Latest Insights from Makman

You may have heard the term “TechCo” by now. It might sound like a buzzword to some, but we assure you, it isn’t. In fact, the term “TechCo” captures a vital and strategic evolution in the telecom industry.

TechCo—a Technology Company —is a telecom operator that leverages advanced technologies to enhance operational autonomy, create seamless customer experiences, and/or offer services well beyond basic connectivity.

TechCo is More Than Just Technology

While technology serves as the engine of the TechCo transformation, becoming a true TechCo demands a complete rethinking of mindset, culture, and operations. It is not enough to adopt digital tools; successful TechCos undergo a systemic shift that touches every layer of the organization.

TechCo organizations often share defining characteristics that set them apart, such as:

1. Customer-Centric Agility: TechCos are built around their customers. They rely on deep customer insights to refine products and services continuously, aiming for seamless, personalized experiences. Internal silos are dismantled in favor of alignment around customer value.
2. Innovative Talent and Culture: Innovation is cultivated within cultures that reward experimentation and embrace learning. TechCos attract multidisciplinary talent and foster environments where failing fast is viewed as a key driver of progress.
   Research shows Telcos are lagging behind not only in digital capabilities but also in employee value proposition—scoring 8% lower on average than consumer tech companies, which TechCos aim to emulate, in Glassdoor reviews, particularly in culture and values. This gap weakens their ability to attract the digital-native talent essential to meet rising customer demands (McKinsey 2024).
3. Agile Operating Models: Cross-functional teams, rapid iteration cycles, and outcome-based metrics enable TechCos to adapt quickly to emerging needs and market shifts.
4. Ecosystem-Oriented Partnerships: Rather than going it alone, TechCos flourish through strategic partnerships—with startups, hyperscalers, and others—expanding their capabilities and market reach.
5. New Revenue Models: Moving beyond traditional connectivity services, TechCos develop high-margin, recurring offerings such as platforms, cloud-based services, and other digital solutions.

TechCo is A Strategic Imperative

Transformation to TechCo is no longer optional; it has become a matter of survival in today’s rapidly evolving market landscape. When current business conditions can no longer sustain growth, organizations must be ready to imagine—and build—entirely new ways of operating.

Let us illustrate the urgency of the shift using a simple SWOT that you and your team can build on and maybe present to your management:

Opportunities:

• 5G as an Enabler: The deployment of 5G opens the door to scalable IoT, AI, and automation, setting the stage for smart cities, connected healthcare, and other next-gen services.
• Revenue Growth: Digital-first telecoms are already achieving extraordinary growth, far outpacing their traditional counterparts. The TechCo model paves the way for more sustainable and diversified revenue streams.

Threats:

• Market Saturation: Connectivity alone is no longer enough. Without meaningful reinvention, growth will stagnate—and OTT platforms will continue eroding legacy revenue streams.
• Rising Customer Expectations: Today’s customers expect comprehensive digital solutions, not just voice calls and Internet access. Those who fail to meet this demand will inevitably be replaced by those who can.

We’ll leave assessing your company’s Strengths and Weaknesses that complete the SWOT to you and your team, as they are very specific to each company, but the broader direction is clear: the future belongs to the TechCo model.

A Smarter Path Toward TechCo

The path to becoming a TechCo can be daunting. Traditional transformation methods often rely on high-risk, multi-year programs or large-scale acquisitions. These “big bang” efforts frequently fall short due to cultural mismatches, integration challenges, or sheer complexity. A more pragmatic approach is gaining traction with Makman’s clients: Minimum Viable Transformation (MVT). Borrowed from startup thinking, MVT offers a low-risk, high-impact alternative.

Here’s how:

Rather than overhauling the entire organization at once, MVT begins with launching a small but fully functional pilot environment of the future TechCo. This internal pilot tests critical assumptions, delivers quick wins, and guides the broader transformation roadmap through real-world learning.

Makman’s client, HLC, provides a compelling example of this methodology in action. HLC’s journey toward Zero-Touch Operations followed a phased approach—beginning with a proof of concept, evolving into a pilot phase, and eventually scaling toward full deployment. This structured pathway enabled the organization to learn, adapt, and reduce risk at every stage.

“Makman has been an invaluable partner in our transformation journey. Their unique Minimum Viable Transformation (MVT) approach allowed us to move quickly from strategy to execution, delivering tangible results while keeping our long-term vision in focus.”

– Mr. Ahmed Jarallah, Chief Strategy Officer, HLC.

The Bottom Line: It’s Time to Act!

TechCo transformation is no longer a distant vision—it is an existential imperative. Inaction carries greater risk than calculated forward movement. Yet, transformation need not be massive to be meaningful. With MVT, organizations can move deliberately, learn continuously, and build momentum with each step.

Experience the Journey

Before embarking on your MVT to TechCo, your organization can gain firsthand insight through a multi-week MVT Simulation Workshop. This structured program guides key stakeholders through the process of designing and executing a “minimum viable TechCo” within their context.

The first step is often the hardest—take it now. Reach out to begin your transformation into TechCo.