Partner Profile: KOMODO with Chris Jones, Head of Commercial
FinTech North recently sat down with Chris Jones, Head of Commercial at digital products and services specialists, Komodo, to introduce the North-East based organisation to our community and to hear Chris’ thoughts on FinTech and how he sees the sector developing in the future.
To listen and view the recording, check out the YouTube link embedded below. We have also produced a write-up of the interview. For those who would prefer to read the article, continue scrolling.
KOMODO’s JOURNEY – WHY WAS THE BUSINESS STARTED?
“Andy, our managing director, started the business over 20 years ago. He recognised that there was a great need in the North-East for websites, that digital window if you like, for companies. There was a gap in the market to provide a service that facilitated rapid growth, but also a service that was really user-centric.
“Over time, this moved from web applications to mobile applications, but the core focus remained – emphasis on user experience.”
There’s 3 traits Andy talks about:
- Understanding the users.
- Creativity – how can we approach the users’ needs creatively.
- Intelligent Application
“20 years later, we’ve gone from a team of 1 man in his garage providing great websites locally, to a team of 30, providing applications globally.”
WHAT PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES DOES KOMODO SOLVE FOR THEIR CLIENTS?
“Any challenge to do with digital products or users for our clients – we specialise in.”
This can be condensed into 4 key areas:
- “Most companies already have software that is a key part of their operations; something as simple as a webite, or an application as part of their solution. We accelerate the delivery of that. All companies have their roadmaps, client needs and new functionality being required all the time.”
“It’s a case of; ‘if we can deliver this faster to our users, that adds huge value to them. We help augment existing teams to make that delivery faster.”
“We augment because we’re different to typical outsource teams that come back to you 6 months later and *TA-DA*, here’s your product – we work with you closely, day in, day out to deliver what you need.”
- “An interesting one in the FinTech space – helping to bring new products to market. Whether that’s start-ups, bringing their first product into market, helping them to ideate, develop that idea; or whether it’s an existing business in the sector that sees potential in adding a new bit of value, or feel they can really leap ahead of the competition with a certain product”.
“We act as a specialist resource to help them do that.
- “Legacy Systems – another aspect I find very interesting in the FinTech community.”
“Banks, for example, have software that has worked for many years, but now, it’s ont scalable of intuitive enough for the modern-day demands – hence the rise of challenger banks. We help those organisations to unpick that and tailor a new offering that is more appropriate for the modern-day user.”
- “Helping customers understand how inefficiencies in their business could be solved through technology.”
“It’s very easy to see some challenges – but not as easy to know how to fully address them.”
“With us – a fresh pair of eyes come in and start looking at the pain points. If you take a step back and embrace the technology available, it could massively save you time and effort. All of which is a win for any company, especially in the current climate.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING ELEMENTS OF FINTECH AND DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON HOW YOU SEE THOSE DEVELOPING?
“Embedded Finance, BNPL and Open Banking are all aspects we’ve been talking about for years – so there’s always that. But, if I’m being honest, something that is increasingly catching my eye is on the investing side.”
“At the first FinTech North event I visited years ago, a company called Tickr were there, and now I believe that’s rebranded to CIRCA5000.”
“I’m very intrigued to see how we can do more to encourage people to understand the wonder of investing sooner and making it more accessible to them. Investing is a way to financial freedom!”
WHO IN THE FINTECH NORTH COMMUNITY WOULD YOU BE LOOKING TO MEET?
“I’ve been following FinTech North for a while now, there’s a load of people out there in the region that I’m aware of.”
“To be honest, any organisation. Most FinTechs have a website, an app, software that is a core part of their proposition. Anybody that is either;”
- “New to the FinTech space that needs somebody to come in and do some user research, ideate what their application is going to do or make sure it’s as best optimised for their users.”
- “Already established and looking for a resource to scale their applications.”
- “Compliance-heavy and looking for someone to come in and review their legacy systems.”
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A huge thank-you to Chris and Komodo for their continued support for FinTech North. Their website can be found here.
We massively implore anyone in the community to reach out to Chris or the team at Komodo. You can contact Chris at chris.jones@komododigital.co.uk and/or connect with Chris on Linkedin here.
