How Olga Built A Saas For Canceled Flights That Makes $10K/month
How Olga Built A Saas For Canceled Flights That Makes $10K/month
Dec 23, 2024
Olga Marekova
Olga Marekova
⏳ 5.2 min
⏳ 5.2 min
Revenue/month
Revenue/month
$10,000
$10,000
$10,000
No. of founders
No. of founders
1
1
1
Startup costs
Startup costs
N/A
N/A
N/A
Company type
Company type
Company type
SaaS
SaaS
SaaS
Contents
Introduction
Introduction
When you think about starting a business, most imagine a grand vision, detailed plans, and a confident founder ready to tackle the world. For Olga, a first-time entrepreneur from Slovakia, her journey to building Flywize was quite the opposite. She never intended to start a business; she just wanted a solution to a problem she found unfair. Here’s how Olga turned a personal frustration into a thriving company that’s secured hundreds of thousands of euros in compensation for aviation passengers.
When you think about starting a business, most imagine a grand vision, detailed plans, and a confident founder ready to tackle the world. For Olga, a first-time entrepreneur from Slovakia, her journey to building Flywize was quite the opposite. She never intended to start a business; she just wanted a solution to a problem she found unfair. Here’s how Olga turned a personal frustration into a thriving company that’s secured hundreds of thousands of euros in compensation for aviation passengers.
From Nervous Traveler to Business Idea
From Nervous Traveler to Business Idea
Olga’s first-ever flight sparked a fear that many travelers share: what happens if something goes wrong? Though her trip went smoothly, the question stuck with her. Years later, while studying Airport and Aviation Management in the UK, she learned about passengers' rights, including compensation for delayed or canceled flights. It was a revelation.
Most people don’t know they can get up to €600 for flight disruptions, Olga shared. “In fact, 85% of passengers miss out on compensation, leaving €8 billion unclaimed annually. That’s deeply unfair.” This knowledge became the foundation for Flywize.
Olga’s first-ever flight sparked a fear that many travelers share: what happens if something goes wrong? Though her trip went smoothly, the question stuck with her. Years later, while studying Airport and Aviation Management in the UK, she learned about passengers' rights, including compensation for delayed or canceled flights. It was a revelation.
Most people don’t know they can get up to €600 for flight disruptions, Olga shared. “In fact, 85% of passengers miss out on compensation, leaving €8 billion unclaimed annually. That’s deeply unfair.” This knowledge became the foundation for Flywize.
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➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
Turning Knowledge Into Action
Turning Knowledge Into Action
The first real test of Olga’s idea came during a work-and-travel program in America. A friend’s connecting flight was canceled, leaving him stranded. Thanks to Olga’s advice, he resolved the issue without spending extra money. That moment solidified Olga’s belief in her idea. She began helping friends and family navigate flight disruptions, all free of charge.
By the time she formally started Flywize, Olga had already assisted over 100 people. She validated her idea by solving real problems for real people, proving there was demand for such a service.
The first real test of Olga’s idea came during a work-and-travel program in America. A friend’s connecting flight was canceled, leaving him stranded. Thanks to Olga’s advice, he resolved the issue without spending extra money. That moment solidified Olga’s belief in her idea. She began helping friends and family navigate flight disruptions, all free of charge.
By the time she formally started Flywize, Olga had already assisted over 100 people. She validated her idea by solving real problems for real people, proving there was demand for such a service.
Building the First Version of Flywize
Building the First Version of Flywize
Like many first-time founders, Olga started with minimal resources. She applied to the BSEEN program at her university, a one-week workshop on launching a business. With guidance from mentors, she created her first prototype using Wix. The initial costs? Just €500, spent on Wix subscriptions, a Fiverr freelancer, and trademark registration.
However, Olga quickly realized the limitations of her DIY website. She eventually hired a freelance team to build a more professional version. This process took seven months and taught Olga the challenges of managing a team and delegating tasks.
“Back then, I didn’t know what I should do as a founder or CEO, how to assign tasks to people, etc.” she shared. “When I was starting, I thought it was so difficult because I had so many unanswered questions due to my lack of experience. But after building this business for two years now, I’ve realized that there will always be unanswered questions, and as a founder, you need to find solutions for them”
Like many first-time founders, Olga started with minimal resources. She applied to the BSEEN program at her university, a one-week workshop on launching a business. With guidance from mentors, she created her first prototype using Wix. The initial costs? Just €500, spent on Wix subscriptions, a Fiverr freelancer, and trademark registration.
However, Olga quickly realized the limitations of her DIY website. She eventually hired a freelance team to build a more professional version. This process took seven months and taught Olga the challenges of managing a team and delegating tasks.
“Back then, I didn’t know what I should do as a founder or CEO, how to assign tasks to people, etc.” she shared. “When I was starting, I thought it was so difficult because I had so many unanswered questions due to my lack of experience. But after building this business for two years now, I’ve realized that there will always be unanswered questions, and as a founder, you need to find solutions for them”
Launching Without a Grand Plan
Launching Without a Grand Plan
Flywize’s launch was as simple as it gets. Olga created a website, told her friends about it, and shared the service on Facebook. There were no elaborate marketing strategies or campaigns. Yet, word-of-mouth proved powerful.
“I still remember the first airline we got compensation from and the person who received the money. People are always happy when you tell them they can get €600, especially when they didn't even know they were entitled to anything."
