On the evening of January 10, 2025, The Grand Mercure Hotel in Da Nang played host to a momentous occasion as SmartDev celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The evening was graced by the presence of Mr. Petr Krasnov, Group CEO of Verysell, who delivered an inspiring and heartfelt speech reflecting on the company’s remarkable journey and aspirations for the future.
A Celebration of Growth and Milestones
Mr. Krasnov began by reminiscing about his visit a year ago, stating, “This may be the last time we are going to have one party for the whole company in Vietnam, because next year we will be too big.” True to his words, the company’s growth in 2024 necessitated two celebrations: one in Hanoi and one in Da Nang. “This room will also soon be too small for us,” he remarked with optimism, symbolizing the company’s continuous expansion.
Reflecting on the unique timing of the celebration, Mr. Krasnov noted, “In the EU, the New Year has passed, but here in Vietnam, the 2024 spirit lingers.” He used this opportunity to highlight key achievements and express gratitude to individuals who have shaped SmartDev’s success.
2024: A Year of Transformation
Leadership Transition and Gratitude
2024 marked a pivotal leadership change for SmartDev, as Mr. Alistair Copeland transitioned from CEO to a group-level role, continuing to contribute to the larger Verysell family. “Alistair took SmartDev from a humble beginning in 2020, where it fit just two tables, to a thriving enterprise. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his vision and leadership,” said Mr. Krasnov. “His efforts laid a solid foundation that will guide us into the next decade of growth and innovation.”
Special thanks were extended to Tuong for her remarkable contributions over the years. “Tuong has played an integral role in our journey, and her dedication and hard work have been pivotal to our achievements. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors,” said Mr. Krasnov.
A heartfelt acknowledgement was also made to Tam, who has been with SmartDev through many phases of growth and transformation. “Tam has been more than just a team member; he has been a cornerstone of our family. His unwavering commitment, leadership, and passion have shaped the SmartDev we see today. We are deeply grateful for all that he has done,” added Mr. Krasnov.
Beyond individual contributions, Mr. Krasnov expressed gratitude to the entire SmartDev team. “Each and every one of you has played a part in our success. From our engineers and developers to our support teams, your dedication and talent are what make SmartDev extraordinary,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort that underpins the company’s accomplishments.
Innovation and Certification Milestones
The past year saw the successful launch of VeryPay, Verysell’s first internally developed product. VeryPay has been in development and commercialization for four years and officially went live in 2024, impacting thousands of lives across Africa, including in Zambia and Uganda. “The VeryPay team has turned a vision into a reality that improves lives daily. This is just the beginning of strategic growth for 2025,” he emphasized.
Closing the year on a strong note, SmartDev achieved critical certifications, including the prestigious SOC 2 Type 2 certification. Mr. Krasnov emphasized its importance, particularly in demonstrating SmartDev’s commitment to security and compliance in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector. “This achievement underlines our dedication to excellence,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, SmartDev is poised to build on the momentum of the past decade. Mr. Krasnov highlighted the company’s roadmap for the year ahead, stating, “This year is about embracing growth, innovation, and global impact. We are not just continuing the work we do; we are elevating it to new heights, with bold initiatives and a commitment to expanding our reach across industries and borders.”
He elaborated on the strategic goals for 2025, emphasizing investments in talent development, technological innovation, and partnerships that align with SmartDev’s vision. “The opportunities before us are vast, and I am confident that with our exceptional team, we will turn these opportunities into remarkable achievements,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr. Krasnov invited everyone to be part of SmartDev’s ongoing journey, stating, “Let us make 2025 a year of breakthroughs and milestones. Together, we will continue to make a difference for our clients and the communities we serve.”
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