Jeff Beck of AnswersNow

November 18, 2020 thetechtribune

An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Jeff Beck, the co-founder of AnswersNow, which was honored in our:

Tell us the origin story of AnswersNow – what problem were you trying to solve and why?

My co-founder and I are both clinicians. We saw first hand the lack of support and guidance provided to parents of children with special needs. We wanted to “put an expert in their pocket”.

What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?

There isn’t one main hurdle that jumps out. As the company has grown and matured, so have the challenges. It feels like we’re running the 400m hurdles instead of the high jump.

What does the future hold for AnswersNow?

Right now we’re focused on doing great work for families of children in Virginia. In the near future, we’re excited about expanding into 3-5 additional states in 2021!

What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Richmond?

The startup environment in Richmond enabled us to succeed. There are so many incredible, smart, and , most importantly, accessible individuals in the area. These mentors and the programs they are a part of (Lighthouse Labs, StartupVirginia, etc.) have certainly been amazing accelerants for startups in Richmond.

What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Start something that you are obsessed with. This can be a technology, a service, or an ideology. Keep in mind you’ll be spending the majority of the next 5+ years (if you’re lucky) on this thing, so you have to love it!