Flywize’s launch was as simple as it gets. Olga created a website, told her friends about it, and shared the service on Facebook. There were no elaborate marketing strategies or campaigns. Yet, word-of-mouth proved powerful.
“I still remember the first airline we got compensation from and the person who received the money. People are always happy when you tell them they can get €600, especially when they didn't even know they were entitled to anything."
The First Customers
The First Customers
For the first few months, Flywize didn’t charge a single euro. Olga focused on building trust and a track record by helping friends, family, and their networks. The turning point came five months after registering the business in Slovakia when she issued her first invoice. By then, word-of-mouth referrals had started bringing in paying clients.
For the first few months, Flywize didn’t charge a single euro. Olga focused on building trust and a track record by helping friends, family, and their networks. The turning point came five months after registering the business in Slovakia when she issued her first invoice. By then, word-of-mouth referrals had started bringing in paying clients.
Overcoming Challenges to Grow
Overcoming Challenges to Grow
Scaling Flywize hasn’t been without struggles. As a solo founder, Olga often felt isolated, especially when growth stalled. But she learned a valuable lesson: there’s no shame in asking for help.
“I felt embarrassed to ask them what I considered 'basic questions.' Then I realized there are no basic questions—everyone deals with the same issues, just on different scales.”
Despite operating without a clear marketing strategy until recently, Flywize grew 100% year-over-year. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn have become key tools for educating passengers about their rights. Olga’s focus on exceptional service has also paid off, as satisfied customers naturally recommend Flywize to others.
Scaling Flywize hasn’t been without struggles. As a solo founder, Olga often felt isolated, especially when growth stalled. But she learned a valuable lesson: there’s no shame in asking for help.
“I felt embarrassed to ask them what I considered 'basic questions.' Then I realized there are no basic questions—everyone deals with the same issues, just on different scales.”
Despite operating without a clear marketing strategy until recently, Flywize grew 100% year-over-year. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn have become key tools for educating passengers about their rights. Olga’s focus on exceptional service has also paid off, as satisfied customers naturally recommend Flywize to others.
Revenue and Financials
Revenue and Financials
Flywize’s impact speaks volumes:
In 2023, the company helped secure over €350,000 in passenger compensation.
By the end of 2024, Flywize expects to reach €500,000 in compensation.
With a 30% commission, monthly revenue ranges from €5,000 to €10,000.
Olga reinvests all earnings into improving Flywize’s technology and services, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of passenger advocacy.
Flywize’s impact speaks volumes:
In 2023, the company helped secure over €350,000 in passenger compensation.
By the end of 2024, Flywize expects to reach €500,000 in compensation.
With a 30% commission, monthly revenue ranges from €5,000 to €10,000.
Olga reinvests all earnings into improving Flywize’s technology and services, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of passenger advocacy.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Olga’s journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. One of her toughest lessons came after expanding her team too quickly, leading to high monthly costs and the risk of bankruptcy. She had to downsize and stabilize the business, a humbling experience that taught her the importance of financial forecasting and cautious growth.
On the flip side, pitching Flywize on Slovakia’s version of Shark Tank, Jama Levova, was a highlight. Not only did she receive three offers from investors, but the experience validated her vision.
Olga’s journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. One of her toughest lessons came after expanding her team too quickly, leading to high monthly costs and the risk of bankruptcy. She had to downsize and stabilize the business, a humbling experience that taught her the importance of financial forecasting and cautious growth.
On the flip side, pitching Flywize on Slovakia’s version of Shark Tank, Jama Levova, was a highlight. Not only did she receive three offers from investors, but the experience validated her vision.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Olga’s advice cuts straight to the heart of entrepreneurship:
“My biggest lesson is realizing that even the most successful people were once in your position, facing challenges they didn’t know how to solve. They still encounter problems—they're just on a larger scale. The biggest mistake you can make is believing you’re the only one who doesn’t have all the answers.”
Olga’s advice cuts straight to the heart of entrepreneurship:
“My biggest lesson is realizing that even the most successful people were once in your position, facing challenges they didn’t know how to solve. They still encounter problems—they're just on a larger scale. The biggest mistake you can make is believing you’re the only one who doesn’t have all the answers.”
The Road Ahead
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Olga plans to expand Flywize into five new markets, quadrupling its impact. The company aims to secure up to €2 million in compensation annually, become a leader in customer support for non-EU airlines, and assist passengers in real time.
“This business was started because I wanted to change how people are treated when they travel,” Olga said. “Once that mission is accomplished, our purpose will be fulfilled.”
Looking ahead, Olga plans to expand Flywize into five new markets, quadrupling its impact. The company aims to secure up to €2 million in compensation annually, become a leader in customer support for non-EU airlines, and assist passengers in real time.
“This business was started because I wanted to change how people are treated when they travel,” Olga said. “Once that mission is accomplished, our purpose will be fulfilled.”
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
For anyone hesitant about starting a business, her journey proves that you don’t need all the answers to begin—just the determination to figure things out along the way.
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story, or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Flywize, Starter Story ⇢ Great resources
For anyone hesitant about starting a business, her journey proves that you don’t need all the answers to begin—just the determination to figure things out along the way.
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story, or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Flywize, Starter Story ⇢ Great resources
