{"id":33764,"date":"2025-11-07T07:21:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T13:21:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/?p=33764"},"modified":"2025-12-02T09:32:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T15:32:53","slug":"launching-from-the-library-one-texans-journey-to-tech-entrepreneurship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/2025\/11\/07\/launching-from-the-library-one-texans-journey-to-tech-entrepreneurship\/","title":{"rendered":"Launching From the Library: One Texan’s Journey to Tech Entrepreneurship\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding a Safe Haven in the Library<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Diana Muturia, the Phoenix Public Library was more than a place to borrow books,\u00a0it was a lifeline. Originally from Kenya, Diana arrived in Phoenix with determination but limited resources. \u201cThe library saved me,\u201d she recalls. \u201cIt was the only place I could get Wi-Fi, and it was a safe haven,\u00a0especially with Phoenix being so hot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While cleaning houses to make ends meet, Diana discovered free library classes that taught coding and the basics of starting a business. \u201cEvery Wednesday night, there was a business class, and the same teacher would guide us each week,\u201d she says. The library staff quickly noticed Diana\u2019s drive. \u201cIf I needed a book, they would find it for me. One staff member even said, \u2018Hey Diana, I got a book for you,\u2019 and handed me Computer Programming for Dummies<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These moments of support were more than convenience,\u00a0they were pivotal. Diana taught herself coding using the library\u2019s resources and free Wi-Fi. She experimented with CAD and 3D printing, initially dreaming of a career in the automotive industry, but soon discovered another problem she wanted to solve: helping her friends in the cleaning business manage operations more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Library Helped Diana Go From Idea to App<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diana\u2019s first steps toward entrepreneurship were humble but inspired. Using Adobe XD before Figma became popular, she designed wireframes for what would become the Clyn App<\/a>. \u201cI would show my cleaner friends on my phone, and they got excited. That motivated me to build it out,\u201d she says. Within two months of its launch in Phoenix, the app had attracted 3,000 users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The library\u2019s influence remained central to her journey. \u201cI just needed Wi-Fi at first, but then I started to explore everything. The people who worked at the library were amazing; they would see I had a knack for something and say, \u2018There\u2019s a class that can help you with this.\u2019 All the resources were there. They even helped me register for an LLC.\u201d Diana emphasizes that libraries are often undervalued in the entrepreneurial ecosystem: \u201cI wish people knew how much ROI comes from a library that is well-equipped, well-resourced, and accessible. If you bring education and resources, a community thrives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognizing the limitations of the Phoenix startup scene, Diana expanded her ambitions. Acceptance into both the Techstars<\/a> and AWS Accelerator<\/a> programs provided the next major opportunity. \u201cThe contingency was we move there. I really liked Austin,  the startup scene was much more mature. There are startup events at the Central Library, too, which was incredible to see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Photo
Clyn Founder and CEO Diana Muturia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Scaling Up: AI, Partnerships, and Future Goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Relocating to Austin in January 2023 allowed Diana to take Clyn to the next level. Her team has grown, and the company has expanded into AI-powered quality assurance for cleaning operations. \u201cWhen AI first came out, a lot of startups were plastering it on their platforms,\u201d she explains. \u201cWe paused, did customer discovery, and realized the real problem was quality assurance. Solving that problem first helped us win a contract with Marsden, the largest privately held cleaning company in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diana\u2019s vision now extends to major partnerships. Airbnb is a target for a future badge integration, and her team continues refining nine products to serve the growing user base. Yet, she remains grounded in the learning habits that the library instilled. \u201cTwenty percent of your time should be spent learning new things. You blink, and you\u2019re behind,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite her success, Diana emphasizes grit, focus, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: \u201cWork backwards. What makes you light up? Once you understand the business aspect or career path, it\u2019s easier to move forward. Libraries are great for learning fundamentals, operations, financing, even coding. That foundation can take you anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, Diana has ambitious revenue goals for 2026 and envisions entering the Kenyan market, but she is focused on achieving a major win in the U.S. first. Even with long days, she maintains boundaries to protect her well-being. \u201cI wake up at 6:00 or 7:00, and if something gets pushed to 6:00 p.m., it can wait until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diana Muturia\u2019s story is a testament to the power of libraries as catalysts for innovation and community growth. From a library newcomer seeking Wi-Fi to a tech entrepreneur shaping a national platform, her journey demonstrates how access to knowledge, mentorship, and resources can transform lives. As she continues to scale Clyn and explore partnerships with companies like Airbnb, Diana\u2019s experience underscores a timeless truth: when communities invest in education and support, individuals can achieve extraordinary things, and the library can be a critical component of community success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Finding a Safe Haven in the Library For Diana Muturia, the Phoenix Public Library was more than a place to borrow books,\u00a0it was a lifeline. Originally from Kenya, Diana arrived in Phoenix with determination but limited resources. \u201cThe library saved me,\u201d she recalls. \u201cIt was the only place I could get Wi-Fi, and it was…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[930,1010,59,15,834],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-broadband","category-digital-literacy","category-public-libraries","category-technology","category-workforce-development"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33764"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33764\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33787,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33764\/revisions\/33787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}