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Published Jan 4, 2023

SexTech Startup | Emilie Wiersma | Beyond Coding Podcast #86

Emilie Wiersma, founder of Konfettie, delves into the challenges of launching a sex-positive marketplace, navigating regulatory hurdles, and the importance of direct customer feedback in refining their platform.
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  • Regulation

    reveals the alarming lack of regulation in the sex toy industry, which allows companies to sell potentially harmful products. She explains that materials like TPE and PVC are cheaper but can cause serious health issues, unlike medical-grade silicone used by sellers on her platform, Konfettie 1. Emilie emphasizes the importance of body safety and the rigorous vetting process for sellers on her marketplace 2.

    I found out that this industry, worldwide, is unregulated, which means people or companies are allowed to sell sex toys that are toxic for the body.

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    This commitment to safety sets Konfettie apart in a market flooded with unsafe products.

       

    Censorship

    Emilie discusses the challenges of censorship on platforms like Etsy and social media, which often ban or restrict sex-positive content. She notes that Etsy's inconsistent policies can devastate sellers' livelihoods, prompting her to create a more supportive marketplace 3. Social media platforms also pose significant hurdles, as Emilie has faced bans and labeling issues on YouTube and other sites 4.

    Social media has been a bitch because you just get kicked off of every platform.

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    These obstacles highlight the need for dedicated spaces where sex-positive businesses can thrive without fear of censorship.

       

    Networking

    Networking within the sextech industry has been crucial for Emilie, who has connected with like-minded individuals and learned from their experiences. She attended a sex tech conference in Berlin, which helped her understand the diverse needs of the community, including the LGBTQ+ segment 5. Emilie values direct communication with sellers and users, often engaging in lengthy conversations to gather feedback and improve her platform 6.

    I started out with a pilot group of ten sellers from all over Europe.

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    This hands-on approach ensures that Konfettie remains responsive to the needs of its community.

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