Only ONE user name/password? No need to keep a list on your computer? A code book? No need to remember your confirmation code or frequent flyer number? If you're like most people, you've been dreaming about this day for a long time and according to Steve Kirsch, Founder and CTO of San Jose, California based OneID, that day has come. Hallelujah! "OneID is the next-generation digital identity service that eliminates the need for multiple usernames and passwords," Steve recites the website verbiage. The site also says it is incredibly convenient and highly secure.
A veteran entrepreneur with five other startups under his belt and "over two billion dollars returned to investors", Steve brushes off the "hurdles" question. "Hurdles happen to you all the time," he goes on, citing "23 rejections for funding" from friends before landing seven million in funding (the company was only started in fall of 2011). How do you handle all that rejection? "You have to believe in your idea and yourself, then find people to validate your idea", he counsels other Founders. And where do you find those great ideas? "I have always started a company that solves a problem for me," he states.
As far as resources, Steve claims over 2,000 LinkedIn contacts that have been "immensely valuable." And for an inspiration, he credits Steve Jobs' fanaticism for product quality.
But the next big chasm is the product launch. Even though Steve calls OneID his "best idea ever," this well-seasoned, successful entrepreneur still knows the tough question is, "will the dogs really eat the dog food?"