In Colombia's dynamic tech ecosystem, four early-stage startup founders share their experiences and visions.
In this conference, Nico Rojas of Dapta, Carlos Ayalde of Gatekeeper X, Mercedes Bidart of Quipu, and Andrés Silva of OnePay open a space for us to discuss what it takes to build a world-class company, from initial challenges to the keys to global scaling.
Through their stories, we will learn directly from these experts how a world-class company is forged, by facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and moving toward success.
Question 1: What are you building and what is the main focus of your company?
- Andrés Silva (OnePay): At OnePay, we have developed a payment gateway that specializes in recurring transactions. We are currently handling a monthly transaction volume of $45 million and help companies simplify their collection processes.
- Nicolás Rojas (Dapta): Dapta is an artificial intelligence platform designed to help small and medium-sized businesses automate their sales and operations processes. Today, we have 50,000 users in more than 40 countries who use the platform to optimize their work and be more efficient.
- Mercedes Bidart (Quipu): We are a financial technology company that focuses on providing real-time financial health assessments for informal businesses. To date, we have disbursed more than $5 million in Colombia to over 32,000 micro-businesses.
- Carlos Ayalde (Gatekeeper X): Our software company was created with the goal of helping financial and e-commerce companies effectively combat transactional fraud, using technology to protect their operations.
Question 2: What does it mean for you to build a world-class company?
- Andrés Silva: It means having the ability to define and lead a category in the market, becoming synonymous with the problem you solve. It also involves an obsession with the customer and the agility to move quickly.
- Nicolás Rojas: It involves bringing together the best possible talent and attracting top-tier investors who recognize the company's potential. It's about having an exceptional team.
- Mercedes Bidart: For me, it's about having the ambition to scale beyond a small niche and compete globally, with the audacity to change entire industries and be a leader in what you do.
- Carlos Ayalde: It’s the idea of competing against the best in the world and internationalizing. It also means being adaptable and resilient, knowing that the journey is an emotional rollercoaster.
Question 3: Could you share the most difficult and rewarding moments you have experienced as entrepreneurs?
- Andrés Silva: The most difficult moment was when we were on the verge of bankruptcy, but we managed a drastic turnaround in a month and a half. The most rewarding part is seeing how the team came together and became more resilient in the face of the challenge.
- Nicolás Rojas: The hardest thing was having to ask a client for a loan to make payroll. The most rewarding moment was seeing a wave of new paying customers in a single day, which validated all the hard work and the company's vision.
- Mercedes Bidart: The biggest challenge was the full year it took to raise capital for our seed round. I made several mistakes, including hiring people before the round was closed, which increased costs, and giving the team collective vacation between Christmas and New Year's, confident that the investment was already approved.
The most rewarding moment was when her team supported a payroll savings strategy, giving them an additional year of operation. That gesture of trust from her team was her motivation, and shortly after, the largest bank in Colombia approached them to invest.
- Carlos Ayalde: As a relatively new founder, I have not yet had a truly difficult moment. However, I recognize that entrepreneurship is an emotional rollercoaster and a journey of constant learning.
Question 4: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are starting out?
- Andrés Silva: You have to believe in yourself and your company's potential, and always surround yourself with a team with a positive mindset.
- Nicolás Rojas: It is essential to surround yourself with optimistic people and be persistent on the path. Investors don't invest in startups; they invest in founders and their persistence.
- Mercedes Bidart: It is key to iterate quickly and reduce the duration of work cycles to move faster. Speed of execution is vital for growth.
- Carlos Ayalde: We must help each other within the ecosystem and be willing to be a customer of other startups. Additionally, you have to be careful with hiring, prioritize physical and mental well-being, and always have a good lawyer.
Final Reflection
This panel leaves us with a clear conclusion: success is not just a matter of brilliant ideas, but of resilience, team, and a limitless ambition.
The stories of Nico, Carlos, Mercedes, and Andrés show that building a world-class startup is a path full of challenges, but with the right lessons, it is an entirely achievable goal.