Meet Roam Telecoms, Runner-up of the Startups of the Year in London, UK

Welcome to the Startups of the Year Runner ups Interview Series. Congratulations for being one of the top 3000 startups worldwide! The HackerNoon team is thrilled to know more about you!

Tell us how your startup is changing the world.

Roam Telecoms is revolutionizing the world by addressing the universal need for connectivity through sustainable innovation. Our range of Solar and water-powered products, including phones, laptops, and tablets, harness the natural environment to provide reliable power solutions. Our commitment to sustainability and groundbreaking achievements have earned recognition from awarding bodies, validating our impact. As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we remain dedicated to transforming the way people connect and interact with technology, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

What sets you apart from the competition?

What sets us apart from the competition is our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. We pride ourselves on being 100% carbon neutral, with a focus on bringing manufacturing back to the UK in a sustainable manner. Our pioneering achievement includes the development of a fully functional solar-powered phone designed to operate in all climates, making us a trailblazer in the industry. By prioritizing sustainability and pushing the boundaries of innovation, we stand out as leaders in our field, dedicated to making a positive impact on both the environment and the market.

What do you love about your team, and why are you the ones to solve this problem?

What I love about our team is our unwavering support for each other and our shared vision of creating a product that has a widespread impact. We foster an environment where no idea is dismissed, and instead, we collaborate to refine concepts into tangible solutions. Our ability to cheer each other on and work together towards a common goal is truly inspiring. We believe we are the ones to solve this problem because of our collective dedication to our shared vision and our commitment to bringing innovative ideas to life in a market where everyone can benefit.

If you weren’t building your startup, what would you be doing?

If I weren't building my startup, I would likely be working with an NGO or a fund focusing on democratizing access to technology. My passion lies in ensuring that technology is affordable and universally accessible, serving as a foundational tool for empowerment and education. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be connected and access information to enhance their lives and surroundings. Working towards this goal aligns with my values and aspirations to make a positive impact on a global scale without the hindrance of worrying about the cost of electricity when solar is in abundance.

At the moment, how do you measure success? What are your core metrics?

Currently, we gauge success through a unique lens that prioritizes learning from failures and assessing the impact of our product. While traditional metrics certainly have their place, we place particular emphasis on understanding and addressing areas where we may have fallen short. Additionally, we closely monitor the feedback and experiences of our clients and field testers to evaluate the tangible outcomes and effectiveness of our product. By adopting this holistic approach to measuring success, we ensure that our focus remains on continuous improvement and delivering meaningful value to our stakeholders.

What goals are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2024?

In 2024, I'm eagerly anticipating the accomplishment of several key goals. One major objective is the development and launch of RoamGo, a groundbreaking 3D-printed smartphone. This innovative product represents a significant milestone for our company and has the potential to revolutionize the telecommunications industry with its unique design and features. Additionally, I'm excited about the possibility of acquiring or partnering with a satellite-based company to offer RoamGo to underserved communities. By leveraging satellite technology, we aim to extend access to reliable communication services to remote areas that have traditionally been overlooked. Achieving these goals not only demonstrates our commitment to innovation and social impact but also positions us as leaders in the advancement of accessible technology solutions.

Which trend(s) are you most excited about in 2024? Share your reasons.

One trend that I'm particularly excited about in 2024 is the focus on e-waste prevention and the utilization of recycling components to foster a more circular economy approach. This shift towards sustainability not only aligns with environmental conservation efforts but also presents innovative opportunities to minimize electronic waste and promote resource efficiency. Additionally, I'm eager to witness the mass adoption of 3D printers for on-demand printing, such as 3D printing PCB boards. This technology has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes by enabling rapid prototyping, customization, and reduced lead times. Embracing these trends signifies a positive step towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

2023 had been another crazy year, especially in tech, with layoffs and the Generative AI takeover! Which trend are you most concerned about? Be as brief or as detailed as you like.

The trend that concerns me the most, especially in the tech industry, is the rapid advancement and widespread adoption of Generative AI. While Generative AI holds immense potential for innovation and automation, it also poses significant ethical challenges. One of the primary concerns is the potential for misuse and abuse, as individuals with malicious intent can leverage this technology to create convincing yet entirely fabricated content, including deepfakes and misinformation. This proliferation of fake content can undermine trust in information sources and have far-reaching consequences for society, from misleading the public to manipulating public opinion and exacerbating social divisions. As such, it's crucial for policymakers, technologists, and society as a whole to grapple with the ethical implications of Generative AI and work towards implementing safeguards and regulations to mitigate its misuse while harnessing its benefits responsibly.

Share your biggest success so far and/or your biggest failure so far.

My biggest success to date has been the launch of Roam Telecoms in 2017. This endeavor has been a transformative journey for me on multiple levels. Leading the company has not only expanded my professional capabilities but has also been a profound learning experience that has shaped me personally. From mastering the intricacies of people management to navigating the complexities of product development and client relations, every aspect of building Roam Telecoms has been a valuable lesson. Moreover, delving into manufacturing processes, conducting extensive R&D, and overcoming numerous challenges along the way have further enriched my skill set and broadened my perspective. The journey with Roam Telecoms has been nothing short of an adventure, filled with growth, resilience, and continuous learning.

We would love your feedback on HackerNoon as a tech publication! How has your experience been with us?

Great, so far!

Any words of wisdom you’d like to share with us?

Your worst days are actually your best days since you learn a lot from them. Otherwise sometimes I always like to say ‘success is failure in disguise’.