Startup Life on the Road: Lessons Learned Traveling for a Year

The Unexpected Benefits of Remote Work for Startup Founders

The daily life of a startup founder is rarely characterized by relaxation. Extended working hours are standard, and personal time off is often limited. A startup is a significant undertaking, demanding consistent attention and effort around the clock.

What, then, occurs when unforeseen circumstances, such as a global pandemic, necessitate office closures and a widespread transition to remote operations? Surprisingly, positive outcomes can emerge.

From Discussion to Reality: Embracing a Nomadic Lifestyle

For several years, my business partner and I – typically located in Paris – contemplated adopting a more nomadic lifestyle. The idea involved spending several months in various cities before relocating. Initially, our respective roles in customer support and software development appeared conducive to remote work.

However, upon co-founding our company, these plans were temporarily shelved. We already had a small team working remotely, but the complete shutdown of our Paris office in March 2020 prompted some initial concern among our staff.

Productivity Remains Constant During Transition

Interestingly, productivity levels remained unaffected by the shift to remote work. In fact, inbound sales inquiries experienced a substantial increase – within a couple of weeks of the pandemic's declaration, our leads grew tenfold.

We successfully onboarded numerous new employees while operating entirely remotely, effectively doubling the company's size to over 150 individuals now distributed across 17 countries.

Revisiting the Possibility of Location Independence

Once operations stabilized at a faster pace, my partner revisited the idea of a nomadic lifestyle. If remote work was already the norm, what difference would it make whether that work was performed from a nearby location or another country?

The logic was sound: the physical office was no longer a requirement, and remote work was already universally practiced within the team.

Establishing Criteria for Successful Remote Living

We collaboratively established specific criteria for selecting locations. Firstly, any chosen location needed to be within one or two time zones of Paris to facilitate seamless communication. Secondly, accommodations had to provide reliable, high-speed internet access and dedicated workspaces, or convenient access to cafés or coworking facilities.

Finally, I determined a need to return to Paris every four to six weeks to alleviate any anxieties associated with prolonged absence.

Testing the Waters in Iceland

We began with a one-month trial in Iceland, working from an Airbnb offering stunning mountain views. We maintained our regular work hours and conducted meetings via video conferencing, mirroring our practices in Paris.

The primary difference lay in the opportunity to explore and experience new environments during breaks from work. During a video call with an investor from Iceland, he noted the scenic backdrop and expressed no concern about my location, emphasizing that company growth was the sole priority.

Expanding the Experiment: Barcelona, Greece, and Beyond

The success of the Iceland trip led to a commitment to continue this lifestyle for a year. Following a brief return to Paris, we relocated to Barcelona for two months, then to Greece. Currently, I am in Paris for a week before departing for Amsterdam.

Future plans include visits to Scotland, Sweden, and Norway.

Maintaining Focus on Work While Exploring

It’s important to note that we don’t view this as a perpetual vacation. Both my partner and I continue to work demanding hours, prioritizing work while maximizing our leisure time.

Advice for Aspiring Digital Nomads

If you're considering a similar arrangement, here's some advice:

• Time Zone Alignment: Prioritize locations within a similar time zone to your primary office to minimize disruption to team schedules.
• Internet Reliability: Thoroughly verify internet quality at every destination. We consistently request speed test screenshots from Airbnb hosts and proactively identify local coworking spaces as backup options.
• Professional Attire: Dress as if you were commuting to a traditional office to maintain a professional mindset.
• Consistent Routine: Adhere to your established work schedule, including wake-up times and breaks.
• Minimalist Toolkit: Streamline your remote work essentials. I now rely on a laptop, a foldable stand, a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and noise-canceling headphones. Reduce cable clutter and minimize unnecessary equipment.

The New Normal: Asynchronous Communication and Global Collaboration

In the technology sector, the traditional 9-to-5 workday is increasingly uncommon. Constant connectivity and collaboration with international customers, colleagues, and investors are the norm. Asynchronous communication has become standard practice.

Even before the pandemic, we had team members and investors in various countries whom I had never met in person.

Growth and Success in a Remote Environment

Over the past year, with a predominantly remote workforce, we have doubled our headcount and nearly doubled our revenue. We also successfully secured $30 million in funding entirely through email and video conferencing.

The Evolving Role of the Physical Office

Our Paris office has reopened, but its function has evolved. It now operates as a coworking space, accommodating up to 30 individuals. Employees can reserve space as needed, with an emphasis on collaboration and social interaction.

During my visits to Paris, I utilize the office for meetings, but I often continue working from apartments throughout the city.