Telecom Startups: Leveraging High Barriers for High Impact

Описание: Telecom startups are emerging everywhere — from Open RAN innovators to new 6G challengers.
But compared to software, fintech, or consumer apps, building a startup in telecom is a much tougher game.

In this episode of Telecom Business School, our host sits down with Takuya Shimojo (TK), COO of DOCOMO Euro-Labs and former CVC professional, to unpack why telecom startups face uniquely high barriers.

Over this session, you’ll learn:
Why telecom infrastructure markets are smaller than they look — and why TAM/SAM/SOM are structurally limited
How long operator procurement and replacement cycles (often 7–10 years) slow startup growth
Why hardware-driven startups burn capital faster and scale more slowly than software businesses
What makes telecom hard — but also promising — including high entry barriers once adopted
How policy tailwinds like Open RAN and supply chain diversification are creating new opportunity windows

If you’ve ever wondered why telecom startups struggle to scale — and what it takes to survive — this is your crash course.


Follow us:
LinkedIn:   / docomo-eurolabs  

TK:   / tk-shimojo  

On this channel, we share explanations, tips, and insights related to telecom business and standardization.
At DOCOMO Euro-Labs, we connect stakeholders, business processes, and standards bodies to drive innovation and shape global standards.

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