Lessons from Home: Discovering Entrepreneurship at Startup Nights

As someone who recently arrived in Armenia this year, immersing myself in the local tech scene is a priority. That's why attending a recent event from the Quindío TIC Ecosystem was particularly revealing. There, we had the opportunity to hear the memorable talk by Andrés Giovanni "Mateo," a pioneer and reference in the software industry in the Quindío region, whose story dates back to the vibrant 90s. It was a deep dive into entrepreneurship, resilience, and strategy, generously shared in the heart of this tech community. Additionally, at the event, I was able to share a networking session with different communities present such as QundíoTech, Mesa TIC, and Quindío Exponencial.

Born from Need, Growing with Creativity in Quindío

Mateo shared a fundamental truth with us: many ventures are born from pressing need. In his case, it was that need that ignited creativity in a time when making software in Quindío was a pioneering adventure. It was the 90s and early 2000s: internet was a scarce luxury, computers were shared, and tools ranged from C++ to the first Visual Basic interfaces. A landscape full of challenges!

Key Lessons: Contracts, Intellectual Property, and the Art of Selling

The path was full of crucial learnings. One of the earliest was the vital importance of understanding contracts and protecting intellectual property, after experiences where he lost rights to his work or saw ideas replicated. The lesson resonated strongly: Register and protect your creation!

Equally revealing was the shift in his sales strategy. He understood that it wasn't enough to talk about technical features; it was essential to sell the transformation of the client's business, focusing on tangible figures and benefits. This new vision, along with active "demand generation" and strategic alliances for distribution, significantly boosted his project.

Success, the "Pain of Growing," and the Moment of "Exit"

Growth brought complexity, the "pain of growing." Operational capacity reached its limit, to the point of having to decline huge opportunities, like a national tender with Telefónica, because they couldn't take them on. This difficult situation led to the strategic decision to sell Sevenet, his star product. He discovered that value transcended code; it lay in the built market and recognized brand, something that could be properly valued with expert help.

The Strategic Importance of a Plan B

A final very valuable reflection was the need to build a Plan B, ideally in a different sector from the main one. While technology evolves and can depreciate, other assets can offer different stability and growth. A lesson about long-term vision and diversification.

Connecting with Quindío's Tech Legacy

Listening to Andrés Giovanni "Mateo" at this event was not only inspiring but also an excellent way to understand the roots and evolution of the tech industry in Quindío; something invaluable for those of us who, like me, are putting down roots in Armenia this year. His story of resilience and vision resonates especially at this moment in my life, just as I'm taking my first steps as an entrepreneur. It reminds us of the tenacity needed to start a business here and anywhere. Thanks to Mateo for his generosity and to QundíoTech, Mesa TIC, and Quindío Exponencial for fostering these valuable encounters for connection and learning in our new home!