Nick Finlayson. – Innovotech Solution
Entrepreneurial journey told by four students
Story written by Shaqillah Az Zahra
Sometimes, I’m throwing back to the day when we start this business, no such thing was guaranteed for us. The IT consulting industry was jam-packed with all the tech giants, the digital venture trends viciously shifting from time to time, and customer demands were really volatile following the course of technology trends. But I risked my stable job, high paid salary, and even some bucks of my own money to build this business. During the span of my working experience, I always knew that I need more than a stable job, I missed challenges, I craved freedom and I knew that I can do better. I built this venture back in 2005 from the scratch and the start has always been the hardest part. No teams, no one, basically just me alone. But I believe that my idea was one of a kind and the customers indeed need our help in implementing an IT Solution, and glad that Capgemini did think so. We came up with the idea of providing Customers Data Rights (CDR) conformance and other IT solutions like software testing and automation. We operated under the brand of Capgemini and that was a wholesome experience, we got access to a lot of really big customers, offered our solutions, and could basically maintain the profit and loss ourselves. Until one day I realized, for someone that came from having the ability to do everything yourself and do things that you wanted to do, you’re absolutely stuck, doing things the way this big company wants and always following along. I was thinking, no way I’m willing to do nothing when I have a lot of options and opportunities right in front of me. And that day, I decided to build Innovotech.
Despite all the hardships and sacrifices to the point that there were too many moments when I and Abdullah, my business partner questioned our decision, “why are we doing this?”. We are glad that we can recall it back as a part of our entrepreneurial business journey, the phase where we learn, burn, return, learn again, burn again, return again, up until this point. We are able to maintain our existence and keep our business value to always deliver the best IT solution for our client’s business. Such a blessing to remember that I started the business alone but end up with a bunch of talented people across the globe whom I proudly call my team. The future is for us to decide, and we won’t stop here.
Story written by Jonathan Sutanto
“Just go for it, what’s the worst that could happen, you can always start again.”, this is my advice to all entrepreneurs out there who are thinking of starting their own business venture, whether you are young or old. I believe this is true even for any other successful entrepreneur out there and it is based on the famous business magnate Richard Branson who said, “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity, but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later”.
My name is Nick Finlayson. I am the Managing Director of Innovo Solutions Technology based in Australia and this is my story. During my younger years, I’ve successfully built a venture called Nu Solutions and sell it to a big company called Capgemini. The deal was finalized with a special consideration where for 30 months, my venture would still be managed directly under my team. At first, I thought the more resources we have, the more we can grow, and it did grow. I successfully grow the business into the leading test consultancy with 1000+ consultants and generating $100 million revenue.
But the corporate culture of having to do the company’s way and eventually requiring a lot of time and process just to capitalize really frustrates me. I like to be free. I like to do things my own way as efficient as possible. I know this cannot be done in the corporate structure, so I decided to quit. Yes, I quit the comfortable job as the Vice President of Capgemini and started to build my own entrepreneurial venture again. Only this time, I managed to pitch my venture ideas to the CEO of Capgemini at that time and gained his financial support along with various connections regarding the IT industry. That is when Innovo Technological Solutions was established, and I’ve been enjoying every bit of it.
It is still a long way to go though, I never think in one morning everything is accomplished, and we could sit back relax. I know in a small company all it takes is one contract to stop. I can see what you’re thinking, it sounds very risky and unstable but looking back at my decision, I did not regret any of it because now I have more time to look after my kids, having more freedom in terms of strategic planning and more efficient in finishing the job.
Story written by Cheong Min Lee
I founded my company, Innovo Technology Solutions (ITS) in 2015. We use automation technology to help businesses save costs and improve their products. It is not an easy industry, with technology giants such as IBM competing in this space. But you know, there are always these windows of opportunities that you can exploit if you look hard enough. For example, have you ever tried calling a call centre for a small problem only to be on hold for hours? It’s just painful. These inefficiencies are present in almost every company, and I noticed a gap in business-level solutions. The technology giants mostly stuck to the industry level as that was where the money was. Knowing this, I ventured into the customised technology solutions business.
This venture was a long time coming, as I had prior experience in technology solutions as an entrepreneur and, more recently, as a corporate employee. However, I slowly felt suffocated by the politics that run rampant in large corporations. So, in 2015, I decided to try my hand at entrepreneurship again with ITS. This was no easy decision; it was a high-paying job, and I just had my second kid, so you can imagine my predicament. But I reckon I made the right choice, as I probably won’t have the professional freedom or ability to spend as much time with my children as I do now if I remained at the job.
