Please, introduce yourself and your business.
I’m Carwan Rasoal, the founder and CEO of Genvalues, a tech employer branding platform dedicated to connecting impact tech companies with engineers who share their values and principles.
Genvalues is all about promoting sustainable growth and innovation by aligning company missions with passionate talent. We help tech-for-good companies stand out in a competitive market and attract top engineers committed to making a positive impact on the world.
How did you start your business?
The idea for Genvalues emerged from my frustration with traditional employment and my passion for creating products that people love. After working in various hardware and software roles, I realized the disconnect between tech-for-good companies and the new generation of workforce.
This realization drove me to create a platform where sustainable companies could showcase their values and attract like-minded engineers. I validated the concept through continuous feedback and iterations, eventually launching Genvalues.
How much revenue was your best year?
In our best year so far, Genvalues achieved an MRR of $14k. With a subscription-based model and additional success fees for hires, our margins are strong, allowing us to reinvest in growth and improve our platform.
When did you notice traction when building your business? The “Oh S**t!” moment, what did that feel like?
The "Oh S**t!" moment came when we started getting recognition and accolades, such as winning the 2023 Innovation Company of The Year.
The sudden influx of interest from both companies and engineers validated our efforts and vision. It felt exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time, knowing that our idea was not only viable but also impactful.
What was your childhood like? Were you slinging candy on the playground?
I was always busy with selling and buying stuff, making lots of money since I was 9. Early in life, I learned to enjoy sales and work hard. I got used to getting rejected and understood that rejection was the default state when selling.
What has been your best marketing marketing channel?
LinkedIn has been our best marketing channel. Our target audience is very active there, and by leveraging our network and seeking introductions, we’ve been able to connect with both engineers and companies effectively.
How many attempts at building something did you make before you found what you’re working on now? Did you always have an entrepreneurial drive?
Before Genvalues, I made several attempts at building different products and services. Each attempt taught me valuable lessons and refined my entrepreneurial skills.
Yes, I've always had an entrepreneurial drive, even from a young age when I was involved in various small ventures. BUt Genvalues is definitely the largest one.
What is your biggest overhead expense?
My salary is the biggest overhead expense. I ensure that most of our resources are reinvested into the growth and development of Genvalues.
What’s the most important skill you’ve learned?
The most important skill I’ve learned is the combination of marketing, business, and sales. Understanding how to position our platform, attract the right audience, and convert leads into customers has been crucial for our success.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when first starting your business?
I wish I knew the value of seeking out and talking to experts in the field before diving into product development. Early critical feedback can save a lot of time and resources, making the journey more efficient.
What’s a big problem you’ve faced as a business owner and what were the emotions behind it?
One of the biggest problems I faced was dealing with the uncertainty of success. Growing up in a war zone made me comfortable with uncertainty, but applying that to business required resilience and a growth mindset.
The emotions ranged from stress and anxiety to excitement and determination. Overcoming these challenges reinforced my belief in our mission and the impact we could make.
What is your best advice for someone who feels completely stuck?
My best advice is to start by identifying a problem you are passionate about solving. Surround yourself with ambitious peers, seek mentorship, and don't be afraid to experiment and fail. Use each failure as a learning opportunity. Take action and iterate quickly. Building a business requires resilience, flexibility, and the willingness to learn continuously.
You can find more about Carwan on his,
Website: https://genvalues.com/
And X profile: https://twitter.com/CarwanRasoal
