‘As a surfer reads waves, an entrepreneur must discern the right moment to act’ – Luca Arrigo

Entrepreneur Luca Arrigo on Monday shared that life as an entrepreneur requires a focus on timing, as choosing the right time to act is imperative.

His comments came as he was reflecting on the professional goal he had previously set for himself back in 2020, where he wanted to start five startups before he turned 25.

“This ambitious journey led me to create three entities, each a unique learning experience and success in its own right,” he said.

He started one of the ventures, Metaverse Architects, back in January 2021 as Decentraland Architects, and since it has grown to a team of full-time 3D modelers, developer, marketers, and designers. “This experience taught me the power of a cohesive team and the importance of turning visionary ideas into reality,” Mr Arrigo said.

In the same month, he also founded Negozju, his personal brand through which he shares his entrepreneurial growth with the aim of helping digital nomads and startups relocate to Malta. He remarked that the platform has proven “instrumental in understanding the power of community and networking in business growth”.

In June of the same year, he also founded Nomad Visa Malta, assisting digital nomads and expats in obtaining EU residency in Malta. “This venture highlighted the significance of understanding and catering to niche markets, a lesson invaluable in today’s diversified global landscape,” Mr Arrigo continued.

He remarked that through these different experiences, he has learnt that the key to success is not just about raising venture capital funds, having the right team, or a technological edge, but it is about timing.

“Like a boxer who relies on precision, an entrepreneur must predict and strike when the opportunity is ripe. Similarly, as a surfer reads the waves, an entrepreneur must discern the right moment to act,” Mr Arrigo explained.

Looking ahead, Mr Arrigo noted that he recently had some time to reflect and pan for 2024, and he resolved to set himself the goal of putting on 10 kilograms of muscle before he turns 30. Over the last three to four months, he has already made significant progress towards this goal, gaining 3.4 kilograms.

Mr Arrigo, now 27, remarked that his physical transformation is a “metaphor” for his entrepreneurial journey, as it is “not just about the strength to start, but the endurance to continue”.

“I’ve realised that neglecting physical health can impact professional performance. It’s not just about timing in business but also having the endurance and strength to persevere,” he stressed.

He added that he remains “optimistic” going into 2024, stating that he is excited to see what the future holds and to share his “vision for the future of work”.

Mr Arrigo describes himself as having a passion for helping others “bring their ideas to life” and uses his experience and network to support them in doing so. His entrepreneurial journey commenced through the founding of Winebox Inc and Malta Pub Crawl, both ventures he sold a few years after.