Through Thick & Thin: Inside FAVORIOT’s Thrilling Six-Year Voyage!

Six roller-coaster years have unfurled since FAVORIOT burst onto the IoT startup scene.

During this period, its tenacious team navigated through a sea of challenges, starting from a point of zero revenue, grappling with hefty operational costs, and hustling hard to attract their initial customers.

Embarking on a startup journey isn’t a sprint; it’s a grueling marathon to a remote and arduous destination dotted with daunting hills and towering mountains.

For the founder of FAVORIOT, uncertainty isn’t a stranger but a constant companion, silently questioning the startup’s survivability year after year.

While success stories of other startups – from inception to IPOs – are loudly broadcasted, the tales of numerous startups that didn’t make it are quietly buried in the shadows.

FAVORIOT, founded on February 20, 2017, and operational from April 1 that year, has had its fair share of close calls, challenges, and changes in its lineup, with many original members handing over the baton to newcomers.

The journey included developing “Raqib”, an IoT product meticulously designed for monitoring the elderly and pilgrims.

Despite significant investment and effort, the first year yielded no revenue.

What went wrong?

The situation further compounded when the Malaysian Hajj was delayed for two years due to the global health crisis, sidelining the freshly minted product.

Frustration also mounted in the early days as curious minds approached for knowledge but not for purchase.

Many wanted to understand IoT or explore collaborations, yet no one seemed ready to invest or even request a quote.

It felt as though people wanted to glean insights without giving back, leaving the founder feeling exploited and undervalued.

Initially, the team was hesitant about IoT training, assuming self-learning was sufficient. Recognizing the misjudgment, they course-corrected and launched commercial IoT courses in late 2021.

Despite the early turbulence, FAVORIOT’s user base swelled from a mere 20 to a whopping 7200 across 121 countries.

Its brand presence strengthened, positioning it as a top search result on Google.

Navigating through the notorious “Valley of Death” – a stage where many startups stumble and fall without gaining traction or customers – FAVORIOT stood resilient.

Past rejections from investors and accelerators didn’t deter them; instead, it emboldened their resolve to knock on more doors, seeking partnerships and venture capital to fuel expansion.

As they raise a toast to their sixth anniversary, the FAVORIOT team wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude.

They acknowledge the relentless effort and undying perseverance of each team member, the invaluable trust bestowed by their early patrons, and the unyielding support and encouragement from friends.

Life Lessons Summarized:

The startup journey is a relentless marathon, not a sprint, often filled with uncertainty and unending challenges.
Not every product will be a hit from the start; be prepared for failures and setbacks.
Early days are often riddled with frustration; persistence is key.
Recognition and customer base growth require time and consistent effort.
Past rejections should not hinder future opportunities; instead, use them as learning experiences to approach new partnerships and investors with renewed vigor and insight.

Here’s to FAVORIOT, to many more triumphant years ahead!