From Customer to Investor: Devkaran's Inspiring Journey with Guestasy
Startup Investment Angel Investors Guestasy 5 minutes
In the fast-paced world of startups, the path to becoming an investor isn’t always linear. For Devkaran Doowa, his journey began as a customer, evolved into a brand advocate, and culminated in him joining Guestasy as an investor and CXO. His story offers invaluable lessons for aspiring angel investors, showing that true conviction and involvement can de-risk investments and contribute to startup success.
How it All Began: A Customer Turned Advocate
Devkaran first encountered Guestasy while managing Lohas Residences, an independent hotel in Bangkok. Faced with operational challenges, especially the task of responding to guest reviews across multiple platforms and languages, he was introduced to Guestasy’s platform. The company’s promise of 100% review response rate in 10 languages, managed by native speakers, instantly caught his attention. For Devkaran, the platform addressed a critical pain point: the ability to maintain high guest engagement without the strain of language barriers or manpower shortages.
Impressed with the results, Devkaran didn’t just stop at using the product. He became a vocal advocate for the company, promoting Guestasy to fellow hotel owners in his network. In his own words, it became a “conversation piece” that sparked engagement and spread positive word-of-mouth. His deep belief in the product's value led him to a decision that would change his trajectory: becoming an investor.
A Leap of Faith: From Advocate to Investor
Investing in a startup is inherently risky, but Devkaran’s hands-on experience with Guestasy gave him a unique advantage. "I saw how it worked for my business, and I knew it was solving a global problem," he shares. He also recognized that other major players in the industry, such as Banyan Group, Sri Panwa Group and Aspira Hospitality, had already adopted the platform, validating its market fit.
For Devkaran, his investment wasn’t just a financial bet—it was a commitment to helping the company grow. "As a customer, I knew what Guestasy was capable of. But as an investor, I wanted to contribute more than just capital," he says.
Becoming Part of the Solution: Taking on a CXO Role
Devkaran’s journey didn’t end at signing a check. He joined Guestasy’s executive team as Chief Experience Officer (CXO), driven by his desire to contribute beyond money. His role focuses on global partnerships and enhancing customer experience—an area where his background as a hotelier gives him valuable insight. This level of involvement is a growing trend among angel investors, who often take hands-on roles to mitigate risk and maximize their investment.
By wearing three hats—customer, advocate, and CXO—Devkaran has de-risked his investment in ways that go beyond traditional due diligence. He believes this multi-faceted approach can serve as a blueprint for other angel investors.
Lessons for Aspiring Angel Investors
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Invest in What You Know: Devkaran’s firsthand experience as a customer gave him the confidence to invest. Before you commit your money, ensure you deeply understand the product and its market potential.
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Advocate Before You Invest: Devkaran’s journey from advocate to investor highlights the importance of building a relationship with the startup. By advocating for the company, he was able to build trust and gain a deeper understanding of its strengths and challenges.
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Get Involved: Many investors stop at providing capital. Devkaran shows that being actively involved in a company, whether through an advisory or executive role, can help align interests and increase the chances of success.
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Leverage Professional Guidance: Although deeply involved, Devkaran acknowledges the importance of seeking professional guidance to ensure balanced terms and avoid pitfalls that could arise from relying solely on AI-driven advice.
In a world where the line between investor and entrepreneur is increasingly blurred, Devkaran’s journey offers a compelling roadmap for those looking to invest not just money, but passion and expertise. His partnership with WOWS Global helped ensure that his investment was de-risked and positioned for future success. For aspiring angel investors, his story is a reminder that the most successful investments come from a combination of knowledge, trust, and active participation.
Closing Thoughts
Devkaran’s journey with Guestasy isn’t just a story of financial investment; it’s a testament to the value of becoming a true partner in a company’s growth. As startups continue to disrupt industries, the role of investors will increasingly involve more than just capital—it will be about bringing insight, networks, and expertise to the table.