The Holistics team
Singapore-based Holistics.io provides a cloud-based business intelligence platform that empowers data teams to create and manage a self-service reporting solution for their organisation.
The data analytics company was one of the contestants of the TOP100 in 2018.
In this interview with e27, Holistics.io’s Co-Founder and CEO, Vincent Woon, shares his experience and the key learnings he made from the TOP100 event.
Excerpts:
What is Holistics.io?
We provide an online platform that allows data teams to design their data models and business logic to provide high-quality data to business users. With Holistics, non-technical business users can go beyond viewing static dashboards and create their custom reports from the centralised data warehouse, reducing their reliance on the data team for ad-hoc data requests.
What prompted Holistics.io to apply for Top100 in 2018? What were your expectations from the contest?
When we decided to apply for TOP100, our primary motivation was gaining exposure and increasing awareness of Holistics within our target market. Specifically, we wanted to reach data teams working for tech companies, particularly startups.
We saw TOP100 as a valuable marketing opportunity, as it provided us with a platform to showcase our product and services and a chance to refine our pitch and messaging.
Can you talk about your TOP100 experience? What were your key takeaways?
Participating in TOP100 was a fantastic experience. The event was well-organised, and I found the concept refreshing and innovative, especially considering it took place in 2018.
One of our main benefits was the opportunity to refine our pitch deck and receive feedback from industry experts. We could also showcase our product to a broader audience and connect with potential customers.
Did Top100 help you get new connections like investors, partners, and customers?
Yes, participating in TOP100 provided an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with a wide range of people in the startup ecosystem. We could showcase our platform to other participants, startup exhibitors, and some investors who stopped by our booth.
Did you go on to raise external investment post-TOP100?
No, our participation in Top100 was not directly related to raising funds. At the time of the contest, we were self-funded and were enjoying the freedom and flexibility that came with that. And we still do.
How did Holistics survive multiple crises like COVID-19 and the economic slowdown?
At Holistics.io, we were able to weather multiple crises, including the pandemic and the recession, thanks to several key factors.
Firstly, our company culture was already conducive to remote work, with a strong focus on collaboration, writing culture, and investment in automation tools. This made the transition to remote work during the pandemic relatively seamless for our team.
Additionally, we were fortunate to have a good cash buffer in place, which allowed us to continue operating as normal despite the economic uncertainties brought about by the crises. It also gave us the confidence to hire the right team members to support our growth.
While some of our customers needed temporary help during the pandemic, we also saw increased interest from companies looking to re-evaluate their analytics tool budget. This presented us with new opportunities to expand our customer base and solidify our position in the market.
Overall, our ability to adapt quickly, maintain our company culture, and leverage new opportunities helped us survive and thrive during the crises. It was a challenging time, but it also served as a valuable reminder of the importance of being flexible, resilient, and prepared for the unexpected.
Did you go for job cuts during these crises?
No, Holistics.io did not resort to workforce reduction during the pandemic or the recession. One of the reasons for this is that we have always been very mindful of our expenses and have prioritised sustainable growth over rapid expansion.
Another reason is that we had the advantage of being cash-flow positive, which gave us stability and flexibility during those challenging times.
Did you ever think of quitting? If yes, how did you survive such situations?
Like many founders, I have experienced my fair share of challenges and setbacks throughout my time at Holistics. There have certainly been moments when I felt frustrated and discouraged, but quitting didn’t cross my mind.
During those difficult times, what helped me most was leaning on my support system. This included my wife, co-founders, a few close friends, and a coach. Talking through my struggles with people I trust and know me well was incredibly helpful. They provided me with a sounding board for my ideas, offered words of encouragement, and helped me maintain perspective when I was feeling overwhelmed.
What are your future plans? Do you plan to expand geographically out of SEA?
Currently, Holistics.io have over 350 customers in 40 countries worldwide, and our team of 50 people is spread across eight cities globally. While our focus has been primarily on the SEA region, we have already achieved some traction globally.
Looking ahead, our vision is to make analytics less effortful for both the data team and business users of our customers. We believe this is a critical need for businesses of all sizes and industries, and we are committed to continuing to innovate and develop solutions that meet this need.
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We plan to expand geographically beyond SEA as part of our growth strategy. While we will remain focused on serving tech companies, we see a tremendous opportunity to bring our solutions to businesses worldwide. Our unique approach to business intelligence, combined with our strong customer focus and commitment to innovation, will make Holistics the preferred choice for companies looking to make data-driven decisions.
Any message for young and budding founders?
As a founder, it’s important to constantly listen and learn from your customers, industry trends, and feedback from your team.
Ensure you’re creating a culture of open communication and collaboration where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas and insights. Don’t be afraid to pivot or change your business strategy based on what you hear from the market.
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Echelon Asia Summit 2023 brings together APAC’s leading startups, corporates, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to Singapore this June 14-15. Learn more and get tickets here. Echelon also features the TOP100 stage, where startups can pitch to 5000+ delegates, among other benefits like connecting with investors, visibility through the e27platform, and other prizes. Join TOP100 here.
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