Ed Bradley is the co-founder and CEO of Virtualstock, a dropshipping marketplace management software company.
The Reading-based company’s software is used as a supply chain platform to manage returns, stock updates, invoices and more.
Founded in 2004, Virtualstock works with retail brands such as B&Q, John Lewis and Argos. Bradley initially financed the business with his co-founder, Tim Ingham, by selling Christmas trees by the side of the road.
In this week’s Founder in Five Q&A, Bradley explains why developers were the most important early hires, how excessive investment can lead to careless spending, and how losing a big client taught him the importance of diversifying revenue.
1. Which role was the most important early hire you made?
Ed Bradley: Our most crucial early hires were developers who shared a genuine passion for our company, not just the necessary skills. In fact, our first three hires, all developers, are still with the company today....