10 Lessons for Successfully Launching and Sustaining a Tech Business: My Journey and Insights

Starting and sustaining a business, especially in the tech industry, is a complex and demanding adventure. Yet, it is also a deeply rewarding experience, full of challenges and opportunities. Here are the 10 lessons I’ve learned from my journey, which have helped me build a strong and sustainable business.

1. A rare skill is your best asset

The foundation of any entrepreneurial venture is possessing a unique skill you can leverage and monetize. In my case, my expertise in infrastructure, security, and cloud technology has been the cornerstone of my business. By mastering a sought-after skill, you naturally stand out and become indispensable to your clients.

2. Passion above all else

It might sound cliché, but without passion, the road is much harder. My love affair with IT began at 14, when my father brought home a Pentium III. That day, I fell in love with technology, and that passion has never left me. I’ve explored nearly every possible role in IT, and I continue to learn and thrive every day.

3. Service over billing

Of course, a business needs to be profitable, but client satisfaction always comes first. I’ve always struggled to deliver an incomplete product, even if it means losing money on certain projects. This philosophy has allowed me to build trust-based relationships with clients who know they can count on me for quality.

4. Curiosity as a driving force

Being curious and versatile is sometimes seen as a flaw, but I consider it a strength. Writing, coding, analyzing tennis matches, or competing in chess tournaments offers me a valuable mental escape. These activities enrich my mind and help me approach work with fresh, creative perspectives.

5. Integrity above all

The Protestant upbringing I received instilled in me a deep respect for integrity, morality, and justice. In business, I firmly believe that you can succeed without stepping on others. Being honest and transparent with my partners and clients has been a cornerstone of my company’s values.

6. Relentless work ethic

You can’t build a business without effort. Putting in long hours, especially in the early years, is essential. This relentless dedication has helped me overcome challenges and create a company that truly reflects my vision.

7. Surround yourself with the right people

One of the privileges of being an entrepreneur is choosing your teammates. I prioritize people who are motivated, respectful, and eager to learn over those with flashy degrees. I enjoy working with promising talents, often young and inexperienced, but with tremendous potential. They often surpass me in their fields, which is exactly what I aim for.

8. Collaborate with large clients

Having one or more major clients in your portfolio is a strategic advantage. These contracts provide financial stability and minimize the risk of non-payment. This security allows you to focus on growing your business without constantly worrying about cash flow.

9. Take on technically stimulating but unprofitable projects

Some projects, while not financially profitable, are worth pursuing for their technical and human potential. These challenges have often allowed me to gain new skills, explore new technologies, and expand my expertise in key areas.

10. Accept uncertainty

No matter how hard you work, nothing is ever guaranteed. A business can collapse for a thousand reasons, regardless of your skills or dedication. Accepting this reality and living with it allows you to better appreciate successes and not overly stress about failures.

These lessons are the result of years of experience, successes, and failures. Entrepreneurship is an adventure, and everyone charts their own path. My journey may not be perfect, but it has allowed me to build a business I’m proud of. If you’re embarking on your own journey, I hope these insights inspire you to find your own way.

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I’m Hervé-Gaël KOUAMO, Founder and CTO at HK-TECH, a French tech company specializing in designing, building, and optimizing applications. We also assist businesses throughout their cloud migration journey, ensuring seamless transitions and maximizing their digital potential.

I published my first tech book — naturally, on Kubernetes (after my first two novels). You can find it here: https://amzn.eu/d/4R3gf5j