We dive into the world of AI with Angelica Handover, who has built a secure AI copilot solution with her team.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a digital networking platform (with IRL benefits) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented folks! Looking for inspiration? Check out how Angelica Handover, the co-founder of Opilot, gets it done like a boss.
Tell us the story behind your business.
I was previously building another AI startup, which had users globally. But as we rolled out new features, questions came up about how the data would be used. We were building according to ‘best practices’, which relied on big tech’s ‘trust us, bro’ agreements. Those data privacy agreements were not good enough for a growing number of users, and my co-founders and I came together to pivot and build a secure, airtight AI copilot solution instead – one that lets companies and users use confidential data with full confidence. We believe ‘trust us, bro’ is not good enough, especially as AI gets more interwoven into our work and daily lives.
What are some milestones or achievements you’re most proud of?
When we started building Opilot, industry experts told us it would be impossible to build something that runs AI without the internet. So, when the first version went live, it felt amazing. It worked, despite what was widely believed in the industry.
With the infrastructure to run AI without the internet, this has opened up so many potential use cases – particularly in increasing access to AI globally despite the circumstances. Apart from working with businesses to help them use AI securely, our infrastructure enables people to use AI offline, resulting in easier access to education in rural areas, and healthcare assistance in underserved areas, among other possibilities.
Share with us a setback that taught you a valuable lesson about running a business.
I got pregnant with my third child while building the startup, and frankly, it’s not easy growing a business (and fundraising!) while also growing a human. While not necessarily a setback, it has made the experience harder and more interesting. People handle pregnancy and parenthood differently, but through this chaos, I learned how important it is to have a support network you can rely on as the business side ramps up.
In my case, having supportive co-founders, friends, and family has made a difference in helping me manage the business better.
Describe a typical day in your life and what you love most about it.
My energy levels are quite low in the mornings, but peak around late afternoon. I’m also a night owl, and having this flexibility to work at optimal times has helped me get my best work done consistently. I wake up and spend time with the kids before they go to school, have breakfast, and prepare for the day.
Work starts slower in the mornings, but quickly ramps up after lunch. I take a break to spend time with the kids when they’re back from school, have dinner with them, work a bit more, tuck them in, and work till late.
What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show that has influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
I like the book “Growth Levers and How to Find Them” by Matt Lerner. Rather than constantly planning or brainstorming ideas to grow your business, just try them out. They could fail, or they could be your ‘locksmith moment’ (look it up!).
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
In those moments of chaos, conflict, and hardship, take a step back and remember why you started this journey. Also, please sleep. The next day will always be better.
Top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
Manage your energy and time – those are precious resources. Manage your time in blocks, because anything and everything will get in the way with the ever-growing to-do list. Remember that you can say ‘no’.
Favourite thing to do on weekends?
Lazy Sundays staying in with my kids and animals, cooking brunches at home.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I love visiting supermarkets abroad; they’re normally the highlight of my travels.
Get in touch with Angelica Handover online.
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