Impermanence: The Metaphor of Life

Almost 11 years ago, my beloved dad imparted his final lesson. As I held his hand, I read an article on impermanence, the essence of life’s transient nature. The memory of that day still gives me goosebumps; it was then that he left us, leaving behind this profound concept: IMPERMANENCE.

From that moment, impermanence has been a guiding principle in my life. It’s about embracing the journey, knowing that everything, every experience, and every moment has a beginning and an end. What truly matters is savoring the journey while it lasts.

Today, with a heart full of mixed emotions, I announce that my journey with NBN23 has come to an end. When we embarked on this adventure, I could never have imagined all that we would achieve. The company we built, the unforgettable experiences, the challenges we conquered, the laughter, the sleepless nights, and the invaluable lessons learned—each moment has been a treasure. I could recount countless memories, enough to fill a book (perhaps I will, someday!).

Reflecting on nearly a decade of this incredible project, one core value stands out: giving back. In every meeting, master class, and corporate communication, I emphasized this concept. Gratitude to life and to basketball for all it has given me. It felt only right to give back to basketball what it bestowed upon me: passion, respect, perseverance, long-term vision, effort, determination, resilience, and above all, TEAM. This lesson, learned on the court, became the bedrock of NBN23. We achieved everything as a TEAM. Together. One for all, and all for one.

With these foundations, NBN23 has delivered groundbreaking, inclusive, and affordable technology for grassroots basketball worldwide. My TEAM flawlessly executed a revolutionary way of experiencing grassroots basketball. The milestones we achieved are just outstanding:

??Over 1 million Swish downloads across 175 countries and 5 continents.

??Digitization of all types of basketball (5x5, 3x3, wheelchair, 1x1…) in more than 80 countries, making us the WORLD LEADER in our segment. Yes, WORLD LEADER!! Could you be any prouder than that? This is a dream come true!!

??Digitization of over 600K games, with double-digit growth every year.

I am immensely proud of these accomplishments, accomplished with the best TEAM. For me, it’s a dream fulfilled.

With all these and many more goals done, I feel it is the right moment for new challenges, new illusions, new colors and new paths. I am at peace, knowing we have given back to basketball. Impermanence, my dad’s final lesson, has shown up once again.

Thank you to all the partners, organizations, leagues, and startups that have been an integral part of this journey. I’m sure our paths will cross again. It has been a pleasure to share these years with you.

To my TEAM, my driving force and inspiration: you made every day worth waking up for (despite the lack of sleep ;)). None of this would have been possible without you. You are incredibly special to me, and I am deeply grateful for this fantastic ride—the best of my life.

• Borja Larragan Mac-Crohon , thank you for connecting Javi and me. You were right—it was a perfect match! ;D
• Joana Mohedano Gomez , thank you for handling the “ugliest” tasks and growing so incredibly.
• Jan Jagla , Dimitrios Zotos , Shay Scheft , Segev Harel , Emir Yunt , Riccardo Corsolini , Georgio Semaan , Alberto Martínez , Guillem Ruiz Villegas , Jorge Juan Ramos , Jazmín Cruz, Pepe Hernández , Miriam Magano , María Reis De Arteaga , José Miguel López —thank you for being the amazing engine that executed like an orchestra.
• Alba Martínez , Fernanda de Oliveira Chaves , Víctor González Bernat , Paula Díez , Alvaro Casarrubios , Alejandro Sanin Gallego , Paco Espinar —your humble and hardworking nature, always striving for the next level, has been inspiring.
• Fran Quintero , your “play hard, work harder” spirit and unforgettable smile are treasures. Never lose them!
• Bernardo Vivens Moreno , Vicente Gavara , Cristina Sanchez-Poves , Analia Mercedes Morado , Fernando Israel García Martínez , Luis Castellano , Vicent Uy, Manuel Bea—congratulations on elevating our technology and user experience each month.
• Rafa Vidaurreta , so many memories, so many moments—you are the best mascot and most charismatic person I know!
• Natalia Torres Tabuenca , minds that think alike. If there was someone that could translate my thoughts into designs with hardly any words… that was you! Thank you thank you thank you!?
• Jorge Montero Bosch , I’m so proud of your growth. Thank you for the late-night conversations, countless meetings, and kilometers traveled together. Your wisdom will surely continue to grow.
• David Garcia Casanova , our favorite robot and the epitome of a TEAM MEMBER—always available, always positive. I cannot express how thankful I am for your dedication.
• Irene Gari , what can I say? Humble, hardworking, fun, challenging, team player, proactive, constructive, passionate—THANK YOU! Your constant growth is a joy to witness.
• Javier Bosch , my partner in crime! Who could have imagined our journey when we met 10 years ago? We’ve learned, fought, cried, and laughed—a lot! ;D. I will always cherish these memories. Thank you, Javi, for this unforgettable ride.
• Sergio Navarro Fernandez , thank you for believing in our project and vision. Without you, none of this would have been possible.?Just as you I am also a smiler and I will always keep that. Come what may.?Thank you, Sergio.

To all the others who have been part of this journey over the past decade, thank you deeply for every shared moment.

Now, a new chapter begins in my life, filled with new challenges, new learnings, new laughs, and new cries—just as life is… IMPERMANENT!

Let’s gooooo! M