That said, entrepreneurship is not all daisies and roses. A central challenge we are constantly managing is our business model being vulnerable to the rapid technology advancements and evolving needs of our current and potential customers. This has resulted in many ups and downs, but I have learned a lot from these experiences. For instance, ITS now utilises a lean approach to our technological resources so that we can pivot and change quickly if necessary. However, due to the nature of the business, we consistently have to make big decisions on the next best move – improve our current offerings or introduce new technology in our solutions. It’s always a tough call, but the best decisions are usually made when all employees’ opinions are considered. Hence, we introduced a flat hierarchy and an open-door policy, hoping all employees feel empowered to speak up and communicate effectively. Through these structural decisions, I believe ITS is in a good position to navigate the uncertainties ahead.
Story written by Ezra Indiana Hotmauli
When I was young, I used to think like most people. A nice and stable job, got married, have kids, retire, and enjoy the rest of my days. It seems to go accordingly at the very beginning. I got myself a job at a small company. Everything seems so comfortable and right. A few years later, I left London and moved to Australia. My friends and I decided to open our own software testing company. Eventually, we were able to sell the company and have a 30-month contract with a big corporation. Everything was great until one day I realized that it slows me down and I feel suffocated. I was not able to become more efficient, let alone express my creativity. Not to mention the divorce that I never expected, it seems my entire world fell apart.
That’s when I know I need to take over my own life and do what I want to do. Never did I know that things will be harder than ever. In 2015, Abdullah and I decided to start our own start-up, a business transformation solution based on intelligent automation and quality engineering. We put our own money and set our initial strategy and goal. We introduce our products and services everywhere, and within the first six months, we were able to land our first project with the Department of Premier and Cabinet of Melbourne.
Still, even though we had our first breakthrough, the competition is high, and we were just starting off. We decided to do it in a completely different manner by adopting industry-based solutions. We became the first company in Australia to do so. We employed graduates and youth, to keep the hunger for information and the spirit high. And most importantly, flattened the hierarchy within the company. We engage with everyone within the company and listen to what people have to say. I do not want to repeat my experience in my own company.
Today, there are more than 100 people working for the company. Our clients and partners range from banking, insurance, education, and government agency. We also have international offices in Manila and Colombo. I was able to overcome my divorce and become a full-time father to my kids. There was also the pandemic, and it was extremely challenging for both me and the company, but eventually, it passed.
I am Nick Finlayson, and this is my story.
Story written by Vrinda Aggarwal
I’ve always have this innate desire to make a difference, to create something that would have a lasting impact. Little did I know that my journey would lead to me setting up Innovo Technology Solutions in 2014 with my business partner Abdullah, a company that is an amalgamation of my life’s work and experiences. This venture has been my brainchild, but more than that is a labor of love, and I hope that my insights can help aspiring entrepreneurs realize their own journeys.
My path wasn’t always clear, but I have always been drawn to technology and finding new ways to innovate. This curiosity is what has helped me hone my skills as a leader and with business development. I have also learned immensely along the way, picking up skills and knowledge from all of the incredible people I met and the experiences I had working in companies like Capgemini and Nu Solutions. These very experiences are what laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey.
When the idea for Innovo struck me, I saw that businesses in a range of industries everywhere were grappling with the rapid pace of technological change and navigating the uncertainties that come with it, and I knew I could help by building on my expertise in the IT sector over the years. I wanted to create a company that would bridge the gap between cutting-edge technological solutions and the organizations that needed them the most. However, creating something from nothing is never easy. It takes grit, determination, and countless late nights spent pondering and hustling to make things happen. But it is also exhilarating and highly rewarding. Each success has fueled my passion, and I will never forget the thrill of acquiring our first client, or of watching our ratings and revenues grow despite the constant challenges and adaptations headed our way.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been the connections I’ve made along the way, seeing firsthand how fruitful collaboration can be. Each relationship has pushed and engaged me in different and exciting ways, striving to achieve greater success. Today, Innovo Tech stands as a testament to all the hard work and a strong belief in the vision, shared by all the people that define the organization. As I reflect on my journey, I feel immense gratitude for all the challenges, achievements, and lessons I have encountered, and feel excitement for the future. So, to all the dreamers and innovators out there: don’t be afraid to take risks, follow your passions, and to create something extraordinary. In the end, the journey and learnings you take away are what matter most, so good luck!