Telmo Rodrigues Taipa is a testament to unwavering passion and relentless determination. Hailing from Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Telmo is a young visionary who has made his mark as the co-founder of the Disruption 23/24 start-up, Adeci.
Telmo’s entrepreneurial journey began at the tender age of 10, where he and his childhood friend, Helder Pereira (who would later become his co-founder in Adeci), embarked on their first business adventure – importing and selling clothing at his school’s football lockers. This early endeavour ignited their shared ambition and laid the foundation for Telmo’s entrepreneurship path.
Inspired by Robert Kiyosaki’ “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and authors such as Tony Robbins, Telmo’s interest in entrepreneurship deepened at 18. Despite pursuing a degree in Industrial and Management Engineering, Telmo was drawn towards practical work over academic pursuits. During his Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, he sought growth opportunities in various Operations and Supply Chain roles, approaching each job with an owner’s mindset. Telmo always sought fresh challenges and learning experiences, never hesitating to move on from a role when he felt stagnant.
Telmo’s parents, who were both full-time employees at the time, instilled in him the entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging him to pursue ventures he could call his own. This led to Telmo revisiting a university project where he identified a crucial market gap while developing a solution for a restaurant. Recognising the need for technical expertise, he enlisted the help of his friend Hélder, who had become an expert in computer science specialising in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Together, they crafted an algorithm capable of accurately forecasting sales, equipping restaurant owners with invaluable insights into their businesses’ future. This resulted in the birth of Adeci in April 2023.
However, the road to success was not without its bumps. After implementing the solution, Telmo eagerly approached restaurant owners, believing in the acceptance of their innovative product in the market. However, skepticism and challenges from experienced industry professionals, who relied on their intuition rather than technology, met him. These setbacks were draining but did not deter Telmo’s resolve.
With a relentless determination as his guiding principle, Telmo and Hélder secured a vital investment that not only served as a validation of their business venture but also as a means to accelerate Adeci’s growth and integration into restaurant software systems across Portugal. This success is evident in case studies, which showcase Adeci’s ability to drive sales growth and reduce operational costs across various restaurants. As Telmo continues to forge ahead in entrepreneurship, his story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring young visionaries, demonstrating that age is merely a number on the path to success.
