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What does it truly mean to bootstrap a tech company?

That question was at the heart of a Founder’s Talk led by Pierre-Olivier Danhaive, Co-Founder & CEO of Verbolia, and explored alongside our entrepreneurs. More than a discussion about constraints, the conversation revolved around a clear and demanding mindset: an obsession with efficiency, value creation, and long-term independence.

Technology alone does not create value

One idea emerged very quickly and framed the entire discussion: technology alone does not create value. Impressive tech can be a powerful asset, but it is never an end goal in itself. The real shift is strategic rather than technical. Instead of asking how a technology can be used, founders must ask which real business problem it can solve. In a bootstrapping context, this question becomes critical. With limited resources, every feature must justify its existence and contribute directly to value creation.

• Stop asking “How can we use our tech?”

• Start asking “What real business problem can we solve?”

The most impactful solutions are often not the most complex ones. They are simple, standardized, and genuinely useful for customers. Technology only creates value when it produces tangible outcomes and clear benefits for the people who use it.

The power of focus

Another strong theme of the discussion was the power of focus. Rather than trying to address an entire market, focusing on a clearly defined scope allows founders to go deeper. It helps them understand customer needs faster, design tools that truly fit those needs, and deliver measurable results. This clarity of scope translates into clarity across the entire company: product decisions, messaging, and execution all become more coherent. Over time, focus turns concentrated effort into scalable and repeatable growth.

One of the most memorable takeaways from Pierre-Olivier Danhaive’s experience can be summed up in a simple principle: “Sign first. Deliver value. Then build.” Instead of waiting for a perfect product to be ready, founders are encouraged to engage real clients as early as possible. This approach accelerates learning, enables iteration based on real feedback, and helps teams reach product-market fit more efficiently. In bootstrapping, action consistently outweighs perfection, and every client interaction becomes both a learning loop and a driver of growth.

Self-confidence to convince

The human dimension of entrepreneurship also played a central role in the conversation. Winning professional clients requires genuine self-confidence. Not arrogance, but conviction. Trust is built when founders can clearly communicate why their solution matters, which needs it addresses, the value it creates, and their commitment to deliver. Confidence often acts as the bridge between initial interest and real engagement.

Culture, quality, and team

When it comes to growth, Pierre-Olivier highlighted the importance of culture, quality, and team. Growing fast can be tempting, but lasting success often comes from growing thoughtfully. Taking the time to build a strong executive team and surrounding yourself with A-people are decisive steps. A lean, high-quality team with a shared long-term vision strengthens both execution and company culture. Investing in people is not only about skills, but about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

• Take time to build an exec team.

• Surround yourself with A-people.

A bit of luck (and how to invite it)

Finally, Pierre-Olivier addressed a topic that is sometimes overlooked: luck. No entrepreneurial journey is purely the result of hard work alone. Luck plays a role. The encouraging part is that founders can create the conditions for luck to happen by staying consistent, preparing carefully, and remaining open to opportunities. When readiness meets chance, unexpected outcomes can turn into real progress.

What our entrepreneurs learned

Our entrepreneurs walked away with lessons that go far beyond theory and can be applied immediately. Technology alone is not enough. Standardization is essential to scale effectively. Strong client testimonials and genuine self-confidence are key to earning trust and closing deals. And while luck is unpredictable, preparation and persistence can influence its impact.

Huge thanks to Pierre-Olivier Danhaive for his transparency, energy, and insights. His journey offered a rare window into the mindset and discipline that make bootstrapped growth not only possible, but sustainable.

Every month, our accelerated entrepreneurs take part in a new masterclass where business experts and experienced founders share hard-earned lessons and actionable strategies to help them grow with confidence.

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep building.

Let’s keep bootstrapping.

Together.