Blog

Danielle Thompson, a seasoned entrepreneur and digital nomad, has created a unique niche in the design world with her innovative platform, Design Match. The AI-powered service connects businesses with the perfect designer, addressing a critical need in the creative industry. But Danielle's entrepreneurial journey didn’t start there—her path is one of continuous growth, exploration, and innovation. Let’s take a look at her journey. 

The Early Days: From Design Enthusiast to Entrepreneur

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Danielle’s background in design laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial ventures. She studied both digital and physical design at Concordia University in Montreal, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the creative process. Yet, despite her Canadian roots, Danielle has spent the last decade traveling the globe, calling Southeast Asia—particularly Da Nang, Vietnam—her current home.

Her journey as a digital nomad has not only fueled her creativity but also informed her business acumen. While kitesurfing, painting, and photography are her personal passions, business-building is her forte. From running her own design agency, Studio Moku, to launching multiple businesses including the supplement company Luma, Danielle has embraced the lifestyle of a full-time traveler and serial entrepreneur.

The Birth of Design Match

The inspiration for Design Match came from a real market need. As her agency, Studio Moku, became consistently overbooked, Danielle began outsourcing projects to other designers. Realizing her knack for matching designers with clients, she saw an opportunity to scale this model. Thus, Design Match was born, a platform that matches businesses with designers, ensuring both sides benefit from the collaboration.

Danielle explains that Design Match is focused on aligning the right job with the right person. She emphasizes that hiring a designer isn't solely about evaluating their portfolio but about recognizing their ability to translate a vision into reality. By leveraging AI to assess both technical skills and creative fit, Design Match simplifies the hiring process for startups, social enterprises, and small businesses, particularly those in pre-Series A stages.

Building a Sustainable Business Model

Design Match operates on a subscription model, where clients retain designers for a specific amount of time each week. The platform earns revenue by charging a commission on top of the designer’s rate, giving clients flexibility in managing their creative needs.

From its early days with a simple WordPress landing page in 2020, Design Match has rapidly grown. Danielle bootstrapped the business, reinvesting initial profits and contributing $50,000 from her full-time job to scale the platform. One of their biggest early clients, a Singaporean fintech company, accounted for half of Design Match’s first-year revenue, illustrating the importance of strategic partnerships and referrals.

Today, Design Match is involved in prestigious projects, including one funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, further solidifying its reputation in the design world.

Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Growth

Despite her success, Danielle’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. From navigating international banking issues to balancing personal life with business demands, she has had to stay adaptable. Reflecting on the early days, Danielle shares, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know. There were so many learning moments, from setting up the right bank accounts to understanding global business regulations.”

When it comes to growth, SEO has been the most effective strategy for Design Match. Danielle also emphasizes the importance of partnerships, having forged relationships with organizations like TinySeed and the Rice Alliance. These collaborations have helped Design Match expand its reach, increase revenue, and better understand its customer base.

The Mindset Behind Success

Danielle attributes much of her success to her mindset. She explains that her biggest challenge was overcoming her own thoughts. As an entrepreneur, she notes, it’s easy to get caught up in continuously making adjustments without allowing enough time to see the results. Her ability to balance personal wellness with business growth has been key, as she emphasizes the holistic nature of entrepreneurship.

Beyond just building a successful company, Danielle is driven by a desire to empower designers and provide fair wages. Danielle emphasizes that everything around us is designed. She believes that by empowering designers, they will choose projects that align with their values and create a positive impact on the world.

The Future of Design Match

With a focus on human connection and understanding, Design Match sets itself apart in an increasingly automated world. Danielle is committed to meeting clients where they are, helping them navigate the often complex world of creative hiring.

When offering advice to other entrepreneurs, Danielle encourages them to "enjoy the journey." She believes that if the journey itself is viewed as the win, then success is always within reach.

Danielle Thompson’s ability to blend creativity with business has led her to the forefront of the design industry. From her global travels to her innovative platforms, she continues to inspire and shape the future of design—one match at a time.

Want to check out Design Match? Here’s the link:

https://www.designmatch.io/