Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivier Momma
Hi Olivier, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The journey of Ekster began during my first internship while living in Hong Kong. I saw people in the bustling markets paying effortlessly with just a QR code and their smartphones, and I couldn’t help but wonder why people in Europe and the States were still walking around with these fat leather “dad wallets.” That moment sparked the idea that wallets needed a serious upgrade to keep up with the times.
Once I returned to Europe, we dug deep into the market and found there were no smart wallets available, and at that time, technologies like Apple Pay and AirTags didn’t even exist. After surveying a lot of people, we discovered their biggest frustration with wallets was losing them. So we took a leap and decided to launch the first-ever trackable wallet, integrating RFID-blocking features, and later solar-powered tracking.
Our first Kickstarter campaign exceeded our expectations, validating the idea that people were ready for a smarter, more secure way to carry their essentials. That early momentum allowed us to keep pushing forward.
Today, Ekster is the largest smart wallet brand in the world. We’ve also partnered with Apple to integrate their technology into our tracking products, further enhancing the functionality of our wallets. Along the way, we’ve brought on ambassadors like Lionel Messi and Andrew Schulz, who have helped raise our brand’s visibility on a global scale.
In addition to wallets, we’ve expanded into a travel line featuring water-resistant duffel backpacks and everyday backpacks, all made from recycled materials. These products are not only eco-friendly but also trackable, and they can be equipped with a laptop power bank, making them perfect for the modern traveler.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey with Ekster has been full of challenges, as is the case with any new venture. Early on, one of the biggest hurdles we faced was hiring the right people. Building a team that aligned with our vision, had the right skills, and could thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment was tougher than we anticipated. It took time to find individuals who could help us grow and push the company forward.
Another significant challenge was educating the market. When we launched, the concept of a “smart wallet” didn’t exist, so we had to not only create the product but also build awareness and demand for something entirely new. Convincing people that a wallet could be more than just a place to store cards and cash took time, and we had to communicate the value of integrating tracking and other smart features.
On the production side, scaling to meet demand after the success of our Kickstarter campaign was another major obstacle. We were suddenly faced with a surge in orders, and ensuring that we stayed in stock while maintaining quality control was a constant struggle. Managing the supply chain while sticking to our sustainability commitment added to the complexity. Keeping up with demand without sacrificing the quality or vision of our brand was a delicate balance.
In addition, developing and integrating cutting-edge technology, like solar-powered tracking, into a compact product like a wallet came with technical challenges. There were many rounds of testing and refinement before we got it right, and partnering with Apple for their tracking technology was a game-changer, but it took a lot of effort and persistence to get there.
Despite these struggles, each challenge taught us valuable lessons and pushed us to innovate and grow stronger as a company.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the Creative Director at Ekster, my role is all about driving the vision of the brand and ensuring that every product and communication reflects our core values of innovation, functionality, and sustainability. From the very beginning, my passion has been aesthetics, design, and photography, which has shaped the creative direction of everything we do. Creating high-quality branded content has helped put Ekster in the spotlight and differentiate us from the copycats. It’s been this commitment to premium branding that has played a key role in setting us apart.
I focus on the full spectrum of creative direction, from product design to marketing campaigns, ensuring that everything we produce not only looks great but also serves a real purpose for our customers. I’ve always believed that design should go beyond aesthetics—it should enhance functionality and user experience. This philosophy drives me to ensure our products blend technology with timeless design. At Ekster, we’re not just creating wallets or bags; we’re developing smart products that solve everyday problems, while maintaining a sleek and minimalist design that people want to carry.
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the market. We’ve managed to turn an everyday item like a wallet into something innovative and essential for modern life. It’s about more than just good looks—it’s about creating a seamless user experience. Being able to redefine an entire product category is something that has been incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to combine premium branding with a high-performance e-commerce brand. I always aim to strike a balance between style and substance, making sure our products not only stand out visually but also provide real solutions to the challenges people face. My focus on aesthetics, design, and photography from the very beginning has been key to Ekster’s growth and success.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I moved around quite a bit—about every five years. I lived in places like Tokyo, Milan, Barcelona, and Hong Kong, which really shaped who I am today. Constantly switching environments made me adaptable to new people and cultures, and it gave me a very open-minded perspective on the world. I became comfortable with change and eager to try new things, which is something that has stuck with me throughout my life.
From a young age, I was always big on drawing and creating. I spent hours sketching buildings, and for the longest time, my dream was to become an architect. The idea of bringing designs to life fascinated me, and that love for aesthetics and creativity has never left me.
One of the most influential gifts I received growing up was an iPod. My parents never let me have video games, but this gift truly shaped me in a different way. I played drums in a few bands, experimented with producing music on GarageBand, and eventually turned this passion into DJing. Music has always been a major creative outlet for me.
I’ve always been a thrill seeker as well, diving into every board sport I could get my hands on—whether it was skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing. The thrill of mastering new skills and pushing myself has been a constant theme throughout my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ekster.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eksterwallets/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eksterwallets/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EksterWallets
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ekster
