There’s a right way and a wrong way to build a software company. Is there though? Mark (along with people on his team who were not even born when he started IDRSolutions) will share their heretical views and aim to challenge you in the hope you will strongly disagree on at least one thing.
IDRsolutions has been around for 25 years. They are life-long learners (which is why they keep attending BoS) but have also formed strong views. In this talk, Mark will challenge your views and make you think about how you run your software business. He’ll share how BoS talks have helped him tackle topics including size, money, hiring (no received wisdom is going to be sacred) and explain how IDRSolutions approached these problems.
Mark Stephens
Founder, IDRSolutions
Mark is the founder of IDRsolutions (which develops software to do lots of cool stuff with PDF files).
In 2009, Mark Stephens did a Lightning Talk at BoS, “Asteroid Impact – Are you a large lizard or small and furry” which looked at the challenges of running a software company.
He is a self-described passionate Mediaeval Historian, St. Andrews graduate and owner of a very dry sense of humour.
Chika Emebo
Sales and Marketing, IDRSolutions
Chika Emebo is a sales and marketing expert at IDR Solutions, where she uses the Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework to understand what truly drives customer decisions. By refining ideal customer profiles and creating targeted strategies, she helps businesses build stronger relationships and achieve meaningful engagement.
Chika is also the founder of ANGELDUPE, a premium wellness brand. She applies the JTBD framework to identify her audience’s needs and aspirations, using those insights to craft content and products that encourage healthier, more confident lifestyles. Her approach is rooted in her passion for personal growth and her commitment to creating impactful solutions.
As a speaker, Chika shares her experiences with JTBD, sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship at conferences and events. She enjoys breaking down complex ideas into actionable strategies, inspiring others to reach their full potential.
Nadir Shah
Marketing Specialist, IDRSolutions
Nadir Shah is the marketing specialist at IDR Solutions. He excels in creating ICP-centric messaging and optimizing existing channels while looking for new opportunities. He applies the Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework to understand customer journeys and use insights to uncover a highly niche SaaS market (businesses looking to integrate PDF solutions into their applications)
Nadir focuses on growth, positioning, and customer understanding, ensuring that marketing efforts align with what truly matters to users. He enjoys exploring innovative ways to bridge the gap between technical products and real-world applications.
Next Events
BoS USA 2025 🇺🇸
🗓️ 6-8 October 2025
📍 Raleigh, NC
❗️Early bird tickets available
Learn how great software companies are built at an extraordinary conference run since 2007 to help you build long term, profitable, sustainable businesses.
The Road to Exit: A BoS Mastermind Group 🌐
🗓️ April 2025
📍Online
Exit from a position of power and join this mastermind group facilitated by Mr. Joe Leech. Join us for honest, frank conversations with founders on the same path as you and partake in Q&As with exited founders who share the real experience.