OpenPayd Founder: No Master Plan Needed to Start a Business

Ozan Ozerk, the founder of fintech company OpenPayd, argues that a meticulously crafted long-term plan is not a prerequisite for launching a successful business. Instead, he advises entrepreneurs to focus on addressing tangible problems and maintain flexibility to adapt as they gain insights and experience.

Drawing parallels between his experience as an emergency room doctor and leading a company, Ozerk highlights the importance of triage—prioritizing tasks and breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps. He stresses the value of data-driven decision-making over emotional responses, enabling founders to navigate uncertainty with objectivity.

When establishing OpenPayd, Ozerk initially concentrated on a specific pain point: businesses' difficulty in accessing ready-to-use bank accounts and financial infrastructure. This focused approach led to a deeper understanding of customer needs, prompting the company to expand its services to include payments and foreign exchange via a unified API, supporting over 1,200 clients globally.

Ozerk encourages founders to embrace agility and let go of rigid adherence to initial visions. He notes that the reality of the market often necessitates pivots. Crucially, he reminds entrepreneurs to ensure there is a market willing to pay for their service.