Sramana Mitra: What was the first year that you started selling? Was it 2006? David Menning: Yes. Sramana Mitra: What transaction volume were you able to reach in the first year that you were selling? David Menning: When talking about growth, one has to put into perspective how one attains growth. Sramana Mitra: Absolutely.
Sramana Mitra: Why optical? Where did that idea come from? What was your background or any of your co-founders’ background that drew you to that particular idea? David Menning: We weren’t really optical-specific in terms of our expertise. We were rather entrepreneurs and savvy young business people. We were looking at identifying niches or business
If you haven’t already, please study our Bootstrapping Course and Investor Introductions page. David has bootstrapped a global e-commerce venture from Hong Kong. Splendid execution! Sramana Mitra: Let’s start at the very beginning of your journey. Where are you from? Where were you born, raised, and in what kind of background? David Menning: I grew up in Sydney. I’ve