The J Curve with Olga Maslikhova Roberto Oliveira (Blip) on Why WhatsApp, Not ChatGPT, Will Own AI Commerce
Mar 25, 2025
Roberto Oliveira, Founder and CEO of Blip, shares his incredible journey from a mobile phone booth to leading one of Brazil's top AI platforms. He discusses how messaging apps like WhatsApp are outpacing traditional websites, reshaping commerce. Oliveira reveals why Brazil is a testing ground for innovative business strategies and sheds light on AI's transformative role in marketing and customer service. He also offers insights on global expansion and building a consumer-centric approach in a tech-driven world.
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Early Mobile Retail Success
- Roberto Oliveira started with mobile phone booths before Brazil had a tech ecosystem.
- His first mobile sale was immediate product-market fit with a high-priced StarTac phone.
Brazil's Underdog Syndrome
- Many Brazilian founders copy US ideas due to Brazil's large market and safer mindsets.
- There's an underdog syndrome limiting ambitious global category leadership.
Ringtone Platform's Explosive Growth
- Roberto's ringtone platform grew 250% compound annually over five years starting 2001.
- At its peak, it served 250,000 ringtone downloads per day in 2005.
