Can you give us a potted history of the evolution of EasyTap?

EasyTap was born out of a simple but powerful realisation: traditional business cards no longer matched the way people connect in a digital-first world. The idea struck me at a networking event in London when I noticed how quickly paper cards were discarded and how much time was wasted manually entering details. I thought: if we can tap a card to pay, why can’t we tap to share information?

That insight became the foundation of EasyTap: an NFC-powered smart card and mobile app designed to make networking seamless and memorable. The mission was also environmental - every year, over 10 billion business cards are printed in the US alone, with 88% thrown away within a week. That represents around 500,000 trees cut annually for something that ends up in the bin. EasyTap set out to offer a smarter, greener alternative.

What began as a student project quickly grew into a promising start-up. I went from testing prototypes to launching on Amazon, where EasyTap became a Best Seller, and eventually reached the global top three in the digital business card category on the Google Play Store.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. In the early stages, I had to completely rebuild the business after a major setback with a co-founder, and later I fought a trademark battle that nearly forced a rebrand. These experiences were tough, but they ultimately strengthened the product, the team, and my own resilience as a founder.

Along the way, EasyTap partnered with organisations such as the United Nations FAO, which used our solution at the World Food Forum as a sustainable alternative to paper cards and flyers. I was also lucky to build an incredible team with my COO, Thomas Ricci (MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management 2024). More than 50 students and professionals contributed to EasyTap at different stages, from product development to marketing. We secured competitive startup funding, including grants from Santander Bank UK, and received media exposure on outlets such as RTL, Sky, national radio, and TV.

By January 2025, after nearly four years of growth, EasyTap was acquired by a Dubai-based company with the resources to take it to the next level. For me, it was more than just an exit - it was proof that an idea born from a small frustration could grow into a solution with real global impact.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt on your entrepreneurial journey?

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that failure is not the opposite of success - it’s part of the process. What defines you as an entrepreneur is not how many times you get it right, but how you respond when things go wrong. EasyTap only became what it was because of the problems I faced along the way.

I had to rebuild the business from scratch after a co-founder setback and nearly lost everything to a trademark battle. At the time, those moments felt devastating. But looking back, they were the turning points. They forced me to question assumptions, improve the product, and push myself further than I thought possible. If I had walked away when things got tough, EasyTap would have just been another forgotten idea from a networking event.

What was the most rewarding experience of your time at EasyTap?

The most rewarding moments weren’t when EasyTap hit revenue targets or when the acquisition papers were signed - they were when people told me how EasyTap had changed their lives. I had interns who later used their experience with us to launch their own startups, others who gained admission into world-class universities, and some who landed roles at global firms like Goldman Sachs. Knowing that EasyTap was a stepping stone in their journey is something I’m deeply proud of.

I’ll also never forget the messages I received from users who said the app helped them secure new jobs or partnerships. That’s when it hit me: EasyTap wasn’t just about replacing business cards - it was about giving people a simple tool to create real opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business?

My advice is to start before you feel ready. Too many people wait for the perfect idea, the perfect timing, or the perfect team - but none of that exists. EasyTap started from noticing a small inefficiency at a networking event, and I figured it out step by step.

Also, don’t try to do it all alone. EasyTap only survived because I asked for help - whether it was mentors, professors, or students. Your network is your greatest strength.

You studied at Imperial, while also running your business. How did you manage to juggle everything?

Honestly, it wasn’t easy. There were weeks when I felt like I was living two full-time lives - studying late into the night and then waking up early to work on EasyTap. What helped me was being clear about priorities and organising my calendar with discipline. I knew both my MSc and EasyTap mattered, so I treated every hour as valuable. I also learned to delegate more. Looking back, I don’t think I ever “balanced” it perfectly - I simply embraced the intensity. It was one of the hardest years of my life, but also the one that taught me the most about discipline, resilience, and how far you can go when you truly believe in what you’re building.

What influence did your time at Imperial have on your career?

Imperial gave me much more than just academic knowledge - it gave me credibility, confidence, and a network. Being part of one of the top universities in the world opened doors that I don’t think would have been accessible otherwise. Whether it was partnering with organisations or negotiating during the EasyTap exit, having Imperial on my CV made people take me more seriously given my young age.

Beyond that, the environment itself was inspiring. Being surrounded by ambitious students and professors with real-world experience pushed me to raise my own standards. It wasn’t just about learning finance or economics in the classroom - it was about being in a culture where innovation and ambition were the norm.

Now you have sold EasyTap, what is next for you?

Right now, my focus is on growing my second company, Fastech. I first launched it as a small consulting project, and today it has grown into a digital strategy firm working with over 50 clients worldwide - from startups to global companies like Benefit Cosmetics (part of LVMH). We’ve already helped launch campaigns that went viral, such as the “15 Second Brow Challenge”, which reached over 3 million views.

With Fastech, my goal is to combine creativity, technology, and strategy to help brands build a powerful digital presence. The vision is to keep expanding globally while pushing further into areas like AI.

And of course, I’m always happy to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and students - feel free to reach out on LinkedIn if you’d like advice or just a chat.