Starting (Co-Founding) NexusWave Technologies Inc. in 2024 in Canada has been a journey of resilience, teamwork, and transformation. It wasn’t my first business venture—I’ve had multiple experiences in law and tech industries in both Iran and the USA. Yet, after facing significant failures, I found myself on the edge: no money, no energy, and little hope. Starting over felt daunting, but this time, I wasn’t alone. I co-founded NexusWave with my friend Shahab, and together, we embarked on this incredible journey.
Here are the 10 lessons we’ve learned in our first year.
Lesson 1: Team Up with the Right Partner
No one can do everything alone. Shahab became more than a co-founder; he was the right partner at the right time. His expertise in networking and marketing, combined with his heartwarming friendship and unwavering trust in me, was instrumental in building NexusWave. Shahab also initially invested in the company, which showed his deep commitment.
This experience taught me that success isn’t about doing it all yourself. It’s about finding someone who complements your strengths and shares your vision.
Key takeaway: You can’t build something significant alone. Find the right partner who believes in you.
Lesson 2: Find That First Reliable Client
Our first actual client, Babak, wasn’t just a project; he became a lifelong friend. It’s funny looking back—we lived on the same floor for a year and barely exchanged a word. Shahab’s networking bridged the gap, and when Babak trusted us with a large-scale project, it wasn’t just the start of our company’s growth—it was the start of something much deeper.
Today, even though we’re in two different countries, Babak and I are still in touch regularly. We catch up on life, work, and everything in between. He’s not just someone who helped us professionally; he’s someone I genuinely look up to and am proud to call a friend.
Key takeaway: The first client is crucial, but sometimes they can become so much more. Build trust, and nurture the relationship, and you might gain not only a valuable partner but also a true friend.
Lesson 3: Think Outside the Box
Bahar Eslami, a social media influencer in the fashion industry, became a surprising and valuable connection. Who would have thought a lawyer and programmer could have common ground with an expert in the marketing and fashion industry (two totally different worlds!)? Shahab’s networking led to this opportunity through Babak, showing me how collaboration across industries opens doors to fresh ideas and perspectives.
Now, Bahar and I are close friends, consistently working together on various projects. Our professional relationship has grown into something much deeper—a professional partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual learning.
Key takeaway: Break the ice, be willing to learn from anyone, and embrace unexpected opportunities. Relationships can lead to ongoing collaborations.
Lesson 4: The Power of Networking
Networking isn’t just about meeting people; it’s about building genuine, professional relationships. Through Shahab’s efforts and connections like Babak and Bahar, we expanded our client base and established a reputation. But networking alone doesn’t guarantee success; it’s what you do with those connections that matter.
Key takeaway: Network professionally, consistently, and always offer value first.
Lesson 5: Build Trust, Work Hard
Forget the “work smart, not hard” mantra when starting out. There are no shortcuts in the beginning. For months, Shahab and I sacrificed sleep, finances, and personal time to push NexusWave forward. Hard work isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of trust and quality.
One night in particular stands out. I was in the office at 2 a.m., surrounded by empty coffee cups and endless lines of code, my mind racing with doubts. Would this project be enough to pay the bills? Would the client be satisfied? These nights weren’t rare; they were the norm. But every small success—every “thank you” from a client or a project delivered on time—made it worth it.
Key takeaway: In the beginning, hard work and sacrifice are non-negotiable.
Lesson 6: Silence, Rejection, and Persistence
Before earning money, we completed multiple projects for free, hoping for a response from potential clients. Most didn’t even reply. It was humbling when our first paid project brought in just $425 CAD, but it was a start. I remember holding that check and laughing with Shahab—it wasn’t much, but it felt like a milestone. Slowly, we went from negative to break-even and eventually turned positive after 10 months of persistence.
Key takeaway: Success takes time and perseverance. Don’t give up.
Lesson 7: Risk It and Expand
With growing clients and projects, we faced the challenge of scaling. We reinvested earnings into tools and expanded our services. Initially, this created a backlash as it affected the quality of existing services, but our clients’ trust kept us afloat. Scaling was risky but essential for long-term growth.
There were moments of doubt—times when I wondered if we had expanded too quickly. But Shahab’s confidence and the trust of our clients pushed us to keep going, and eventually, the risk paid off.
Key takeaway: Take calculated risks and reinvest in growth, even if it’s uncomfortable at first.
Lesson 8: Work WITH Clients, Not FOR Them
Clients aren’t just customers—they’re partners. At NexusWave, we’ve never locked clients into long-term contracts. Instead, we focus on delivering value and building deep relationships. When clients see you care about their success as much as your own, loyalty follows.
One of our clients told us, “It feels like you’re part of our team, not just a service provider.” That’s the highest compliment we could receive.
Key takeaway: Treat your clients’ business as your own and build trust through quality work.
Lesson 9: Embrace the Struggles
The first year wasn’t easy. There were dark moments, painful thoughts, and sleepless nights. Overthinking, regret, and stress were constant companions. I can vividly recall nights sitting in the silence of the office, hearing only the hum of the computer and my own heartbeat. The stress felt suffocating at times, but it also fueled my determination to push through.
These struggles taught me resilience. They reminded me that growth comes from facing challenges head-on, no matter how difficult.
Key takeaway: Life can be hard, but perseverance leads to growth. Keep moving forward.
Lesson 10: Be Thankful
Gratitude has been one of the most important lessons of all. I’m thankful for Shahab, Babak, Bahar, and everyone who supported us. Even those who were toxic or unappreciative taught me valuable lessons. I’ve learned to appreciate the good, let go of the bad, and focus on what truly matters.
I’m also grateful to myself—for not giving up when it seemed impossible, for pushing forward when it felt unbearable, and for believing in this vision even in the darkest times.
Key takeaway: Be thankful for the journey and the people who shape it—both positively and negatively.
Conclusion
Reflecting on NexusWave’s first year, I realize that every lesson, struggle, and relationship has been a stepping stone to where we are now. This journey wasn’t just about building a business; it was about growing as individuals and as a team.
To anyone embarking on a similar path, I hope these lessons resonate and inspire you to push forward, build meaningful connections, and never stop learning. NexusWave is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
