Every great business starts with an idea. That spark of inspiration is when you see a gap in the market or a problem that needs solving. But an idea alone isn’t enough. Success requires funding, guidance, and—most importantly—execution.
That’s where platforms like Jama Levova, Slovak version of Dragon’s Den, make a difference. Entrepreneurs step onto the stage, pitching their ideas to seasoned investors who have the power to take their businesses to the next level. Some walk away with the investment they need. Others leave with a hard lesson about what it really takes to succeed. Either way, the experience is invaluable.
Slovak Telekom proudly sponsored the show because great businesses need more than just a chance — they need the right tools to grow.
What ‘Jama Levova’ teaches us about startup success
Every episode is a crash course in entrepreneurship. Some founders walk in prepared, with a solid team, a clear value proposition, and data-backed validation. Others struggle when faced with tough questions. Investors don’t just look for good ideas—they look for execution, resilience, and adaptability.
A great example is Tatiana Ondrejková, founder of Pelican Travel. She built her company, successfully scaled it, and navigated the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis. Instead of sticking to one business model, she adapted, expanded, and thrived. Now, as an investor on Jama Levova, she helps other entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes she once had to learn the hard way.
My view on three critical factors for a startup’s success
1) The right team matters more than a great idea
Investors don’t just fund ideas—they fund people. A strong, honest, and adaptable founding team is more important than a perfect business plan.
2) Test your idea early — before you build
A breakthrough product doesn’t mean much if no one needs it. Many startups fail because they assume demand instead of validating it.
3) Adapt, learn and keep evolving
Markets change. Customer needs shift. Technology advances. The businesses that succeed are the ones that never stop learning.
Lessons from my own mentoring experience
Over the years, I’ve mentored few entrepreneurs navigating these same challenges. One lesson stands out: a great opportunity can still be a bad deal if you don’t do your homework.
📉 Market validation is everything. I’ve seen promising ideas fail. Not because they weren’t innovative, but because they were tested with the wrong audience. Too often, startups rely on feedback from colleagues and friends who don’t want to discourage them. However, real success comes from testing with actual customers and adjusting based on honest insights.
🚧 Acquiring a business? Do your homework. One entrepreneur I worked with had the chance to acquire a small company. On the surface, it looked like a smart move. But without technical due diligence, the deal could have turned into a financial disaster, with hidden system issues requiring significant additional investment.
Respect for those who dare to create value
Entrepreneurship isn’t about having the best idea. It’s about resilience, execution, and making wise decisions in uncertainty. Jama Levova proves that great businesses aren’t just discovered; they are built.
Slovak Telekom is proud to support those who take the leap, providing sponsorship and the digital backbone needed for success.
