From Business Development to AI Entrepreneurship: How the Entrepreneurial Woman Project Empowered Reya of DCInnovation
In this insightful interview, we delve into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Reyhaneh Niknejad, the co-founder of DCInnovation. After a successful career in business development, Reya took the bold step of launching her own company, transforming customer service and communication through cutting-edge AI solutions.
She shares her experiences from the Entrepreneurial Woman Project, the challenges she faced—including navigating the program while being eight months pregnant—and the invaluable impact of mentorship on her business. This conversation is a treasure trove of lessons on perseverance, innovation, and the importance of community support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
My advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs is to trust in your vision and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, but resilience is key to overcoming them. Surround yourself with a strong support network of mentors and peers, and always be open to learning and growth. Embrace risks and view setbacks as valuable lessons—they are often the stepping stones to successes.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to participate in the Entrepreneurial Woman Project?
I have extensive experience in business development, having served as a Director in international corporations based in Luxembourg. I joined the Entrepreneurial Woman Project to sharpen my entrepreneurial skills and to connect with like-minded women passionate about starting or growing their own businesses. The opportunity to network and gain practical knowledge in entrepreneurship was a key motivator for me.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and how did you choose your business idea?
The desire to start my own business has always been a driving force for me. While entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges, it also offers unparalleled freedom and a platform for creativity. As a Sales Director, I was acutely aware of the repetitive tasks that often burden teams, such as managing cold calls, handling emails, and dealing with unpaid invoices. This frustration sparked the idea of automating these tasks using AI. I discussed the concept with my husband, a software engineer with a passion for entrepreneurship, and together we founded DCInnovation, a company dedicated to revolutionizing business communication.
Can you describe your experience participating in the Entrepreneurial Woman Project?
Participating in the Entrepreneurial Woman Project was a transformative experience. Over six weekends, I gained crucial insights into financial planning, leadership, and refreshed my skills in business development and marketing. The program provided a supportive environment where I could learn from seasoned mentors and connect with fellow female entrepreneurs.
What challenges did you face during the project, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges was balancing the program with my personal life, as I was eight months pregnant at the time. Additionally, adapting to the diverse perspectives of the mentors was initially challenging. However, I approached these differences as learning opportunities, engaging actively in discussions, and incorporating new strategies into my business approach.
How did the mentorship and support from the project impact your business development?
The mentorship and support from the Entrepreneurial Woman Project were instrumental in shaping the growth of DCInnovation. The mentors offered invaluable advice on refining our marketing strategies and managing finances more effectively, helping us avoid a number of beginner mistakes and make informed business decisions.
Can you tell us more about your business and the products or services you offer?
At DCInnovation, we are at the forefront of transforming business interactions with generative AI technology. We have developed an AI that conducts natural and personalized conversations on behalf of our clients. Our specialisation lies in automating repetitive internal and external communication, helping to spare resources and maximise revenue. Our suite of solutions is diverse, from AI-powered chat systems to use within on your website or within your organisation, to specialised call assistants designed for tasks like Helpdesk or customer service.
What are some of the key achievements or milestones you have reached since starting your business?
Since the launch of our company, we have developed a suit of products and acquired several clients. We have also participated in various international trade shows, such as VivaTech in Paris, and had a booth at Nexus 2050 in Luxembourg, where we established valuable connections that are driving our growth.
How has winning the Entrepreneurial Woman Project impacted your business and your personal growth?
Winning second prize in the Entrepreneurial Woman Project significantly boosted DCInnovation’s visibility, leading to new partnerships and opportunities. On a personal level, the recognition boosted my confidence and validated my entrepreneurial journey.
Are there any upcoming projects or expansions you’re particularly excited about?
We are about to launch a platform allowing every single business to self-create its own AI agent in less than an hour! This innovation will significantly enhance customer service and employee productivity, representing a major growth opportunity for DCInnovation and the companies that use our product.
What advice would you give to other aspiring female entrepreneurs in Luxembourg or elsewhere?
My advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs is to trust in your vision and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, but resilience is key to overcoming them. Surround yourself with a strong support network of mentors and peers, and always be open to learning and growth. Embrace risks and view setbacks as valuable lessons—they are often the stepping stones to successes.
What do you think are the biggest challenges for women in entrepreneurship today, and how can they be addressed?
Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, regardless of gender. One of the greatest challenges is undoubtedly access to funding. Opening a bank account in Luxembourg is already an adventure that requires perseverance — not to mention obtaining credit!
Addressing this issue requires targeted training in financial negotiation, a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, and increased female representation in investment decisions. Raising awareness about the benefits of diversity in entrepreneurship can also help break down barriers.
How important has networking and community support been in your entrepreneurial journey?
Networking and community support have been crucial to our success. They have provided us with valuable connections, insights, and collaboration opportunities, helping us navigate challenges and celebrate achievements.
Are there any particular individuals or organizations that have been instrumental in your success?
Mentors from the Entrepreneurial Woman Project and the Polish Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg have been key to our success. We also benefit from the support of the Luxembourg City Incubator at the House of Startups, and guidance from Luxinnovation experts, including their CEO, Sasha Baillie, who inspires me greatly.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your entrepreneurial journey?
If I could go back, I would prioritise building a strong network earlier in my journey. Networking has been invaluable, and starting that process sooner could have accelerated our progress. However, every experience has been a learning opportunity, and I am grateful for the path I’ve taken.
What has been the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur for you?
The most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship is seeing the positive impact our work has on our clients and community. Building something from the ground up and watching it grow is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the personal growth I’ve experienced along the way is priceless.
About Reya and DCInnovation:
Reya is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for human interaction and overcoming challenges. As an Iranian-Belgian woman, she draws strength from her rich cultural background, which enhances her business acumen and leadership as a Sales Director. Reya and her family chose Luxembourg for its excellent quality of life and thriving startup ecosystem.
Her company, DCInnovation, focuses on automating repetitive business interactions using AI-driven Chat and Call Assistant solutions. Through these innovations, DCInnovation helps businesses boost productivity, improve team well-being, and enhance customer experiences.
Last year, Reya participated in the 10th edition of the Entrepreneurial Woman Project, where she gained essential knowledge, mentorship, and a supportive network that helped her thrive.
Her dedication was recognised when she won 2nd place in the project’s final pitch time, earning €2,000 sponsored by ATOZ, which provided a crucial boost to kickstart her business.
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Curated by:
Yelyzaveta Lychahina & Oliwia Gertych,
LPCC Team
