Dmitri Verbovski, Yesim Founder.
Building a startup is no small feat, but it always begins the same way—with a simple idea and an unshakable drive to solve a real problem.
When I founded Yesim, my goal was to make global connectivity affordable and effortless. What started as a vision has grown into a company trusted by over 1 million users, with coverage spanning more than 200 destinations worldwide.
My team and I have faced countless challenges and learned invaluable lessons along the way. Here are five of the most important insights from our journey, ones I believe every aspiring entrepreneur can benefit from.
The Сhallenge: Why Is Global Connectivity Still So Hard?
Successful startups are born from identifying pain points and envisioning better solutions. Our story began with a simple yet pressing question: Why is global connectivity still so expensive and complicated?
As international travel rebounds, the demand for seamless connectivity has surged. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, in the first seven months of 2024, approximately 790 million tourists traveled internationally, marking an 11% increase over 2023 and nearing pre-pandemic levels. Yet, traditional roaming services remain a significant barrier. In 2024, travelers using standard roaming paid an average of $8.57 per gigabyte of data, while those utilizing travel eSIMs spent about $5.50 per gigabyte, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of eSIM technology.
Seeing this gap, I recognized an opportunity to disrupt the status quo through eSIM technology.
This illustrates a key principle for entrepreneurs: Innovation begins with empathy. The most impactful startups aren’t just about technology; they’re about solving problems that matter.
Challenges That Define Tech Startups
Launching a technology startup requires navigating a unique set of hurdles. Here are three lessons from our early days:
1. Building The Product: Complex Infrastructure And Seamless UX
Developing Yesim’s first app and backend infrastructure was a year-long challenge. Integrating with mobile operators in over 200 destinations meant overcoming significant technical differences, from varying standards to compatibility issues. Different technical standards created hurdles, but the goal was clear: Deliver a product so intuitive that anyone can use it in minutes.
No matter how sophisticated the backend is, success hinges on keeping the end user in mind. Technology should make life easier—not more complicated.
2. Funding: Selling Vision And Scalability
Bootstrapping our startup meant relying on personal savings and angel investors in the beginning. Convincing additional investors required more than passion; it needed proof. Demonstrating the scalability of eSIM technology and our competitive edge through a working prototype and strategic partnerships with mobile operators secured essential funding.
Investors don’t buy into ideas; they buy into proof. Show traction. Even early milestones—like a working prototype or small-scale adoption—build credibility.
3. Learning From Users: Adapting To Feedback
Our initial strategy emphasized customizable data plans. However, user feedback showed a preference for simple, pre-packaged options. By introducing flexible regional plans and unlimited data bundles, adoption rates jumped by 40%.
In the end, customers are your compass. Use their feedback to iterate and refine.
Lessons We’ve Learned
Our innovations have attracted over 1 million users worldwide and earned us reviews and ratings we’re proud of. Whether you’re launching a tech startup or tackling challenges in another industry, here are a few key takeaways from our experience that I would urge all leaders to embrace:
1. Solve Real Problems: Find a pain point that matters and focus on delivering a solution that’s both innovative and practical.
2. Build A Strong Team: Surround yourself with people who bring complementary skills and share your vision.
3. Iterate And Improve: Perfection doesn’t happen overnight. Launch quickly, learn from the process and refine continuously.
4. Focus On The User: Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. Their feedback is your roadmap to success.
5. Think Global, Start Local: If your product has global potential, begin by building strong regional partnerships to create a foundation for scaling.
The eSIM market is set to grow to $16 billion by 2027, transforming not just travel but IoT connectivity. If you can find a growing niche like this and lean into it, just as we have, I believe you could see similar success.
Final Thoughts
Our experience demonstrates the immense potential of a tech startup to solve real-world problems through resilience, vision and focus. It proves that a small team with a bold idea can transform industries and connect the world.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: Success comes to those who dare to start, adapt wisely and persevere.
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