Latest news with #GrahamThompson
Geek Wire
7 hours ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Lessons from a startup shutdown: Seattle founder on product-market fit, finding value, and self-worth
GeekWire's startup coverage documents the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene. Sign up for our weekly startup newsletter , and check out the GeekWire funding tracker and venture capital directory . The Privacy Dynamics team at a company offsite. (Photo courtesy of Graham Thompson) Privacy Dynamics had signs of startup success. Revenue approached $1 million, happy customers ran billions of records through its platform, and investors put $13 million behind the business. But the Seattle startup, which helped customers reduce data privacy risks, made the difficult decision to shut down earlier this year. Founded in 2018, Privacy Dynamics built a data anonymization tool to help companies meet regulatory compliance standards such as GDPR and CPRA. Its software processed datasets with personal information and created anonymized versions. Graham Thompson, CEO and co-founder of Privacy Dynamics, said one of the biggest lessons learned was about identifying value. 'You have to get as close to the value that your customers are getting as possible,' he said. 'For us, the value that they were getting was out of the data we were making available to them.' Instead of pitching itself as a privacy product, it may have been better for the company to focus on selling anonymized datasets. Graham Thompson. 'Had we approached it this way from the beginning, I believe a privacy-oriented data brokerage would have been a better play,' Thompson said. 'We could have leveraged our privacy tech to deliver a better data product to customers.' His advice for other founders: figure out what customers need and value most. 'They'll tell you, but you have to ask the right questions,' he said. 'I think if we did that, and we were really open to the response, we would have heard that the data is what was valuable.' Customer education was another hurdle for Privacy Dynamics. The company had a new type of product and it was tough convincing customers to rethink their infrastructure for regulatory compliance with ambiguous enforcement. 'Customers don't know when to use your product or why they need it — that can be incredibly difficult,' he said. And privacy never rose to be a dominant 'wave' that was top of mind for customers, such as the current generative AI boom. 'It was never a top-tier problem,' Thompson said. In the end, product-market fit remained elusive for the company. Privacy Dynamics was able to close deals, but getting there required significant effort and resources. 'We never quite got to the point where I felt there was a correlation between the gas we poured on, or the throttle that we pushed, and the response,' Thompson said. Thompson, who spent six years at Microsoft before launching Privacy Dynamics, wrote about the process of shutting down the company last month on LinkedIn, saying he 'drastically underestimated how difficult the process would be for me emotionally.' 'There have been many sleepless nights, stress induced outbursts, and plenty of questioning my professional abilities during this process,' he wrote. 'Shutting down a company flat out sucks.' But he's learned to separate his own self-worth from the company. 'I highly urge founders to not focus on the outcome and focus on the journey,' he said. Thompson said having an opportunity to be a founder is the greatest privilege of his professional life, despite also calling it a painful job. 'I wouldn't wish it upon anyone,' he said. 'But I can't wait to do it again.'
The Independent
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Game Of Thrones Dark Hedges trees ‘coming to end of natural lives'
The iconic Dark Hedges tree tunnel in Northern Ireland, famed for its appearance in the hit series Game of Thrones, faces an uncertain future as the trees reach the end of their lifespan. Management of the County Antrim landmark has been transferred to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) amidst growing concerns about the site's preservation. The CCGHT takes the reins from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, inheriting the complex challenge of balancing the site's popularity with its delicate ecosystem. Recent storms, including Storm Isha and Storm Eowyn, have taken their toll, claiming 13 trees since November 2023 and further weakening the aging beeches. The Dark Hedges' starring role in Game of Thrones transformed the once-quiet road into a global tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience the mystical atmosphere firsthand. This influx of tourists, while boosting the local economy, has also placed a strain on the environment and surrounding community. The CCGHT has outlined a comprehensive plan for the future of the Dark Hedges, encompassing several key areas. The trust will prioritise the management and maintenance of the remaining trees, ensuring visitor safety and accessibility, while also mitigating the impact on local residents. Crucially, the trust will also explore how to harness the site's popularity for sustainable socio-economic benefit. The future of the Dark Hedges remains uncertain, but the CCGHT is committed to finding a path that preserves its magic for generations to come. The work will begin with a new management plan for the trees as part of an overall 'Dark Hedges Masterplan'. CCGHT chief executive Graham Thompson said it was a 'new era' for the Dark Hedges. He said: 'The Dark Hedges is a breathtaking local gem. 