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 drives me is translating hard engineering realities into clear product visions that teams can rally behind.
At emnify, I own product strategy and roadmap for satellite connectivity, MVNO/MVNE PaaS, and eSIM enablement — presenting directly to C-level stakeholders. I've enabled MNOs onto the platform contributing over €1M in ARR, launched 5G NSA capabilities, and brought satellite IoT connectivity to Brazil — opening deployments in previously unreachable environments.
Before that, I joined Willowmore as the first product employee and co-invented a patented IoT smart padlock. I took the product from concept through pilots across six countries to the company's first enterprise sale — a seven-figure deal with no prior customer references.
I'm now looking to step into a Director of Product role where I can lead and grow PM teams, set product strategy at a broader organizational level, and build 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 for satellite connectivity, MVNO/MVNE PaaS, and operator eSIM enablement with direct C-level roadmap communication. Lead cross-functional alignment across 11 engineers and 2 engineering managers. Define pricing strategy and drive market analysis to shape platform differentiation.
Enabled 2 MNOs on the platform contributing €1M+ in ARR. Led market entry and enterprise onboarding in Brazil, establishing a repeatable regional launch model. Rolled out next-generation packet gateways for platform scalability.
Led development and launch of 5G non-standalone cloud core network capabilities. Owned roadmap definition informed by market, technology, and competitive analysis. Drove product discovery through customer interviews and problem validation.
Led 0-to-1 launch of a real-time HDR-to-SDR video converter — enabling SDR broadcast infrastructure to render HDR content without hardware replacement. Owned full product lifecycle from market research through GTM strategy. Won NAB Product of the Year and IBC Best of Show awards.
Co-invented a patented IoT smart padlock (SG Patent No. 10201708266U). Closed the company's first enterprise sale — a seven-figure (SGD) deal with zero prior references. Ran pilot programs across 6 markets.
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.
From zero-to-one hardware products to scaling global connectivity platforms — here are the stories behind the work.
Delivered NB-IoT connectivity via Skylo's satellite network in Brazil, enabling enterprise IoT deployments in remote environments with no terrestrial coverage. Defined pricing strategy and go-to-market for an entirely new connectivity category.
Led the technical and commercial onboarding of 2 mobile network operators onto the emnify platform as MVNE customers, unlocking a new revenue stream and validating the PaaS model at scale.
Co-invented and brought to market a BLE + cellular IoT smart padlock. Ran pilot programs in 6 countries and closed a seven-figure enterprise deal in Indonesia with zero prior customer references.
Led the 0-to-1 development of a converter enabling legacy SDR broadcast infrastructure to render HDR content. Won NAB Product of the Year Award and IBC Best of Show — the only solution offering frame-by-frame dynamic tone mapping in real time.
Conversations about the products I've built and the thinking behind them — including interviews and live product demonstrations from LYNX Technik.
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.
Varun Patel, LYNX Technik Product Manager, highlights the new innovations on show at NAB 2019.
From trade show floors to product launches — moments from the journey of building and presenting products on the global stage.
Celebrating with the team after showcasing the HDR Evie and greenMachine products at a major broadcast industry exhibition.
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 has a rare ability to sit at the intersection of deep technical complexity and strategic product thinking. He doesn't just manage products — he shapes them with conviction and clarity."
"From concept to a seven-figure enterprise sale with no prior references — Varun turned an idea into a business. His ability to run pilots across six countries and close deals was remarkable."
"Varun brings a global perspective that most PMs simply don't have. His experience deploying networks across Africa gives him a grounded understanding of what it takes to ship in challenging environments."
* Placeholder testimonials — replace with real endorsements from colleagues and stakeholders.
Occasional reflections on product management, connectivity, and building in complex technology domains.
Launching a new connectivity category in Brazil — and the unexpected lessons about finding fit in emerging markets.
Reflections on transitioning from network engineering in Africa to product management in Europe.
How we closed a seven-figure deal for a patented IoT padlock with no prior customers.
Whether you're building something in connected technology, enterprise SaaS, or platform ecosystems — I'd love to hear from you.