Today we sit with Moossa Alavi, Founder and driving force behind TechBot, a fast-growing ERP solutions company specializing in Odoo implementations. Based in Dubai, Moossa’s journey from the creative chaos of the advertising and signage industry to the structured world of enterprise resource planning is a story of insight, grit, and bold reinvention. With a deep understanding of how businesses operate on the ground and a passion for digital efficiency, Moossa’s vision is to make ERP solutions intuitive, human-centered, and results-driven.

TechBot is on a mission to simplify ERP for businesses of all sizes. They provide end-to-end Odoo ERP implementation, helping clients streamline operations, automate workflows, and make better decisions through smart, scalable technology. Known for their tailored approach and strong client relationships, TechBot stands out in a crowded field by putting business understanding before technical complexity.

TFS: What inspired you to enter the world of ERP solutions, and what was your career path before TechBot?

Moossa: Before TechBot, I spent more than a decade running a signage and advertising business. It was a hands-on, fast-paced environment—full of creativity, but also full of operational chaos. As the business grew, I started noticing cracks: delays due to poor tracking, miscommunication between departments, missed opportunities because we didn’t have the right data at the right time. I tried using software tools, but most were either too generic or too complicated for our specific needs.

That’s when I realized—many businesses like mine, especially in traditional sectors, struggle not because of a lack of effort, but because they lack systems. I started exploring ERP solutions and discovered Odoo. I was fascinated by its flexibility and modularity. Slowly, a new vision formed: what if I could help other businesses avoid the inefficiencies I had faced for years. That’s how TechBot was born—out of real-world pain, and a desire to bring clarity and control into business operations.

TFS: Looking back, what was the biggest risk you took in your entrepreneurial journey, and was it worth it?

Moossa: Starting TechBot was not just a business decision—it was an emotional leap. I was already running a full-time signage business, which had its own demands. Starting a tech venture alongside that was risky. But the bigger risk came in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world was full of uncertainty, and people were holding on to what was safe and familiar.

Friends and family asked me if I’d lost my mind. They said, “Now’s not the time to start something new.” But deep down, I felt it was the right time. The pandemic exposed how much businesses needed better systems to survive. I trusted my gut, and I trusted the value of what we were building.

Today, looking back, that risk was not only worth it—it was probably the best decision of my life. It taught me that timing is less about the world and more about your own clarity and conviction.

TFS: Can you recall a defining moment in your journey where you knew TechBot was going to succeed?

Moossa: Absolutely. There was a client—an SME—that had been struggling to keep their operations in sync. We implemented a full Odoo ERP solution for them, and within a few months, they started seeing real results: smoother inventory management, faster invoicing, better team coordination.

One day, out of the blue, that client referred us to three of their peers. No sales pitch, no push—they just said, “These guys fixed our operations, and you should talk to them.” That moment hit me hard. It was validation that we weren’t just doing software—we were delivering transformation. That referral, simple as it was, was a turning point. It proved we were on the right track.

TFS: As a leader, what’s one habit or mindset that has helped you navigate challenges in business?

Moossa: For me, it’s the mindset of strategic patience and tactical urgency. I always keep a long-term view—I think in five-year visions—but I act fast in the short term. When there’s a challenge, I don’t panic. I try to extract the lesson from it, even if it’s uncomfortable.

This mindset helped me especially during the early days of TechBot, when we had tight budgets and limited resources. Instead of rushing into big decisions, I focused on small but meaningful wins—one client at a time, one feature at a time. And whenever something went wrong, instead of blaming others or the market, I asked, “What can I do better next time?”

TFS: If you weren’t in the ERP industry, what other business or field would you have explored?

Moossa: I would be in teaching or mentoring, without a doubt. I’ve always enjoyed breaking down complex things and making them simple for others. Whether it’s tech, business, or even mindset development—I love seeing someone’s eyes light up when they finally get something.

Maybe one day, I’ll launch a mentorship program or a business school for young entrepreneurs. There’s so much knowledge that never gets shared in textbooks—especially the emotional and practical side of running a business. I’d love to pass that on.

TFS: What was the most unexpected challenge in launching TechBot, and how did you overcome it?

Moossa: Hiring. That was one area I underestimated. ERP is not like typical software development. It requires a hybrid skillset—people who can understand both business logic and technology architecture. It’s not easy to find talent that can do both.

We struggled with this at first. But instead of complaining about the talent gap, we decided to build it ourselves. We created internal training programs, mentored fresh graduates, and built a culture of continuous learning. Today, I’m proud to say our team doesn’t just execute—they think, contribute, and innovate.

TFS: How do you maintain a balance between customization and efficiency when designing ERP solutions for clients?

Moossa: This is a common trap in ERP projects—trying to build everything the client asks for. But we’ve learned that just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s useful. Too much customization can actually make the system fragile and hard to maintain.

We follow a principle: give the client what they need, not everything they want. We guide them toward industry best practices, and help them focus on features that truly add value. It’s not always easy, but it results in systems that are lean, effective, and sustainable.

TFS: What’s one lesson from your entrepreneurial journey that you believe every startup founder should know?

Moossa: You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. I see so many people waiting for the “perfect time” or trying to plan every detail. But business is not a school project. It’s a living journey. Clarity comes through action.

Start small, stay focused, and learn as you go. The path will reveal itself if you keep moving forward with intention and openness.

TFS: How do you personally define success for TechBot beyond financial growth?

Moossa: When a client tells us, “You made our business easier,” that’s success. When a team member says, “I feel proud to be part of this company,” that’s success.

Money matters, of course. But real fulfilment comes from making a meaningful impact—whether it’s in the way a business runs or in the confidence and growth of our team members. That’s what we aim for every day.