Mobile developers need to focus on building a strong team and think big if they are to be a success, according to Ambarish Mitra, CEO of augmented reality app maker Blippar.

Speaking at a Qualcomm Ventures event in which technology start-ups pitched for $100,000 in funding, Mitra explained how his experiences with the success and failure of businesses has informed the way in which he built Blippar.

“The most important thing is our team and our relationships — who you do business with and how we hire. It is not an art or a science — it is down to you as a personality,” Mitra said.

The Blippar CEO stressed the importance of hiring the right people as a weak team is unlikely to be successful. “You cannot fire a missile from a kayak — you need a warship,” he noted.

In terms of attracting and retaining talent, Mitra said: “It’s always a good idea to be generous and to hire people with the equity angle in mind. Don’t keep it all for yourself.”

Mitra also discussed his belief that app makers need to be ambitious if they are to turn their product into a successful business: “If you have that billion dollar dream, you have to think big, not just act big. Do not be a techie, be a business.”

Although Blippar was formed in March 2011, it wasn’t until August that it launched, having already laid the foundations of the business by signing some of the biggest names in consumer goods, including Tesco, Heinz, Nike and Cadbury.

“We thought that in a very crowded market, you should talk about it, let the brands talk about it,” Mitra said.

Mitra also stressed the importance of getting the best legal and financial advice and building a sales team once a company starts to generate revenue.

And Mitra sounded a note of caution for wannabe mobile entrepreneurs: “Be slightly chilled about it. It is critical to look after your health because you need your energy.”