In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency is critical—especially for companies managing equipment and facilities. Maverick IQ, co-founded by Dalero Berkeley, is tackling this challenge by integrating artificial intelligence with real-world expertise to simplify digital transformation for businesses of all sizes. In this episode of The Small Business Show, Berkeley shares discusses the challenges of launching a tech startup and shares advice regarding some of the lessons he learned along the way.
Berkeley’s entrepreneurial journey started long before founding Maverick IQ in 2019. With a background rooted in technology and engineering, he saw firsthand how digital transformation was being overcomplicated by major tech companies. His company simplifies this process for businesses by integrating subject matter expertise with AI, resulting in smarter, more efficient operations. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. From early struggles with sales and marketing to managing cash flow, Berkeley’s insights into growing a tech company are invaluable.
Build a balanced team
One of Berkeley’s biggest lessons for entrepreneurs is the importance of having a well-rounded team. He emphasizes that if you have too many engineers, marketers, or salespeople, your business will struggle. A balanced team ensures that all aspects of the business—from product development to customer acquisition—are adequately addressed. For his company, Maverick IQ, Berkeley relied on the startup community in Atlanta to supplement the technical team’s skill gaps.
Don’t overcomplicate technology
With experience in the tech industry, Berkeley witnessed the over-complication of digital transformation efforts by large companies. His advice? Simplify the process. For Maverick IQ, this meant combining real intelligence (RI) with AI, rather than relying solely on artificial intelligence. By blending expertise and technology, businesses can drive more meaningful results without getting bogged down in complexity.
Partner for success
Berkeley also advocates for strategic partnerships to fill in the gaps that your business may have. Early in Maverick IQ’s journey, the company struggled with sales and marketing, so they partnered with other businesses that had the expertise they lacked. These partnerships helped elevate the company’s sales strategy and opened doors for further growth.
Berkeley’s insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of launching and growing a tech startup. From building a balanced team to simplifying technology and forming strategic partnerships, his experience highlights the importance of adaptability, patience, and collaboration. As businesses strive for greater efficiency and smarter operations, following these principles can help unlock sustainable growth and long-term success.
"You need a balanced team. If you’ve got all engineers or all salespeople or all marketers, then that's a problem." – Dalero Berkeley
