In a recent discussion, Ivan Montik, the founder of SOFTSWISS, reflected on the journey of the company and its significant growth over the years. What began as a startup has evolved into a substantial global enterprise.
"Today, SOFTSWISS is a large-scale global business that stands firmly on its own feet," Montik stated. He highlighted the company’s transformation into a mature B2B organization with a diverse product ecosystem and established leadership teams. Unlike its early days filled with uncertainty, SOFTSWISS now has a solid foundation and international presence.
Montik expressed pride in the fact that despite the expansion, the company has retained the flexibility that was essential during its initial growth phase. "We continue to look for new management approaches, rethink the way we operate and adapt to changes in the market," he explained. Maintaining the agility of a startup while achieving size and stability is one of the key distinctions Montik notes between the early days and the present.
Looking at the industry, Montik identified a crucial shift. "For many years, people talked about online gaming as something new, modern and mainly aimed at younger, more tech-savvy audiences. Today, the reality is very different. iGaming is a major industry… It has become a significant part of the global economy," he remarked. He indicated that the narrative of online gaming as a new niche is fading as the sector matures and integrates new opportunities, such as the rise of prediction markets—an area that just a few years ago was largely unrecognized.
Montik projected that successful companies in iGaming five years from now will share a key trait: flexibility. He pointed to challenges in other industries as cautionary tales and underscored the need for large organizations to remain responsive despite their growth. "You grow, you become bigger, you become more stable – but at the same time, you have to make sure you don’t lose the ability to move fast," he said. Montik cited SOFTSWISS's launch of a prediction market solution as an example of the quick decision-making and execution crucial for keeping pace in the industry.
As SOFTSWISS prepares for future growth, Montik emphasized that business results are paramount. With the iGaming market currently growing at around 10% per year, successful companies must strive for higher growth through innovation and expansion. Montik aims for SOFTSWISS to achieve at least 20% annual profit growth, ideally reaching around 30%, as a means of actively shaping the market rather than merely participating in it. "Ultimately, our growth is closely tied to our clients' growth," he added, acknowledging the company's role as a technology partner that supports operators in regulated markets.
Montik hopes that a closer look at SOFTSWISS reveals a company committed to strong technology and infrastructure for the iGaming sector. However, he also wants to highlight the professionals behind the products. He remarked, "We’ve always had our own professional mindset and our own standards for how things should be done." He underscored the importance of pride in the work, whether it relates to products, services, or client relationships.
In essence, Montik portrays SOFTSWISS as a dedicated organization focused on quality and customer satisfaction, emphasizing that the heart of the company lies in its people and their commitment to excellence.
