Suggestions
Paul Savage
COO at Conjura
Professional Background
Paul Savage is an accomplished professional known for his expertise in product development and management, with a passion for transforming complex ideas into tangible products. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Conjura, he is dedicated to helping businesses optimize their eCommerce and online selling strategies using cutting-edge data analytics and machine learning technology. His work at Conjura alongside a talented and innovative team includes collaboration with renowned clients such as Radley, Currentbody, and Cath Kidston, enhancing their operational effectiveness through data-driven insights.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Paul has built a successful career around startup culture, often guiding founders and leaders of emerging companies. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, he helps young entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the startup world, leveraging his extensive knowledge and history in the field.
Education and Achievements
Paul graduated from University College Dublin with an honors degree in Electronic Engineering, laying the foundation for his technical expertise. He began his career as a software engineer at Logica Aldiscon, where he honed his skills in coding and technology. His entrepreneurial journey kicked off in 2000 with the founding of his first startup, Speirtech, which allowed him to combine his passions for mobile technology and entrepreneurship. Operating out of a garage, Paul and his team embraced the true essence of startup culture, innovating and pushing boundaries.
Paul then transitioned into the academic sector as the Product Centre Manager at the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). During his tenure, he successfully secured approximately $2 million in commercialization funding, showcasing his capability to attract investment and drive revenue. His next venture, Zolk C, specialized in tourism and heritage technology and became renowned for developing the first commercial GPS-enabled handheld guide, enhancing visitor experiences at historical sites including the Culloden site in Scotland. Under his leadership, Zolk C grew revenues to over $1 million in just four years while attracting $1.2 million in funding.
Subsequently, Paul further established his reputation as a tech leader as a co-founder and COO of Nearform. Under his guidance, Nearform expanded dramatically from a small team to over 140 skilled professionals, setting benchmarks in the industry with their expertise in Node.js and microservices. They worked with some of the world’s most prestigious companies, including EY, Universal Pictures, Conde Nast, and DPD, enabling them to harness advanced technology solutions.
Beyond his executive roles, Paul has contributed his knowledge as an advisor to several organizations, including VirtualVet and Zenio Partners, and as a mentor and advisor to startups like meetingRoom.io and Intro. Initiatives like these demonstrate his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of technology leaders.
Achievements
- Leadership at Conjura: As COO, Paul drives the strategic direction of Conjura, focusing on data analytics in eCommerce to help clients successfully navigate the ever-evolving online marketplace.
- Founding Speirtech: Paul founded his first startup at the dawn of the mobile tech era, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit of the early 2000s and redefining what is possible within the tech landscape.
- Zolk C Innovations: At Zolk C, he led the development of an award-winning, GPS-enabled handheld guide, revolutionizing how tourists engage with historical sites and driving significant growth in company revenues.
- Growth of Nearform: As an essential part of Nearform’s leadership team, he facilitated the expansion of the organization, paving the way for revolutionary software solutions with major global clients.
Paul continues to inspire his teams and the startups he supports, with a strong belief in the power of innovation and the transformative potential of well-managed technological solutions. His journey from aspiring engineer to influential tech executive is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking.
