The Founding of X-Formation and How the Company have Replaced the Word “Failure” with “Lessons”
Today, we spoke with Henrik about the founding of X-Formation and all the lessons learned in the years the company has been around.
Henrik Goldman founded X-Formation in 2004, and over the past 15 years, the company has come a long way. We have expanded our headquarters and are opening an R&D office. Today, we’re going to look at how far we’ve come and the things we have learned over time through an interview with our founder.
Interviewer: How did you get your idea or concept for X-Formation?
Henrik Goldman: “The idea came about when I was looking at professional products in the field. I was so frustrated about the poor quality of them, it got me saying to myself, ‘I know I can do better.’ The motivation was to give customers better value for their money. For 15 years, this has been the motivation and still is. What’s important to us is giving customers a quality product with good and fast support so they know they found a good business partner.”
How many employees do you have?
“25 people, mostly engineers. We’re an engineering driven company listening to customer requirements and transforming it into solutions.”
What is your ultimate goal or mission for your software licensing programs?
“The goal is to make a difference for customers. It’s a success for me, as the owner, and the team to see customers keep using the software for over 10 years. Collecting as many happy customers as possible, making lives easier for customers, and ensuring that we can be part of their success are all great goals of ours.”
Why do you think X-Formation has been so successful?
“Because of our customer focus. Not many software companies are able to survive for 15 years. In the beginning, many customers asked me personally if the company would still be around after 5 years. 15 years later, I’m sadly not able to answer that since those customers’ companies don’t exist anymore. For those that still do, we’re proud to be part of their success story.”
“Constant focus on the customer and ensuring their happiness is what makes the difference. We’re small compared to many large players, which makes it very important for us to be agile.”
What has been your biggest success with the company?
“To survive for 15 years and to celebrate it with some of the largest companies in the world, many of whom are our customers. Companies generating billions in revenue keep trusting us every day. We’re grateful for that. Having more than 600 companies as our customers keeps us going and growing.”
Have you had failures? How do you learn from them?
“Sadly, most failures have been customer disappointments due to growing pains related to unfit hires. While we strive for the best, it’s not always possible to succeed. Sometimes a bad hiring decision has had an avalanching effect down the line. For that, I’m truly sorry.
The best way to get around this is to quickly resolve whatever problems arise in order to regain trust. Always react fast.
“Fast reactions. Reacting quickly to any problems allows you to correct your mistakes quicker and right your wrongs. Today, I’m proud to be working with a team where all core members have been working with me side-by-side for over five years. It’s remarkable how many good things come out of working with people who you can trust and rely on.”
What would you tell someone looking to get started in the industry or just with their dream?
“Don’t wait, just start! Learn as much as you can, and keep learning every single day! I always say that if you have a talent then it’s your duty to make the most use of it. I am lucky to be in the software industry. An industry I love, and that I find as much a hobby as it is work.
However, success is hard. Work smart.
