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$613 Million Startup Founder: This Is The One Thing Other Startups Don’t Have

A man

Techpreneurs are constantly seeking the right mix of innovation and strategy, there’s one crucial trait that often sets the most successful apart: grit. This was the cornerstone of Gecko Robotics’ growth, a company that turned wall-climbing robots into a $633 million business.  

Gecko Robotics was founded by Jake Loosararian, who turned a college engineering project into a thriving company focused on robots designed to inspect dangerous environments like power plant boilers and missile silos. Today, the company is ranked as one of the most disruptive in the tech space, but this success wasn’t handed to Loosararian—it  was earned through grit, persistence, and a deep commitment to solving tough problems in unwelcoming spaces. 

Innovation Often Happens in Unlikely Places 

Loosararian's journey wasn't about creating something in a polished office environment. It was about getting into the gritty, often dangerous places that needed innovation the most—like dirty, hazardous power plant boiler rooms. For techpreneurs, this is a reminder: true innovation often happens  outside your comfort zone. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and diving into the  challenges others avoid, and this is where trusted custom software partners come into play. 

When developing custom software, choosing the right partner who is not only technically proficient but also willing to dig into the unique needs of your business is essential. Just like Loosararian tested robots in tough, uncharted environments,  your chosen software development team should be ready to tackle the toughest obstacles in your business—transforming problems into innovative solutions. 

Persistence Over Perfection 

Loosararian spent years bootstrapping Gecko, living with minimal resources and  pushing through countless challenges. During those early days, he sometimes questioned his place in the industry, feeling out of his depth. Yet, it was his persistence that ultimately set him apart, and it’s this same perseverance that techpreneurs need to embrace. 

When you’re building a startup, progress may be slow, and obstacles will arise. The key is sticking with it, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. For techpreneurs working with custom software, this principle is essential. The  process of building the right tools for your business will come with challenges, but a trusted partner will guide you through each step, ensuring you don’t lose sight of your long-term goals. 

The Hidden Opportunities Are Waiting 

Loosararian succeeded not because he simply followed the obvious path, but because he identified a unique opportunity in an underserved market. His robots were solving problems that others hadn’t even considered, and this insight has proven  invaluable for Gecko’s growth. For techpreneurs, this story highlights the importance of finding the overlooked  opportunities—the ones others may have missed because they were too focused on what’s already been done. 

In the realm of custom software, these hidden opportunities often lie in areas where off-the-shelf solutions simply won’t cut it. A custom software development partner can help you identify these gaps, creating tailored solutions that address  specific needs, streamline operations, and create new pathways for growth. 

Building a Resilient Team and Culture 

One of the most significant outcomes of Gecko’s challenging beginnings was the development of a company culture grounded in resilience. Loosararian's team wasn’t just building robots; they were building a company that thrived on  determination and persistence. The same approach is necessary when building the right team to support your startup or SME, and that includes selecting a software development partner who shares your values and commitment to long-term  success. 

In the fast-paced world of startups, the right custom software partner doesn’t just deliver a product—they become an integral  part of your team. They should be as invested in your success as you are, helping you tackle both the expected challenges and the unexpected ones.

Grit-Driven Innovation with the Right  Partners 

Loosararian’s journey is a powerful reminder that success in the tech space often doesn’t come from the most obvious  places or ideas—it comes from perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to embrace challenges. For techpreneurs looking to create something truly innovative, the right custom software development partner is critical. 

The right partner doesn’t just bring technical  skills—they bring an understanding of your vision, a commitment to overcoming challenges together, and the ability to adapt as your business grows and evolves. So, as you move forward with your startup or SME, ask yourself: Are you ready to build a  resilient partnership that will help you  navigate the tough times and emerge  stronger? With the right team in place, you’ll be equipped to turn your boldest ideas into lasting innovations.