Tips for entrepreneurs in 2023: Jobandtalent, Clara, Colvin and GOIKO’s aims

Every year can be the starting point for a whole host of opportunities. To ensure that entrepreneurs’ aims are aligned with success, four leaders of companies that stand out for their great potential and quick growth share with BBVA Spark the lessons learned to date and their strategy to gain new momentum in 2023. Take note and aim for the sky this year!

Jobandtalent, the Spanish unicorn for talent management

Juan Urdiales is the co-founder and CEO of Jobandtalent, one of the unicorns flourishing in the HR Tech sector. The company offers a digital marketplace for workers that connects job seekers with companies through its app.

• What have you learned in 2022 and what are Jobandtalent’s plans this year?

Over the past year, we have worked very hard to increase process flexibility and strengthen our technological and product capabilities. We had to instantly change our approach, which prioritised quick growth, to maintain profitability and focus on absolute cost control. As part of our innovation plan for 2023, we will continue to optimise our platform through new functionalities to improve the experience for job seekers and companies.

• How will HR Tech evolve in 2023?

Attracting and retaining talent, especially in technology, is the main challenge facing any organisation. Our goal is to build a single corporate culture and maintain it as we grow. This year, we are committed to the development of artificial intelligence to facilitate the job search for users, based on their needs and preferences.

• What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

We understand the opportunities and difficulties they face, so we support them with advice and financing. As an entrepreneur, I believe it is essential to focus on solving a specific problem or market need, maintain a flexible mindset and be responsive to business needs.

Colvin, the virtual flower shop that bloomed to become a ‘scaleup’

Andrés Cester and Sergi Bastardas are the co-founders and CEOs of Colvin, an e-commerce business that sells flowers and plants directly from farmers’ fields.

• What have you learned in 2022 and what are Colvin’s plans for 2023?

One of  last year’s main goals was to grow sustainably. This year we want to create a better future for the floriculture industry by building a new digital ecosystem that connects farmers, wholesalers, florists and customers in a more efficient way through technology and the best possible user experience.

• How will the e-commerce sector evolve in 2023?

Sustainability is going to be a key element, not only in terms of the product but also in terms of the supply chain in the sector. More and more users are concerned about sustainability and demand seasonal products: they value local origin and environmentally friendly farming models.

• What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Building brands with impactful values and building consumer trust will be key to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in 2023.

Clara, the Latin American unicorn that digitises cost control for companies

Gerry Giacomán is the co-founder and CEO of Clara, a Latin American company that offers a platform for corporate expense and payment management to more than 8,000 companies in the region.

• What have you learned in 2022 and what are Clara’s plans for 2023?

In today’s market, it has become more relevant to demonstrate that it is possible to be profitable and maintain positive unit economics. That is why, in 2022, we started rethinking the way we make use of capital to grow sustainably in the future. This year, our plan is to consolidate our products and processes in the economies where we operate (Mexico, Brazil and Colombia).

• What challenges does the financial sector face in 2023?

It will be important to question how capital is invested and to keep in mind that growth at all costs is no longer viable. The most efficient strategy will be to consolidate existing products and processes that deliver short-term results.

• What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

There is no better way to boost a company’s capabilities than to invest in technology and use it to innovate with purpose. We are living in a moment of democratisation of technology that allows smaller companies and entrepreneurs to access it at affordable prices. The great drivers of innovation in the financial sector and in the economy in general will continue to be artificial intelligence and machine learning, because they make it possible to draw conclusions and better meet the needs of users and companies based on data.

GOIKO, the hamburger chain with more than 100 restaurants in Spain

Andoni Goicochea is the founder of GOIKO, a Spanish gourmet hamburger brand that already has more than 100 establishments across Spain.

• What have you learned in 2022 and what are GOIKO’s plans for 2023?

Although the context is complicated, quality is non-negotiable and must be a priority; it is what keeps our customers falling in love with the brand. On the other hand, the company’s culture is a driving force internally and externally. It is essential to channel that energy so that it generates impact beyond the GOIKO environment.

• What challenges does the catering sector face in 2023?

Greater knowledge of the customer has been a challenge for some time and will be a determining factor. Another challenge is to take care of product innovation, technology and protocols that allow us to be more efficient. And finally, people make brands what they are. Therefore, it is necessary to retain existing talent and add new profiles.

• What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

A startup needs people who believe in the project and feel like it is their own to make it shine. Beginnings are always tough, but the driving force of each employee drives growth.

What will 2023 bring? The leaders of Jobandtalent, Colvin, Clara and GOIKO agree that this year’s technology trends can inspire innovation applied to each of the sectors. “The technology that will make the difference in the coming years is that which comes closer to solving people’s specific needs,” concludes Juan Urdiales, from Jobantalent. In a future full of opportunities, these unicorns and high-growth companies understand what is needed to continue growing: focusing on product development through artificial intelligence, working on corporate culture or pursuing a solid and sustainable business model will be key to continue growing. The aims, like the opportunities, are endless.