Building Ventures Beyond the Agency with Roberto Machado

We had the privilege of speaking with Roberto Machado, the founder of SubVisual, a leading product and venture studio based in Portugal. Roberto’s journey from launching a Ruby on Rails agency to co-founding over a dozen ventures is a masterclass in adaptability, innovation, and the power of community-driven growth.

Here are five key takeaways from our discussion, along with reflections on their broader implications for entrepreneurs and agency leaders.

Find Your Niche and Master It

Roberto’s success began with SubVisual’s decision to focus on a niche: Ruby on Rails development. By targeting a specific technology and market, the team carved out a reputation for excellence in a highly competitive space. This lesson is a powerful reminder of the value of specialization in business. Being everything to everyone can dilute your impact, sometimes, the key to growth is mastering one thing and doing it exceptionally well.

The Evolution from Agency to Venture Studio

Roberto shared how SubVisual transitioned from a traditional agency model to a venture studio, enabling them to co-found and invest in startups. This move allowed the company to go beyond client projects and actively participate in creating ventures that align with their values and expertise. For agency owners, this highlights the importance of thinking beyond the transactional nature of client work and finding ways to create long-term impact and equity.

The Power of Community

A cornerstone of SubVisual’s growth has been its commitment to community events like conferences and meetups. Roberto emphasized how these gatherings not only strengthen company culture but also build connections that drive both business development and hiring. The takeaway? Investing in community is more than just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a strategic move that can create opportunities and foster meaningful relationships in your industry.

What Makes a Great Founder

Roberto highlighted the traits of great founders, emphasizing passion, curiosity, and adaptability. He also stressed the importance of complementary founding teams, where each member brings unique strengths to the table. This insight is invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs—building a team that balances skills and perspectives can significantly increase the chances of success.

Client Relationships

Are Built on TrustFor SubVisual, building strong client relationships is about more than delivering high-quality work; it’s about genuine connections. Roberto shared how a client-first, people-oriented approach has led to long-lasting partnerships and even friendships. His insights underscore the importance of prioritizing trust and transparency over short-term wins, which can lead to sustained success in the service industry.

What Can We Take Away from Roberto’s Story?

Roberto’s journey is a testament to the power of focus, community, and adaptability in building a business that not only survives but thrives. Whether it’s pivoting from a service-based model to a venture studio, investing in relationships, or fostering innovation through community, his story is full of actionable lessons for agency owners and entrepreneurs alike.

As we navigate our own paths, Roberto’s experiences remind us of the importance of staying curious, embracing challenges, and always looking for ways to create meaningful impact.

If you’re interested in learning more from Roberto’s insights, listen to the full episode of our podcast here.

It’s packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.