Travellers often face the unpleasant surprise of hefty roaming charges on their phone bills after a trip abroad. When exploring new countries, connectivity should be the least of your worries, but instead, you find yourself stressing over data plans that drain your wallet faster than a jet consumes fuel.
Enter the era of digital solutions, where a startup named Pocket eSIM waves a magic wand over this connectivity conundrum. Co-founded by a duo with a blend of business acumen and industrial engineering prowess, Eymen Özkan and Akif Enes Kütük turned their travel tribulations into a triumph for the roaming-weary traveller. They’ve harnessed the power of eSIM technology to offer a seamless, cost-effective internet lifeline worldwide.
While others in the telecommunication realm are still tangled in traditional models, Pocket eSIM has cut through the complexity with the ease of a digital scalpel, providing an affordable and straightforward setup process. This approach has not only won them a valuation of $5 million but also the loyalty of a thousand customers each month, witnessing a year-over-year growth of 50%.
We did an interview to find out how Pocket eSIM is charting a course through uncharted digital waters, making sure your connection to the world is just a tap away, without the fiscal shock waves.
What is Pocket eSIM?
Pocket eSIM is your passport to uninterrupted internet connectivity, minus the hefty roaming fees often accompanying international travel. Imagine landing in a new country and instantly connecting to the internet at local rates without swapping SIM cards or hunting for Wi-Fi. That’s the convenience Pocket eSIM brings to globetrotters and business travellers alike.
The service zeroes in on the hassle of staying connected abroad. With the advent of eSIM technology, they offer a digital solution that sidesteps the traditional SIM card dilemma. You get to enjoy a smooth internet experience without the usual financial sting, a win for anyone who’s ever faced the shock of a post-travel phone bill.
What sets Pocket eSIM apart is not just the ease of use but also its competitive pricing. They’ve streamlined the process, making it incredibly user-friendly: purchase, setup, and go. This simplicity, coupled with their commitment to keeping costs low, keeps travellers connected and content wherever their journey takes them.
Pocket eSIM Founders
Eymen Özkan and Akif Enes Kütük, the minds behind Pocket eSIM, didn’t just stumble upon the idea of transforming how we stay connected abroad; they lived through the very problem they now solve. With a business and industrial engineering background, Özkan and Kütük combined their expertise to chart a new course in the telecommunications industry.
Özkan, armed with a degree in business and a history of leading roles, brought a strategic vision to the table, while Kütük’s industrial engineering background and marketing savvy ensured that their solution would not only work well but also reach the right audience. Their shared experiences with the pains of international travel—sky-high roaming fees and unreliable connections—ignited the spark for Pocket eSIM.
The duo faced a steep learning curve in the startup’s nascent days. Without a dedicated software team or deep roots in the telecommunications sector, they relied on the support of friends to build a robust software backbone. Collaborations with Turkish telecom experts helped them navigate this unfamiliar terrain, ensuring that their venture was built on a foundation of industry knowledge.
The inspiration for Pocket eSIM came from personal frustration—a sentiment many travellers share. Özkan and Kütük’s entrepreneurial journey began with a problem they encountered firsthand, and their mission became clear: to keep travellers connected without the financial burden. Their story shows how personal challenges can lead to innovative solutions that resonate with a global audience.
Interview with Eymen Özkan, Co-Founder of Pocket eSIM
In the dynamic world of startups, it’s not every day that you come across a company that identifies a common pain point and presents a seamless solution. Pocket eSIM is one such startup, and I had the privilege of sitting down with Co-Founder Eymen Özkan to delve into the inner workings of their venture. Here’s the gist of our conversation, which sheds light on the ambition and strategy behind this innovative service.
Q: Can you tell us about the inception of Pocket eSIM and what drives your company?
A: Pocket eSIM emerged from our travel woes—expensive roaming charges and poor internet connections abroad. We’re driven by the vision of offering travellers a reliable and cost-effective way to stay connected worldwide, leveraging eSIM technology for seamless global coverage.
Q: What was the trajectory like in the early days of your startup?
A: Initially, we lacked a dedicated software team and deep telecommunications expertise. However, with the help of our friends and collaborations with Turkish telecom experts, we built a robust platform that serves our customers’ needs effectively.
Q: How does Pocket eSIM differentiate itself from other players in the market?
A: Our focus is on simplicity and affordability. We’ve streamlined the buying and setup process and pride ourselves on offering better prices and uninterrupted internet service.
Q: Has Pocket eSIM received any external funding, and what is your current valuation?
A: Yes, we’ve secured external funding. Our startup is currently valued at $5,000,000.
Q: Could you share some insights into your recent funding round and your financial growth?
A: We raised $300,000 in our recent funding round. Financially, we’re seeing a 50% year-on-year growth, earning around $6,000 monthly and serving approximately 1,000 customers.
Q: What future plans do you have for Pocket eSIM?
A: We’re looking to expand our presence in Europe and the Middle East this year, and we aim to reach customers in Asia and Australia in the near future.
Q: As an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to those looking to start their own business?
A: Start quickly and take action. Once you see your first revenue, your path becomes clearer. Stay agile and responsive to customer needs, and always aim to deliver value.
Q: Finally, are there any statistics or additional details you’d like to share with our readers?
A: The roaming market was valued at around $10 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow by 97% over the next five years. Our journey in telecommunications, a rare field for startups, involves a fully digital service with cutting-edge technology, ensuring we address problems swiftly and keep our customer demands low.
Pocket eSIM’s journey is a compelling narrative of how modern technology can be harnessed to solve age-old problems. It reminds us that sometimes, the best ideas come from our own experiences. Keep an eye on this startup as it continues to make waves in the world of travel connectivity.
Feedough’s Take on Pocket eSIM
Pocket eSIM is a game-changer for the modern traveller, offering a beacon of hope in the previously murky waters of international roaming fees. The startup’s commitment to simplicity and affordability is a breath of fresh air in a market that’s ripe for disruption. By leveraging eSIM technology, they’re not just solving a problem but are on the cusp of revolutionizing how we stay connected on the go.
The challenge will be maintaining this momentum and scaling up to meet the increasing demand for seamless global connectivity. Staying attuned to customer feedback and adapting to the ever-evolving tech landscape will be crucial as they expand into new territories. Expect Pocket eSIM to continue breaking barriers, offering travellers peace of mind and wallet-friendly solutions in the coming years.
A startup consultant, digital marketer, traveller, and philomath. Aashish has worked with over 20 startups and successfully helped them ideate, raise money, and succeed. When not working, he can be found hiking, camping, and stargazing.