS as open source was a turning point, greatly increasing their international presence and the scale of projects they undertook. A major highlight was developing the website for the US Democratic National Convention Committee. With 10s of millions of people viewing it, Barack Obama was selected over Hillary Clinton, which was a pivotal moment in American history, and it was managed on a Silverstipe-hosted website. Such a high-profile project boosted their credibility and led to larger engagements, including the significant win of the New Zealand government’s Common Web Platform project.
“That was transformational for our business… You know, our international notoriety grew a lot. The scale of the projects that we took on got bigger and bigger.”
Where are they today?
Today, Silverstripe plays a pivotal role in providing digital experiences across New Zealand. With a focus on public sector projects, the company has contributed to more accessible and user-friendly web experiences for New Zealanders.
“Heaps of sites out there that lots of people use, like the COVID website, have been delivered by SilverStripe. And a lot of people who work in government have heard of Silverstripe, because of our work through the Common Web platform.”
Reflecting on Impact
Reflecting on Silverstripe’s impact, Sam highlights the importance of the team and work culture as sources of satisfaction.
“Something that has surprised me is just how much actually bringing a team of people together that love where they work and love their colleagues is one of the most lasting sources of satisfaction about starting a company. More than the specific products or services or projects or customers.”
