Written by Fahim Bakhtiar, in association with Md Saimum Hossain
In a country where investments are made in technology without a clear strategy and with a “quick-fix” mentality, there is a mountainous fear and mistrust between IT vendors and client businesses. Providers of technology solutions are dead-set on selling “products” and not “solutions” to problems. Starting an IT consulting and implementation company would be the last thing on the mind of an up-and-coming tech entrepreneur like me.
But where others saw an uphill challenge, I saw a treasure trove of opportunities.
Hence, I started my IT consulting and implementation company, Webbly Consulting Solutions, where we help companies assess their technology needs, identify the right solutions aligned with business goals, and implement those solutions to increase profitability.
My education, training, and work experience across different industries and roles over the last decade explain why.
My relationship with technology began during my undergraduate studies at BRAC University, where I pursued a degree in Computer Science. Like most tech enthusiasts, I was fascinated by what technology could achieve. I learned about programming, algorithms, and systems—the "how" of technology. But even then, a deeper question consumed me: Why? Why do some businesses thrive with technology while others fail to utilize it effectively? What makes digital transformation succeed in some cases and fall flat in others?
These questions became a recurring theme in my academic and professional journey. The idea of technology as a transformative force wasn’t abstract to me—it was a puzzle I was determined to solve.
After graduating, I entered the tech industry as a software engineer. However, I did not limit myself to tech roles. On the side, I worked for a content writing company called Seriously Powerful Contents (formerly SteamPug Writers), where the founder, Rad Sharar Bin Kamal, managed a network of writers for clients. I also worked at a Bangladeshi digital agency, an Australian startup, an edtech venture backed by a Bangladeshi nonprofit organization, a U.S. small business, and others.
All of these experiences gave me a front-row seat to how technology was being implemented in businesses. What I saw was both enlightening and frustrating.
Technology wasn’t failing businesses; the approach to technology was. Here’s what I mean:
Many businesses were investing in technology without a clear strategy. Decisions were driven by trends rather than needs. I saw businesses purchase expensive software or systems that looked impressive but didn’t align with their actual goals. Some didn't even have any goals other than the obvious clichés like “increase revenue” or “generate more profit.” Large or small, the scenario was the same for companies of any size. As a result, these tech investments often ended up unused or, worse, became a burden rather than a solution.
Another thing I observed was the fear and mistrust between IT vendors and client businesses. This created a noticeable hesitation toward technology in the minds of business leaders. I saw them often wary of adopting digital solutions due to past experiences with unreliable vendors or poorly implemented systems. This mistrust created a barrier that kept them from exploring the full potential of technology.
In most cases, businesses approached technology as a “quick fix” for their problems. They wanted immediate results without understanding the need for strategic planning, proper implementation, and ongoing optimization. A gap exists in companies that fail to set the right expectations. My take is that a workable system driven by technology takes months, if not years, of preparation. This gap has been missing in businesses. This quick-fix mindset leads to short-term solutions that often cause long-term inefficiencies in businesses.
One of the most significant problems I observed was the lack of tech advisory support for business leaders. Technology vendors focused on selling products, not solving problems. Business leaders were left to navigate complex systems on their own, leading to frustration and wasted resources. In my experience, business leaders are highly motivated individuals who hate losing time and money, no matter which continent they come from.
My Realization: Technology Needs a Translator in Bangladesh (and around the world).
What became clear to me was this: businesses needed more than just technology. They needed someone who could act as a translator between their challenges and the solutions technology could provide. Someone who could understand their operations, identify their pain points, and design strategies that worked for them.
This realization became my mission.
I didn’t want to just build systems or write code.
I wanted to empower businesses to use technology in a way that was meaningful, effective, and transformative.
Building Webbly Consulting Solutions
In this mission to truly “empower” businesses with technology, I met Md Saimum Hossain in 2018 and worked on different projects. Saimum’s influence gradually introduced me to the world of consulting and strategic thinking. Saimum’s strategic mindset and approach to planning and execution left me fascinated.
I particularly remember the opportunity to work directly with him on an NGO project. His involvement in this project was transformative. He helped me identify gaps in my approach and guided me on how to improve. He showed me how to take requirements and plan effectively based on the initial assessment. From this project, I learned how to break down client needs, manage people effectively, and set achievable timelines.
This experience gave me a glimpse of what consulting truly meant—helping businesses navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
It was against this backdrop that I planned to launch, together with Saimum Hossain, a company that not only provides IT implementation services but also offers the necessary guidance with an advisory approach.
An IT Consulting and Implementation Company
IT consulting is not simply about buying software and setting it up for clients. When this approach is taken, the likelihood of that software becoming a true solution for the business is very low. To increase the certainty of successful implementation, we argue that a well-thought-out connection between three elements is crucial: people, processes, and technology.
A process or system lays the groundwork and sets the protocol that everyone—the "people"—will follow. Only then can technology play its part effectively. Without a synchronized system and aligned people, even the most advanced technology will fail.
This realization is one of the key learnings from my career journey, and it has shaped how Webbly Consulting Solutions approaches every project.
In addition to that, one of the core principles of our company is education. I never wanted to just implement systems; I wanted to help businesses understand why they need them and how to use them effectively. This builds trust and enables businesses to take ownership of their technology.
Last but not least, to overcome the mistrust that many businesses feel toward IT providers, we emphasize transparency and accountability. From setting realistic expectations to delivering on our promises, we’ve built a reputation for reliability.
Has this been a worthwhile journey so far?
Starting and running Webbly Consulting Solutions has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Seeing businesses move forward because of the solutions we’ve implemented is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that we’ve helped leaders make informed decisions, reduce inefficiencies, and achieve their goals reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
Where do we go from here?
As I reflect on how far I've come, I’m excited about what’s next. The demand for IT consulting in Bangladesh is growing, and businesses are becoming more open to the possibilities of technology. My vision for Webbly is to continue expanding our reach and impact, helping more businesses unlock their potential through strategic solutions.
This isn’t just a business for me; it’s a mission—a mission to show that technology when applied thoughtfully, can be a powerful force for growth and transformation. And that’s a mission I’m proud to lead.
About the authors: Fahim Bakhtiar is the Founder & CEO of Webbly Consulting.
Md Saimum Hossain, CFA is an investment consultant, entrepreneur, and academic (Assistant Professor, Department of Finance, University of Dhaka). He can be reached at hsaimum@hotmail.com
Cover photo: Webbly Consulting Solutions co-founders Saimum Hossain and Fahim Bakhtiar, From Left to Right
