Meet Innovator of the Week
Melissa Thompson
CEO at Hyndsight Vision Systems
Please provide your 30-second pitch about your company.
While many “wireless” camera and monitor systems exist in the market none offer a 100% wire free system to provide the ultimate versatility for multiple uses. Hyndsight Vision Systems offers the only 100% wire free camera and monitor system to provide ultimate safety in many markets. No matter what activity you use our product for such as a backup system for trailering, towing or driving, a monitor system for your horse, your commercial cargo, your farm equipment, your pet or your child, for waterskiing, hunting; Hyndsight allows you to take our product from one use to another in literally seconds. Other products despite their “wireless” claim require wiring and cannot be taken from one area or vehicle to another with ease. The need for “wireless” cameras and monitors is a well-established market, however the uniqueness of Hyndsight’s wire free product will provide this industry with a better way of visualization and safety.
Who or what was your best resource for starting your company?
I have been blessed with loyal and dedicated employees who have stood by me since the beginning of time, spending many days and nights of working long hard hours with no pay just to get what was needed done. I also have been blessed by friends and family and acquaintances who invested in the company and helped us to continue to develop our product and the company to the point in which we are now generating revenue. I could not have done it without them!
New Hampshire High Tech Council also provided us with a great deal of assistance and feedback on our business strategies and planning as well as making introductions to influential people within the State of NH. As a result of some of the introductions we were featured as one of New Hampshire’s “upstart start-ups” in Business NH Magazine in November. We have also been fortunate in receiving advice from many key opinion leaders in industry. Networking is 95% of the game.
What was your biggest obstacle in starting your company and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle so far has been finding money. While friends and family have been great in providing us with support and cash to continue, they do not have endlessly deep pockets. We’ve met with practically every venture capital and Angel group out there and continue to run into the same obstacles. When you’re small, you’re small but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need money to build your organization and to build your brand. Banks won’t lend to you so you’re stuck! We continue to seek new venture capital partners and angels however have not overcome this obstacle yet.
What’s the best advice you have received?
Build your brand first and focus on one thing at a time.
What about the NH lifestyle appeals to you?
I moved to New Hampshire in 1979 and have raised three wonderful sons here. I’m a New Hampshire girl through and through. I love being outdoors, skiing, hiking, biking, and my favorite pastime rowing on beautiful Lake Sunapee! The pace of life, the quality of life and the people that you grow to know and love make New Hampshire a very very special place.
What does the future look like for your company?
Jona Donaldson, President, Quinn Delhanty, Regional Sales Manager
John Rath, Head of Engineering R&D, Melissa Thompson, CEO
We have so much going for us and have grown and in so many ways in such a short period of time, our future is extremely bright! We now have contracts with Tractor Supply Company, Camping World, Dover Saddlery, Durham Boat Company, and many many others with a large number of opportunities in the works currently. All of our hard work and effort is now beginning to pay off and we feel that we truly have a grand opportunity to succeed.
Connect with Hyndsight Vision Systems!