'It understandably attracts a very large number of visitors each year including fans of the Game Of Thrones TV show. 'However, the popularity of the site alongside the delicate nature of these now very mature trees will need a considered approach to protect their natural beauty. 'After all, the trees are now approaching the 250th anniversary of their planting. 'We'll work with our partners on a new masterplan and release this roadmap to give reassurance that the site is being managed the best way we possibly can. 'We take on this work with open eyes and a clear understanding that the trees are coming to the end of their natural lives. 'Let's all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can.' Previous work at the site has included replanting, interpretative signage and tree management with a tree surgeon and arborist as well as online promotion of the site. Children from local schools will plant young saplings grown from Dark Hedges seed stock as a first step towards the long-term regeneration of the site on Tuesday. Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Mervyn Storey represents the Heritage Trust on the new management forum. He said: 'Everyone knows the importance of the Dark Hedges as a tourist attraction in our area. 'We are now in a position where we can work together to improve the management of the site and work towards increasing its longevity. 'We welcome the leadership of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the initial support from our council and National Lottery Heritage. 'It's now time for other stakeholders – Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, DFI Roads and others – to step up to the plate.'
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tourist attraction made famous by Game Of Thrones ‘coming to end of natural lives'
The iconic Dark Hedges tree tunnel in Northern Ireland, famed for its appearance in the hit series Game of Thrones, faces an uncertain future as the trees reach the end of their lifespan. Management of the County Antrim landmark has been transferred to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) amidst growing concerns about the site's preservation. The CCGHT takes the reins from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, inheriting the complex challenge of balancing the site's popularity with its delicate ecosystem. Recent storms, including Storm Isha and Storm Eowyn, have taken their toll, claiming 13 trees since November 2023 and further weakening the aging beeches. The Dark Hedges' starring role in Game of Thrones transformed the once-quiet road into a global tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience the mystical atmosphere firsthand. This influx of tourists, while boosting the local economy, has also placed a strain on the environment and surrounding community. The CCGHT has outlined a comprehensive plan for the future of the Dark Hedges, encompassing several key areas. The trust will prioritize the management and maintenance of the remaining trees, ensuring visitor safety and accessibility, while also mitigating the impact on local residents. Crucially, the trust will also explore how to harness the site's popularity for sustainable socio-economic benefit. The future of the Dark Hedges remains uncertain, but the CCGHT is committed to finding a path that preserves its magic for generations to come. The work will begin with a new management plan for the trees as part of an overall 'Dark Hedges Masterplan'. CCGHT chief executive Graham Thompson said it was a 'new era' for the Dark Hedges. He said: 'The Dark Hedges is a breathtaking local gem. 'It understandably attracts a very large number of visitors each year including fans of the Game Of Thrones TV show. 'However, the popularity of the site alongside the delicate nature of these now very mature trees will need a considered approach to protect their natural beauty. 'After all, the trees are now approaching the 250th anniversary of their planting. 'We'll work with our partners on a new masterplan and release this roadmap to give reassurance that the site is being managed the best way we possibly can. 'We take on this work with open eyes and a clear understanding that the trees are coming to the end of their natural lives. 'Let's all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can.' Previous work at the site has included replanting, interpretative signage and tree management with a tree surgeon and arborist as well as online promotion of the site. Children from local schools will plant young saplings grown from Dark Hedges seed stock as a first step towards the long-term regeneration of the site on Tuesday. Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Mervyn Storey represents the Heritage Trust on the new management forum. He said: 'Everyone knows the importance of the Dark Hedges as a tourist attraction in our area. 'We are now in a position where we can work together to improve the management of the site and work towards increasing its longevity. 'We welcome the leadership of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the initial support from our council and National Lottery Heritage. 'It's now time for other stakeholders – Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, DFI Roads and others – to step up to the plate.'
