Running a tech startup in Africa feels a lot like standing on a windswept plain as a storm approaches. There’s the temptation to retreat, to take the easy road, or to wait for calmer weather. But, like the American bison, Adbot chose to charge into the storm—and that decision has made all the difference.
Turning Into the Storm: Building Our Own Tech
Late last year, we faced a defining moment. Our software relied on a licensed platform from Sweden, and while it had served us well, we knew it wasn’t enough to meet the growing needs of our customers. We needed to rebuild, to create a system that was truly ours. That decision felt like staring into a blizzard. It would have been easier to keep things as they were, to ride the momentum of a system we didn’t fully control. Instead, we chose to face the storm head-on.
The months that followed were tough. Picture this: error messages popping up unpredictably, customers requiring extra support, and our team managing manual invoicing processes while simultaneously rebuilding the system. It wasn’t smooth sailing, and there were moments of doubt. But here’s the thing—facing these challenges directly allowed us to solve problems faster and emerge stronger. Today, we have a foundation that’s 100% Adbot-owned, ready to serve our clients better than ever before.
Lessons from the Bison: Resilience in Action
Think about it: if you’re caught in a storm, standing still or running away only prolongs your exposure to the elements. The bison’s strategy of moving directly into the storm minimizes the time spent in harsh conditions. For Adbot, this mindset wasn’t just a survival tactic; it was a growth strategy. By addressing challenges head-on, we reduced the time and impact of disruptions. The result? A stronger platform and a more robust service offering for our clients.
Here’s an example. One of our customers, a small business owner, relied on our platform for managing their ad campaigns. During the rebuild, they faced minor inconveniences, but they stayed because we communicated openly and honestly. When the new system launched, their experience improved significantly, and their business saw better results. This is the power of resilience: turning temporary setbacks into long-term wins.
Celebrating the Herd: Our Customers and Team
No bison survives the prairie alone, and no company thrives without its herd. Our customers have been the foundation of our success. From the early adopters who believed in us when we were just starting, to those who stuck with us through the stormy rebuild—your trust has been our anchor. Your feedback has shaped the Adbot platform, and your loyalty reminds us why we do what we do.
Our team, too, has been extraordinary. Behind every line of code, every customer support interaction, and every innovation, there’s a group of passionate individuals who believe in Adbot’s mission. During the rebuild, their dedication shone brightly, whether it was pulling late nights to solve bugs or finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges. They are the shoulders and wedge-shaped heads that part the winds for Adbot.
Moving Forward: The Next Five Years
The storms won’t stop coming. Markets will shift, technology will evolve, and new challenges will arise. But if these past five years have taught us anything, it’s that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about growing stronger. We’re not just surviving storms; we’re using them to propel us forward.
For every entrepreneur reading this, especially those who feel like they’re running against the wind, take a page from the bison’s book. Face your challenges head-on, find your herd, and trust that forward motion will get you through the storm faster.