Family, Code, and Innovation: The Meerchat AAC Story with Derrick Antaya
I had the pleasure of interviewing Derrick Antaya, a seasoned Software Engineer with a 21-year personal coding journey and a decade of professional experience. Family holds a special place in Derrick’s heart. His world is a delightful blend of the affection from his loving wife and the unbridled enthusiasm of his 4-year-old son. Together, they embark on outdoor escapades, often accompanied by two furry companions — his dogs, providing a perfect counterbalance to the digital realm.
In addition to his coding finesse, Derrick is propelled by a deep passion for curating a life enriched by family moments. Whether navigating the intricate code or finding joy in crafting tangible experiences, Derrick narrates a story that extends beyond the digital landscape.
What motivated you to launch your startup?
The driving force behind Meerchat AAC was my son’s unique communication challenges. Although he comprehends spoken language, his limited verbal expression confined him to gestures and sign language. After looking at numerous alternative options, none of them seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. Meerchat became a personal mission to empower him with a voice. Through the use of images and buttons, Meerchat allows him to construct sentences, breaking barriers and ensuring his thoughts can be heard.
What is it that excites you about what you’re building?
The most exciting aspect of Meerchat is its transformative impact. It goes beyond providing a communication tool; our emphasis on user-friendliness and adaptability means it can be tailored to individual needs. Moreover, Meerchat is not just a standalone solution — it fosters a community where users can create, modify, and share boards, amplifying its reach and usefulness.
What has been your biggest challenge when growing your startup?
The primary challenge has been raising awareness about Meerchat among its potential user base. Despite its potential to significantly improve communication for individuals like my son, finding the right avenues for promotion remains a hurdle. I am actively exploring strategies to reach those who would benefit most, including seeking endorsements from influential figures or groups within the community.
What are your future plans for your startup?
The future of Meerchat involves incorporating AI features to simplify the creation of AAC board sets. Users will be able to build comprehensive communication setups through natural language prompts, streamlining the setup process. Additionally, there are some exciting features in development that, while still confidential, will push the boundaries of innovation in this space..
If you had to share, “words of wisdom,” with a Founder who’s about to start their own startup, what would they be?
It takes a lot of perseverance; don’t give up, you’ll make it. Also, surround yourself with the right group of people; it will make the whole process more fun.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
I may not spend much time on social media, but you can stay updated with Meerchat’s latest developments by following us on LinkedIn: Meerchat AAC. For more information and to explore Meerchat, visit our website.
Feel free to connect with me personally on LinkedIn
This was very insightful. Thank you so much for joining us!
