A whistle-stop tour: Nimbus, data, and the human connection.
Imagine a journey that takes you from the bustling streets of Colombo to the endless possibilities hidden within raw data. A journey that not only celebrates the people who make it all possible but also rekindles your appreciation for the power of collaboration. It might sound strange, and a little far-fetched. But that’s exactly what happened when Nimbus CEO and Co-Founder, Simon Davis, took a whirlwind trip to Sri Lanka recently. Here’s what a place of incredible warmth, stunning landscapes, and limitless inspiration added to the Nimbus journey.
Exploring raw data: the engine under the bonnet
We have some truly brilliant people at Nimbus who work extremely hard to help our clients take back their time and smash their business goals. In Sri Lanka, we had the opportunity to present our challenges and technical solutions to the students at the University of Colombo some of which we are hopeful may become the next generation of Nimbus data engineers and scientists. For Simon, watching the team present the many Nimbus data challenges, and how our team has faced them head on, reminded him just how unstructured the raw data we "ingest" every day is. It's like a puzzle with millions of pieces, waiting to be assembled into a meaningful picture, and each day we get a new puzzle!
This experience underscored the enormity of what goes into transforming 1000+ datasets into something genuinely useful, reliable, and trusted by our clients - who are the top tier of the property industry. It's a reminder that the data we work with is the engine under the bonnet of countless businesses, often unseen but powering an entire community.
The unsung heroes: our brilliant team
Nimbus is more than just technology; it's about the brilliant minds that drive it. We have a team of exceptional individuals who work tirelessly to ensure our clients can save time and achieve their property goals. Data is the lifeblood of countless operations, and it takes tremendous effort and technical skill to refine it into the valuable resource it has become.
It's just like an oil well. The raw data is “dirty” and full of unwanted sediment, and straight “out of the ground” useless. The key is the refinement process is creating the right fuel for the right engine. From address-matching APIs to planning classifiers and footfall calculations involving a staggering 9 billion data points, our team breaks the mould of conventional tools to deliver something truly extraordinary – and that really is something worth celebrating.
Inspiring the next generation: putting PropTech on the map
PropTech is not a household term in Sri Lanka, but we hope to change that. Our journey aimed to inspire a new generation of data engineers and scientists in this beautiful and forward-thinking nation. It's always a privilege to speak to students, showing them how the skills they're acquiring can be applied to real-world challenges and providing real-life examples of how this skill set directly impacts businesses on the ground and to see first-hand the positive social impact that can have from creating jobs to new homes.
We're planting seeds of curiosity and innovation, nurturing the future of data in a country that's just beginning to explore its vast potential.
Customer service: A universal language
Travel can always bring with it unwanted stresses and tensions. Especially when travelling for work. Our journey with Qatar Airways reminded us of the universal importance of customer and client service. When done right, it leaves a lasting impression. In the world of data and software, customer service is sometimes overlooked, but it's vital when you're guiding clients on a journey of discovery.
Just as Qatar Airways goes above and beyond to offer choices like full fat, skimmed, or oat milk for your cappuccino – things that seem insignificant but go a long way in ensuring everyone feels seen and appreciated – Nimbus strives to provide a service that's not just good but exceptional.
The global Nimbus brand: recognising our next step
Our new Nimbus brand and logo had their moment to shine on this international tour. Something which symbolises a full-circle moment and gave the team the opportunity to appreciate how far we’ve come as a business. Whether it was showing off our new polo shirts to fellow travellers, or sparking a myriad of insightful conversations, the response was overwhelmingly positive, proving that at Nimbus we’ve achieved the impossible – creating a brand that resonates on a global stage!
A personal touch: Sri Lanka's warmth and wonders
Beyond work, our journey to Sri Lanka allowed us to experience the incredible warmth of its people and the wonders of its cuisine. Traveling becomes a delight when you're welcomed with open arms and treated to some of the best food you've ever tasted.
And speaking of travel – and impressive technological advancements – the Airbus A380 still manages to astonish with its sheer size. It's a testament to human engineering and innovation, and we can't help but hope it continues to grace our skies.
A lesson from Sri Lanka: moderation is key
Lastly, a bit of personal reflection. While savouring the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture, one lesson stood out - drinking with an Irish diplomat until 1 am at a wedding function is never going to end well. It seems some lessons are best learned through experience. It was also an absolute pleasure to celebrate the wedding of a dear friend, Dr Perera who tied the knot to his lovely wife, also Dr Perera, while we were there.
In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this journey possible, from the University of Colombo to all of Team Nimbus in Sri Lanka.
As we look forward to the next adventure, we're reminded that Nimbus is more than just data; it's about the people and the connections we build along the way. Simon is very much looking forward to taking his family over next time to meet the Nimbus team’s family too. Here's to the next chapter in our journey together!
If you’d like to know more about how Nimbus and our exciting new features can help take your business to the next level, saving over 80% of time spent on research, get in touch with our team today on 01926355424 or take our new features for a test drive today when you sign up for a free trial.