⚡ Past Projects & Lessons Learned
Tandem Skydiving – Zanzibar
I was invited to become a shareholder and Director in a skydiving startup led by a group from Israel. Having previously worked as the Operations Manager at Skydive Zanzibar, I brought local experience and insight to the table. Initially offered 5% equity, I successfully negotiated equal shares and designed the business model, including a fair return structure once initial investments were recovered. Tragically, the venture was cut short when the pilot and tandem instructor died in a plane crash caused by low visibility and poor weather. It was a devastating loss, personally and professionally.
Paramotor Flights – Zanzibar
This was another aviation-based venture that showed early promise. We were preparing to launch powered paramotor flights in Zanzibar—an exciting niche with great potential. However, just before launch, my investor and partner chose to withdraw from the project to pursue a personal relationship in Italy. With no financial backing, the project had to be shelved.
Tuk Tuk Photo Booth – Zanzibar
This was a unique and creative venture where I converted a tuk tuk into a mobile photo booth, bringing a touch of nostalgic charm to modern events. It worked well at the start, creating memorable experiences for guests. However, operational challenges with unreliable staff, lack of tech-friendliness, poor punctuality, and improper care of delicate equipment made it unsustainable. I chose to pause the project rather than compromise on quality or sanity. I still own the booth and may revive it in a more suitable market in the future.
Each of these experiences taught me something invaluable—about people, partnerships, product-market fit, and the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. They’ve shaped how I approach new ventures today with clearer vision, stronger boundaries, and deeper focus.