"We were the first to launch a crypto gaming platform and played a crucial role in convincing the market of its potential"

SOFTSWISS, a global tech company, celebrated its 15th anniversary this week, marking a milestone in a journey filled with achievements, hard work, and invaluable lessons. Ivan Montik, the Founder of SOFTSWISS, and Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer, uncovered their stories of triumphs and wisdom gained along the way.

Which of the company's achievements do you consider the most significant for the industry as a whole?

Ivan Montik: We've pioneered a new paradigm in the iGaming business by introducing crypto casinos. Not only were we the first to launch a platform for crypto gaming, but we also played a crucial role in convincing market participants of its potential. We supported the implementation of cryptocurrency regulations, aiding both regulators and the major market players at the time.

While we didn't enter the market first, our superior service and technical expertise have positioned us as a key player, promoting positive change. By fostering healthy competition, we've gained significant respect throughout the industry.

Our commitment is to improve the industry by making it more transparent, honest, and responsible. We see our mission in transforming gambling into a credible and enjoyable form of entertainment.

Ivan Montik

Definitely, the world of iGaming could never be the same again after introducing crypto-friendly solutions. But could you please share a key lesson learned from a situation where things didn't go as planned?

Ivan Montik: When we started as an outsourcing company, we had a client from Switzerland who, after we developed an auction platform, couldn't pay for it. Rather than abandoning the project, we kept the rights to the product and started selling similar auction platforms ourselves. This event sparked our interest in the iGaming industry.

Another pivotal moment was when my partner and I considered selling the business. In 2016, we hoped to get 10 million euros from a buyer, but the offer was less than we wanted. Disappointed, we turned it down.

Looking back, that decision was a blessing. If we had sold the business, we wouldn’t have the amazing results, incredible team, and innovative products we have today. The key lesson? Believe in yourself and your vision, even when things don't go as planned.

Valentina Bagniya

Valentina, please share a landmark successful case from your career.

Valentina Bagniya: I believe my entire career is a success story.

Of course, I've had my fair share of failures and successes, and I’m sure there will be plenty more of both. The key is not to get stuck on the failures but to learn from them. The best thing about any failure is that it makes you smarter and more experienced.

One of the proudest moments of my time at SOFTSWISS has been transforming the marketing function into a vital driver of business growth. Over just a few years, I've watched the marketing department evolve into a full-fledged in-house agency that handles all our iGaming brand promotion needs.

In my first year at SOFTSWISS, we made significant strides in brand positioning. According to customer research by Kantar, our key brand messages became closely associated with the SOFTSWISS name. For over three consecutive years, SOFTSWISS has held the number one position in media presence, and our brand awareness has grown fivefold.

Last year, our team celebrated winning three marketing awards, including the prestigious Brand Idol of the Year. We revolutionized iGaming marketing with dynamic campaigns like 'Bringing the Heat' and 'Grab Success.' These campaigns made a lasting impact on the iGaming audience and secured the B2B Marketing Campaign of the Year award at the esteemed EGR M&I Awards for SOFTSWISS two years in a row.

Please share a significant lesson learned when things didn't go according to plan.

The biggest lesson I've learned in my career is that no matter how experienced or skilled you are, you can't succeed alone. If you don't involve your team, get your colleagues on board, and help them believe in your goals, things will go off track. Even if everything seems to go according to plan, it won't truly be your plan without their support.