14+ years building connectivity and IoT platforms across Africa, Asia, and Europe. From carrier-grade networks to global SaaS — I bridge deep technical understanding with strategic product thinking.
I've spent my career in connectivity and technology — from deploying carrier-grade networks across Africa to leading product strategy for global IoT, satellite, and cloud platforms. What sets me apart is experience across both hardware and software product development — a combination that's rare in product management today.
At emnify, I own product strategy and roadmap for satellite connectivity, core network signaling, MVNO/MVNE PaaS, and eSIM enablement — presenting directly to C-level stakeholders. I've enabled MNOs onto the platform driving significant new ARR, launched 5G NSA capabilities, and brought satellite IoT connectivity to Brazil — opening deployments in previously unreachable environments.
At LYNX Technik, I owned the go-to-market launch of the world's first real-time, frame-by-frame HDR-to-SDR converter — a product that won both the NAB Product of the Year and IBC Best of Show awards. I coordinated with engineering and university research partners, created demo videos and marketing materials, and represented the product at major industry exhibitions.
Before that, I joined Willowmore as the first product employee and co-invented a patented IoT smart padlock combining BLE and cellular connectivity. I managed OEM hardware and software partners in China, defined UX for web and mobile applications, and took the product from concept through pilots across six countries to the company's first enterprise sale — a seven-figure enterprise deal with no prior customer references.
What energizes me most today is operating at the intersection of product strategy and organizational impact — leading and mentoring PM teams, setting product direction at a broader level, and building platforms that create lasting competitive advantage.
From engineering networks in East Africa to shaping product strategy in Europe — each chapter added a new dimension to how I build products.
Own product strategy and roadmap for satellite connectivity, core network signaling, MVNO/MVNE PaaS, and operator eSIM enablement — with direct C-level roadmap communication. Delivered satellite-based cellular IoT connectivity in Brazil via Skylo, enabling deployments in previously unreachable environments. Lead cross-functional alignment across 11 engineers and 2 engineering managers. Define pricing strategy and drive market analysis to shape platform differentiation. Informally mentor PMs and establish product and engineering processes adopted company-wide.
Enabled 2 MNOs on the platform, establishing a significant new revenue stream. Led two cross-functional teams to deliver emnify's market entry and enterprise onboarding in Brazil — establishing a repeatable regional launch model. Rolled out next-generation packet gateways, strengthening platform scalability and customer network integration.
Led development and launch of 5G non-standalone cloud core network capabilities, supporting early customer deployments and platform scalability. Owned product delivery for core network software with a team of 6 engineers in an agile environment. Drove product discovery through customer interviews and problem validation, and owned roadmap definition informed by market, technology, and competitive analysis.
Managed the full product portfolio across three product lines — greenMachine, yellobrik, and Series 5000 — launching 7+ hardware products over two years. Owned end-to-end product deliverables including hardware print design, datasheets, PRDs, technical and GUI requirements, marketing materials, sales enablement, and launch planning. Owned the go-to-market strategy for HDR Evie — the world's first real-time, frame-by-frame HDR to SDR converter. Coordinated with engineering and university research partners, created product demo videos and presentations, and represented the product at NAB and IBC exhibitions. Won NAB Product of the Year and IBC Best of Show awards.
Co-invented a patented IoT smart padlock combining BLE and cellular connectivity (SG Patent No. 10201708266U). Built the SenseHub access management platform from scratch — wireframing, requirements gathering, and working with designers and engineers to deliver mobile and web applications for locking, access requests, approvals, and audit logging. Built an automated functional testing system for the smart padlock. Guided ST Engineering on web interface improvements for their smart access management solution based on customer feedback. Managed OEM hardware and software partners in China. Ran pilot programs across Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Kuwait, and UAE. Closed the company's first enterprise sale — a seven-figure enterprise deal with zero prior references. Presented product and business updates directly to board members.
Led the first commercial 4G network deployment in Madagascar. Delivered large-scale 2G, 3G, and LTE rollouts across Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, and DRC Congo. Led and trained subcontractor teams for on-site execution, performance optimization, and EHS compliance.
From zero-to-one hardware products to scaling global connectivity platforms — here are the stories behind the work.
Conversations about the products I've built and the thinking behind them — including interviews and live product demonstrations from LYNX Technik.
Varun Patel, LYNX Technik Product Manager, highlights the new innovations on show at NAB 2019.
Introduction to the world's first real-time, frame-by-frame, dynamic HDR to SDR converter.
Product Manager Varun Patel introduces new 8K fiber products and demonstrates HDR Evie & HDR Evie+ real-time converters at IBC 2019.
Automated testing system for the patented Willowmore smart padlock. Varun defined the test flows and collaborated with engineering to build this in 2018.
From trade show floors to product launches — moments from the journey of building and presenting products on the global stage.
The patented BLE + cellular IoT smart padlock (SG Patent No. 10201708266U) — co-invented and taken from concept to a seven-figure enterprise sale.
Being interviewed at the LYNX Technik booth during NAB Show, presenting HDR Evie and the greenMachine platform to the broadcast industry.
Representing emnify's IoT connectivity platform at one of the world's leading IoT industry events.
Celebrating with the team after showcasing HDR Evie and greenMachine products at a major broadcast industry exhibition.
Cross-functional product strategy and roadmap planning with the Willowmore team in Singapore.
A blend of strategic, technical, and operational skills shaped by years of building products across hardware, software, and connectivity platforms.
Perspectives from people I've worked closely with across different roles and organizations.
"Varun is an outstanding talent. Adapts quickly, hardworking, trusted, technically very capable and very responsive. Pretty much everything a manager could hope for. His MBA training shows out in his commercial decision making. Varun has a bright future ahead, and would be an asset to any team. We just need to convince him to move back to Singapore, and we would hire him tomorrow."
"I was lucky to have Varun as a technical lead in the setup. He was simply excellent — technical team management, subcontractor resource management, resources optimizations. He was also a hands-on fellow, thus instead of just delegating, he actually jumped in the deep end and carried out some of the tasks himself. In a nutshell, you can never go wrong with Varun."
"He helped me a lot to set up our first biggest project in Indonesia and made it happen. He is multitasking and wants to make everything inline and make sure it's working. Wherever he is, he can adapt and he can take any challenge. He is a person who can make you feel not only a colleague but also as a friend and family."
Occasional reflections on product management, connectivity, and building in complex technology domains.
A deep dive into how 5G's multi-layer spectrum approach enables three distinct service grades — and why operators will use a mix of low, mid, and high band frequencies to serve diverse IoT and enterprise use cases.
Exploring the intersection of digital transformation and environmental sustainability — and how technology leaders can drive both agendas simultaneously.
How we closed a seven-figure deal for a patented IoT padlock with no prior customers — and what it taught me about conviction-driven selling.
Whether you're building something in connected technology, enterprise SaaS, or platform ecosystems — I'd love to hear from you.