Kalani : product development and leadership in a new venture

Abstract

The development of a start-up creating physical products follows a different path than those working in the digital space. The process of creation requires multiple steps, with many disparate people involved in those steps. Kalani was created to work with artisans to promote their disappearing crafts, thus supporting their economies and providing an opportunity for the continuation of the craft. The first product was to create blankets in Portugal, with artisans in a village in Serra de Estrela. The blankets are ultrafine merino wool, with fabric manipulation done by hand that are techniques unique to the artisans. The thesis aims to provide an overview of the process for physical product development, and the way in which leadership as the CEO of an international startup functions. Creating a physical product requires many iterations in concept development before actual product development is launched. Managing both product development and working with artisans in a different country and culture provided many challenges and rewards. The thesis aims to prove that products can be made that meet the demands of the luxury market, while maintaining high social and ethical standards.