Meet Linda Facchinetti, co-founder of Jump Into Reality
Linda Facchinetti is the co-founder of Jump Into Reality, who create revolutionary immersive technology that’s accessible to all.
Tell us a about the person behind the Jump Into Reality brand
I often describe myself as a citizen of the world: living between the UK and Spain, and being Italian -- 100% Italian! I miss the smell and landscapes of Italy, but I am grateful for the opportunities life has given me to communicate with people all over the world.
I’m many things, including a business professional, a mother to 3 fiery teenagers and a lover of languages – I speak 6. I find languages very motivating because they let me communicate and connect with people both in business and personally. I love that now, people can benefit from technology to learn languages, even if they cannot travel. It represents a form of virtual reality, just as the software we develop with Jump Into Reality offers a real-to-life experience for our users.
What was your career background prior to Jump Into Reality?
I started my career in international finance in London in the early ‘90s. Over more than fifteen years, I advised governments and supranational institutions globally, developing relationships at the highest level of debt management agencies, central banks and ministries of finance. In 2008 I moved to Spain and for three years I managed a microfinance institution focused on training and microcredits to disadvantaged women in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It’s these apparently different paths that have allowed me to build the knowledge and experience that I am now able to channel every day into our ambitious business venture. People are very important to me and ensuring they’re connected and engaged on different levels -- from investors with a leadership team to clients with a brand and vision is something I’m passionate about.
What inspired you to start Jump Into Reality?
I had always wanted to set up my own business, and use my combined backgrounds in science, finance and communication, which are all life passions. My co-founders Gustavo and Antonio brought cutting-edge VR and AR experience, together with a matched vision. We complemented each other perfectly and Jump Into Reality became our reality in 2017.
Although we are a technology company, we recognise that tech is just a means to solve a problem for our clients. It fulfils a need rather than being a driver to why people use our product. We’re about connecting people with the magical side of technology, giving them something that is useful to their lives which they hadn’t before realised was possible. Our lead product, JUMP into DESIGN, does exactly this, but without the prohibitive costs and specialist training that usually come hand in hand with advanced technology.
Who will JUMP into DESIGN appeal to and why?
JUMP into DESIGN is our first SaaS product, created for interior designers, architects, manufacturers and more. It allows them to effectively connect their products, designs and ideas to the customer, who can easily visualise how something will look in reality. Most people don’t understand thought plans or how things will look in a space but we enable them a visual walk through and a full imagining of the project.
This results in projects that are developed quicker and with less margin for error, faster decision making from the client and a lot less back and forth -- which saves both time and money.
In the past, the only way to do this was through expensive software which is technically complex to use -- and still only results in a 2D image. With JUMP into DESIGN, users don’t need any training and can utilise our software with just a PC and internet connection for high-quality interactive and 3D images, or a VR headset to actually be inside the space. Whether it’s a home renovation or an office remodel, designs can be easily visualised by the end client, who feels confident they’re approving the versatile, comfortable, healthy space they want to achieve.
Why did you choose the name Jump into Reality?
Our mission is connecting the virtual worlds created by the magic of technology to the reality of our every day. By inspiring people to ‘take the jump’ without fear and embrace this new incredible experience of reality, our business almost named itself! This is well illustrated by our logo, which shows two sides of the same experience with the silhouette of a woman taking a leap of faith by stepping into a virtual world to get closer to what the real world could look like.
What problem does Jump Into Reality solve and how do you address it?
We recognise how busy professional life is and how lengthy the creative process can be. It takes a lot of time and work to plan, develop and showcase a design -- and then make changes and repeat the process often multiple times. We streamline this so the final design can be agreed much faster.
And what’s key is that we’ve made it accessible and affordable to all. There’s nothing else out there offering such value for money for sophisticated technology that brings so much value to its users, with zero need for specialist training. We have a worldwide patent on our technology, which is ground-breaking in the field of AR and VR.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome so far?
We decided to move our headquarters to the UK because there is a large market for our product and a deep investor base. Sadly, the pandemic accelerated again in the autumn and Brexit was also looming, which caused challenges. The stars had to align in order for us to sign all the documents before the 31st of December, which we finally managed to do on that very afternoon, just in time!
And how about your proudest moment so far?
It has to be my first day with my co-founder Gustavo in our first office, in the centre of Madrid. We both realised that Jump was really happening and from a lifelong dream it now was our tangible reality. We had literally taken the jump!
Who inspires you?
Firstly my father and mother who have made me what I am with their love, support, and the values they passed on. My dad is the most generous, hardworking, true to himself and caring person. My mum is tough, ambitious and, against all odds, she has been a very successful entrepreneur in the Italy of the 1960s. She never gives up.
Also, the Haitian and Dominican women who welcomed me into their homes and communities almost ten years ago. These include Pom Pom, Noel, Clautide, Mireia and Elizabeth who work tirelessly to support their families despite the violence, the injustice and the natural calamities that attack them every single day.
What are your three top pieces of advice for someone wanting to set up a business?
Make sure that it is what you really, really want to do and that you do not do it just to make money. Setting up and running your own business is not for everyone and requires your full dedication and firm belief in your idea. It may take a few iterations and some time to find the right fit and that’s ok.
Listen carefully to your customers and to the people who care about you and your business. Don’t get too distracted by what other entrepreneurs are doing.
Work hard and the fruits of your work will soon come through.