The Independent
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Tourist attractions made famous by Game Of Thrones ‘coming to end of natural lives'
The iconic Dark Hedges tree tunnel in Northern Ireland, famed for its appearance in the hit series Game of Thrones, faces an uncertain future as the trees reach the end of their lifespan. Management of the County Antrim landmark has been transferred to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) amidst growing concerns about the site's preservation. The CCGHT takes the reins from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, inheriting the complex challenge of balancing the site's popularity with its delicate ecosystem. Recent storms, including Storm Isha and Storm Eowyn, have taken their toll, claiming 13 trees since November 2023 and further weakening the aging beeches. The Dark Hedges' starring role in Game of Thrones transformed the once-quiet road into a global tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience the mystical atmosphere firsthand. This influx of tourists, while boosting the local economy, has also placed a strain on the environment and surrounding community. The CCGHT has outlined a comprehensive plan for the future of the Dark Hedges, encompassing several key areas. The trust will prioritize the management and maintenance of the remaining trees, ensuring visitor safety and accessibility, while also mitigating the impact on local residents. Crucially, the trust will also explore how to harness the site's popularity for sustainable socio-economic benefit. The future of the Dark Hedges remains uncertain, but the CCGHT is committed to finding a path that preserves its magic for generations to come. The work will begin with a new management plan for the trees as part of an overall 'Dark Hedges Masterplan'. CCGHT chief executive Graham Thompson said it was a 'new era' for the Dark Hedges. He said: 'The Dark Hedges is a breathtaking local gem. 'It understandably attracts a very large number of visitors each year including fans of the Game Of Thrones TV show. 'However, the popularity of the site alongside the delicate nature of these now very mature trees will need a considered approach to protect their natural beauty. 'After all, the trees are now approaching the 250th anniversary of their planting. 'We'll work with our partners on a new masterplan and release this roadmap to give reassurance that the site is being managed the best way we possibly can. 'We take on this work with open eyes and a clear understanding that the trees are coming to the end of their natural lives. 'Let's all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can.' Previous work at the site has included replanting, interpretative signage and tree management with a tree surgeon and arborist as well as online promotion of the site. Children from local schools will plant young saplings grown from Dark Hedges seed stock as a first step towards the long-term regeneration of the site on Tuesday. Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Mervyn Storey represents the Heritage Trust on the new management forum. He said: 'Everyone knows the importance of the Dark Hedges as a tourist attraction in our area. 'We are now in a position where we can work together to improve the management of the site and work towards increasing its longevity. 'We welcome the leadership of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the initial support from our council and National Lottery Heritage. 'It's now time for other stakeholders – Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, DFI Roads and others – to step up to the plate.'
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Dark Hedges trees 'coming to the end of their lives'
The Dark Hedges, the famous trees outside Armoy in County Antrim, are "coming to the end of their natural lives", a heritage trust has said as it prepares to take over their management. Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) is taking over management responsibility from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust oversight group. The tunnel of beech trees shot to international fame when they appeared in the US TV drama Game of Thrones. The beech trees - which were planted almost 250 years ago - suffered damage in both Storm Isha and Storm Éowyn which, along with some necessary safety maintenance, resulted in 13 of them being lost since November 2023. Graham Thompson, CCGHT chief executive said that in environments such as Italy and the south of France, common beech trees lived for about 250 years. "In these northern climes they're lucky to live more than 150, maybe 200 years," Mr Thompson said. "The ones at the Dark Hedges are almost 250 years old, so they are sadly dying. "But what we want to do now is for the future, see how long we can preserve the longevity of those trees and maintain the experience for people visiting here." Almost 80 trees remain at the site. Mr Thompson said a management plan would be put in place for the trees – checking each one of them every year as well as after any storm or other incidents. "We've had three big storms in the last while, two of those storms caused damage to the trees, we've had to take away trees for safety reasons as well," he said. He said they would also plant new trees. "Nothing will replace what is lost, but part of the process is to be a sound custodian and a sound environmental manager ensuring that we have something else there in place," Mr Thompson said. Mr Thompson said "12 seconds on Game of Thrones" had turned the site into a huge tourist attraction. He said the influx of visitors had taken its toll on the trees, primarily because of cars travelling on the road they are planted on. "We want to work with the Roads Service to make sure the traffic restrictions are enhanced and enforced, we want to work with tourism bodies to try and have an appropriate form of promotion," Mr Thompson said. "Let's all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can." Six trees at Dark Hedges to be cut down In pictures: Storm Isha brings major disruption Hurricane-force winds leave 214,000 without power in NI
