Unleashing Infinite Hues: An Interview with Steve Wang, the Visionary CEO of Colorpik Inc.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Steve (Yangzhong) Wang, CEO of Colorpik Inc. Colorpik Inc. is a New York-based company that develops innovative color technology products. Their flagship product is the Colorpik Smart Pen, which can copy any color and draw it with precision. The Colorpik Smart Pen is a popular tool for artists, designers, and educators. It’s on a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign now.
What motivated you to launch your startup?
The story begins with my childhood love for art and pursuit of colors. Since the age of five, I was drawn to the vibrant display of colorful pens in stationery shop windows. However, my parents couldn’t always fulfill my desire for colors. I secretly made a vow to myself that I would possess every shade of pen in the world when I grew up. As time passed, I grew into a creative designer, crafting numerous products for clients around the world. Yet, deep within, that dream of colors remained unfulfilled. After four years of arduous research and development, my determination and ingenuity finally led to the creation of a pen that could contain the infinite spectrum of colors!
What is it that excites you about what you’re building?
Since the COLORPIK brand was born, we are committed to crafting exceptional quality, innovative products that can hold the ever-changing palette of colors. Each COLORPIK product is the embodiment of dreams and creativity, while also serving as a support and encouragement for the dreams of designers and children alike. We firmly believe that COLORPIK will become a tool for everyone to unleash their creativity and express their inner worlds. Whether you are a designer or a child, COLORPIK will accompany you on a journey of exploration, creation, and inspiration within the vivid realm of colors.
What has been your biggest challenge when growing your startup?
We started the research and development of the project in 2018. After 3 years of development and 2 years of iterative optimization, we successfully brought the product to the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, which caused a great sensation and was reported by various technology media. During the product development process, we found that there were almost no micro pumps on the market that could meet our requirements of as small a size as possible. In desperation, we studied the principle of the pump with great concentration and developed a micro pump that was smaller than a small fingernail. The pump, which is almost the smallest micro-pump in the world, was successfully installed into the pen body and mass-produced. During this process, we applied for more than ten international and domestic patents for the micropump, protected our creation, and established a moat. This is a very unforgettable and proud thing.
What are your future plans for your startup?
The Colorpik Pen is a new and innovative product, so it is difficult to say for sure what the future holds. However, there are a number of potential applications for the pen that could make it a valuable tool for a variety of people. One potential application is in the field of art and design. The Colorpik Pen could allow artists and designers to create more realistic and detailed works of art by giving them access to a wider range of colors. The pen could also be used to create digital art, as the scanned colors can be easily transferred to digital projects. Another potential application for the Colorpik Pen is in the field of education. The pen could be used to teach children about color theory and color mixing. It could also be used to create interactive educational materials. The Colorpik Pen could also be used in a variety of other industries, such as manufacturing, fashion, and product design. For example, the pen could be used to scan and match colors for products or to create color palettes for new designs. Overall, the Colorpik Pen has the potential to be a valuable tool for a variety of people in different industries. As the technology continues to develop and the pen becomes more affordable, it is likely that we will see it used in even more ways in the future.
If you had to share “words of wisdom” with a Founder who’s about to start their own startup, what would they be?
As a CEO with 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, I want to share a few words of encouragement. Dream big and never stop pursuing your dreams. Remember, your dreams are the fuel that will drive you towards success. In the face of challenges and setbacks, stay unwavering in your pursuit. Believe in yourself and your vision, even when others doubt you. Remember, great achievements are often born out of perseverance and determination. Embrace the journey of entrepreneurship with passion and resilience. Learn from failures, adapt to changes, and keep pushing forward. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and like-minded individuals who will uplift and inspire you. Remember, success is not an overnight phenomenon. It is a result of consistent effort, continuous learning, and a relentless commitment to your dreams. So, stay focused, stay hungry, and never give up on your entrepreneurial aspirations. Wishing you all the best on your entrepreneurial journey.
Tell us something about your background?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a Master’s degree in industrial design. With twenty years of experience in product development, manufacturing, sales, and supply chain management, I have been fortunate enough to preside over the development of hundreds of electronic and smart home products. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey spanning fifteen years, I have successfully founded four companies that are still thriving today. These include a product design company called Meikesen Technology (founded in 2011 in China), an international trading company named MERSAIN (established in 2009 in Hong Kong), a precision manufacturing company called RES (founded in 2014 in China), and a smart electronics company known as COLORPIK (established in 2019 in New York). Currently, I am channeling my energy into my fifth venture, which aims to bring cutting-edge AI technology to the fitness industry. I am excited about the potential impact this company can make, and I look forward to pushing the boundaries of innovation once again.
Tell us something about the awards you have won?
I’ve been fortunate enough to receive some pretty prestigious design awards like the Red Dot Award, iF Award, and IDEA Award, which have recognized my unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence in the field of design. It’s been an incredible journey! I recently had the honor of being bestowed with the esteemed 2023 Global Entrepreneur Award presented by Payoneer (Nasdaq: PAYO). It’s a true testament to the hard work and commitment I’ve put into my entrepreneurial endeavors. I couldn’t be more grateful for this incredible recognition. As I look back on my journey, I can’t help but feel humbled and inspired by the countless individuals who have supported me along the way. From talented teams to passionate customers and visionary partners, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some amazing people who have contributed to my success. It’s been a team effort, and I’m grateful for every single person who has been a part of my journey. These awards and recognition serve as a powerful reminder that dreams can become a reality with perseverance, dedication, and the support of a strong network. I’m so excited to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, and to make a positive impact in the world. There’s so much more to come!
How can our readers follow you on social media?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wangyangzhong/
This was very insightful. Thank you so much for joining us!
