Cogneve, INC.
About the Company
Cogneve, INC., based in Middletown, Delaware, focuses on connecting software companies with consumers to solve inefficiencies in software purchasing. Tekpon, its primary product, simplifies software choices for businesses and individuals. The company operates with eight employees and five founders, reflecting a collaborative approach. Its goal is to scale into a leading global platform.
Tekpon addresses a $30 billion annual problem in the U.S. where businesses purchase software but fail to utilize it effectively. By creating a transparent marketplace, Tekpon bridges the gap between software vendors and consumers, building trust and driving adoption. The company leverages data-driven insights and customer feedback to refine its offerings.
Alexandru Stan brings entrepreneurial expertise to the company, having co-founded and exited several startups before Cogneve. With a vision of sustainable growth and customer-first solutions, Cogneve prioritizes quality content, smart investment strategies, and meaningful engagement.
Idea Behind Company
The concept for Tekpon originated from Alexandru’s observation of the inefficiencies in software purchases. He identified that many businesses purchase software but fail to use it effectively. This realization, coupled with his experience as a tech investor and entrepreneur, inspired him to create a marketplace to address this issue.
Validation of the idea came from Alex’s network, who expressed appreciation for his work. Leveraging his background in SaaS investments and lead generation, he built Tekpon as a solution to a widespread problem, aiming to save users time and money. The idea’s significance is underscored by its scale—a $30 billion problem in the U.S. alone.
Alexandru’s motivation is driven by a desire to help businesses make informed decisions about software. His focus remains on creating value and building a platform that benefits users while providing software companies with an efficient distribution channel.
Creating the Company
Tekpon began with a minimal viable product (MVP) based on a premium WordPress theme. Alex invested $50,000 in the initial development, refining the product based on market analysis and user feedback. The MVP, while basic, laid the foundation for Tekpon’s current sophisticated offerings.
The company’s early days were modest, with operations literally starting from a garage during the pandemic. The team focused on creating a unique product, investing $70,000 in total before securing outside capital. Passion and dedication drove the creation process, with the team emphasizing love and effort in their work.
The project evolved through continuous iteration, guided by customer insights. By addressing specific needs and delivering value, Tekpon grew from an idea into a legitimate business with a strong foundation for scaling.
Launching the Business
Tekpon’s launch leveraged an existing Facebook group, “Entrepreneurs and Startups,” which Alex managed. With over 137,000 members, the group provided immediate traction and a community-driven approach to growth. Focused on relevance and support, the group facilitated meaningful connections for the platform.
The company operated leanly, investing in salaries, hosting, and a small office. Over six months, Tekpon refined its MVP, eventually launching an improved version. The team raised capital from angel investors and venture capitalists, focusing on “smart money” that brought expertise and value, not just funding.
Tekpon’s marketing strategy emphasized visibility, understanding that being seen is critical for adoption. By combining customer feedback and strategic investments, the company ensured a steady growth trajectory.
Earnings
Tekpon generates $15,000 in monthly revenue, with a user base of over 7,000 unique visitors monthly, experiencing a growth rate exceeding 200%. While not yet profitable, the company prioritizes scaling its operations, focusing on quality content, marketing, and team development.
The company uses affiliate platforms like Partnerstack to manage partnerships effectively. Partnerstack’s user-friendly features have been instrumental in streamlining operations and ensuring partner satisfaction, despite slightly higher costs.
Looking ahead, Tekpon envisions becoming a global leader in software marketplaces. Although profitability is secondary at this stage, the company is building the foundation for long-term success by adapting to market trends and focusing on innovation.
