From idealization to reality: What every tech entrepreneur needs to know

Venturing into the technology sector is exciting, but also challenging. The market is always changing, new trends emerge all the time, and to stand out, it takes more than a good idea—it requires strategy. 

And there is room to grow. Brazil already represents 40% of technology investments in Latin America and, according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, nearly 800,000 new jobs are expected to emerge in the sector by 2025. In other words, the scenario is promising for those who want to innovate. 

If you are thinking of embarking on this journey, here are five essential tips to increase your chances of success: 

1. Solve a real problem

Before creating a product or service, ask yourself: what problem does it solve? The most successful businesses are those that meet a real market need. This means that before investing time and money in an idea, it is crucial to validate its relevance.  

Another important point is to follow trends. Some areas are on the rise and offer promising opportunities, such as digital security, artificial intelligence, outsourcing, and cloud computing. Companies that can align innovation with market needs have a greater chance of growth. A good example is WhatsApp, which emerged as a simple alternative for message-based communication, without relying on SMS. The company identified a user pain point and created an efficient solution—the result? An application that is now indispensable in the lives of billions of people. 

2. Never stop learning

Technology changes quickly, so it is essential to always stay updated. What is innovative today may become obsolete in a few years, and a good entrepreneur needs to maintain constant learning.  

Participating in courses, workshops, and industry events is a great way to absorb knowledge and exchange experiences with other professionals. Furthermore, following industry leaders, listening to podcasts, and reading books on entrepreneurship and technology can give you valuable insights into what is working in the market. 

3. Build a network of contacts

Having a good network can open doors you never imagined. Connecting with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts can accelerate your business's growth in ways that go far beyond what you could achieve alone. Many opportunities arise from these connections, whether to find investors, partners, or even your first customers. 

Participating in events, hackathons, and technology fairs is an excellent way to meet people in the industry. Additionally, joining online communities, such as LinkedIn groups, can help exchange experiences and even find potential partners. Many successful companies were born from casual conversations between entrepreneurs who met in these environments. 

Another important point is having mentors. Finding someone more experienced who can offer advice and help avoid common mistakes can be a huge differentiator. A clear example of this is Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, who has always emphasized the importance of professional connections and how they can boost businesses and careers.  

4. Be ready to adapt

The technology market is dynamic, and things don't always go as planned. Many companies start with one proposition and, along the way, realize they need to change their strategy to grow. This happens because, in practice, consumer behavior may differ from expectations, new technologies may emerge and render a product obsolete, or competitors may innovate faster. 

Being prepared to change direction when necessary is essential. Successful entrepreneurs understand that failures and adjustments are part of the process. Instead of persisting with something that isn't working, the ideal is to analyze what can be improved and act quickly. 

5. Focus on the customer experience

Ultimately, your customer is the one who decides whether your business will succeed or not. So, in addition to developing a good product or service, be concerned with their experience: make it easy to use, offer quality support, and always pay attention to feedback. Satisfied customers not only return but also refer others. A good customer experience goes far beyond the product. It involves everything from an intuitive and easy-to-navigate website to fast and efficient customer service.  

Entrepreneurship in technology is not just about having a great idea—it's about understanding the market, constantly updating yourself, and building something that truly makes a difference. If you can solve a real problem, learn continuously, build good connections, adapt to changes, and offer an exceptional customer experience, your chances of success increase significantly. The technology sector is full of opportunities, and those who know how to seize them can build successful, innovative, and scalable businesses.