How was GreenTel born? What problem or need pushed you to create the startup?

GreenTel was born in 2023 from a very simple idea: making connectivity (something as essential today as electricity or water) truly accessible and planet-friendly. The telecommunications sector in Spain was stuck between inflated prices and a communication style that was neither transparent nor close to the customer, typical of large multinationals. We asked ourselves: why does it have to be so expensive to make a call or connect to the Internet? That’s where GreenTel came from: an operator that cuts unnecessary expenses (stores, commissions, aggressive marketing) to offer fair prices—without sacrificing sustainability.

Where does the name GreenTel come from?

We wanted the name to speak for itself, without needing an explanation. “Green” represents our commitment to the planet. We are the first Spanish operator to integrate real sustainability into its business model. And “Tel” comes from telecommunications. GreenTel is more than a name; it’s a statement of intent: we connect you, without disconnecting you from the planet.

What exactly does GreenTel offer, and what makes it different from other solutions on the market?

We offer fibre and mobile service throughout Spain, with fair prices, no long-term commitments, and a truly ecological approach. But what truly sets us apart isn’t the gigabytes or megabits per second—it’s our philosophy: people should pay for the service itself, not for advertising or middlemen. In addition, we measure and offset the carbon footprint generated by the use of our networks and devices. It’s telecommunications with purpose, without greenwashing.

In one sentence, how would you define the essence of GreenTel?

“Technology that connects, prices that free, and a planet that breathes.”

Do you believe technology can truly be a driver for ecological change?

Absolutely. Technology isn’t the problem; it’s part of the solution. The challenge is using it intelligently and consciously. At GreenTel we see it this way: millions of people connect every day, and that has an impact. But if we can make each connection a bit more responsible (through education, offsetting and optimisation), the positive effect is enormous. Sustainability isn’t about planting a tree and being done. It’s about redesigning how we consume technology.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as founders?

Convincing people that a company can be both low-cost and sustainable at the same time. The market is full of green promises, but very few are real. Our challenge has been building a brand where trust is earned through facts, not advertising campaigns. And of course, doing it all with a small, multidisciplinary team. But when the vision is clear, execution follows naturally.

What are your next steps for the coming months? What do you envision for GreenTel in five years?

In the coming months, we want to consolidate our customer base across Spain and launch new digital tools that make contracting and customer service even simpler, smoother and faster. In five years, we see ourselves as the go-to operator for people who want responsible technology—always grounded and aware of the economic power of our competitors. We want people to associate connectivity with sustainability, and for GreenTel to be synonymous with that.

If you could give one piece of advice to people just starting out, what would it be?

Don’t wait to have everything perfect before you begin. Start with the minimum needed to validate your business model. Fall out of love with your idea so you can keep an open mind. Listen to the market—you may have to pivot on things you assumed were fixed. Make a list of hypotheses and validate each one; it will save you time, effort and money. Define your mission and vision clearly; it will guide you when facing tough decisions. And above all, surround yourself with people who believe in the project as much as you do.

Quick-fire questions

Entrepreneurship films you recommend?

The Social Network, Steve Jobs, and The Founder. They show what’s usually hidden: the chaos behind the vision.

A phrase that reflects your work philosophy

“Make it simple. Make it green. Make it right.”

If you could have a meeting with any historical figure, who would it be?

Elon Musk, to debate the balance between ambition and sustainability. I’d love to ask him how to maintain a global vision without losing the human connection. (Also, it would be fun to see who talks more during the meeting.)

If you could go back in time, would you become entrepreneurs again?

Absolutely. Entrepreneurship is the most intense way to get to know yourself.