UK-based SaaS proptech startup Kykloud and Munich, Germany’s SaaS construction collaboration technology vendor think project! have both appointed new chief finance officers.
Kycloud appoints Norden
Based in North Shields near Newcastle, Kykloud, a SaaS business providing cloud-based software for surveyors (its client base features eight of the top ten global surveying firms) and property asset managers, has appointed Michael Norden as CFO.
Norden previously worked as financial director at north east companies Hayes Travel and Parkdean Holidays before joining telecoms success story Callstream, where he helped grow and sell the business to the US NASDAQ listed telecoms giant J2 Global. He said:
“I’ve worked with some great businesses and have helped to achieve their goals. I’m certainly attracted by fast growth, highly ambitious businesses which is why I was drawn to the opportunity at Kykloud. I spent the past six years helping to grow VC-backed, fast moving, telecoms business Callstream, originally north east based Bluebell Telecom; there are huge similarities between the two recurring revenue business models so I am confident of what I can bring to the table.
“Being part of a disruptive technology business that is having a huge impact within its sector is without a doubt a hugely exciting challenge for any experienced finance professional.”
Kykloud CEO Ed Bartlett, who launched the business with former 4Projects technology chief Nick Graham in 2012, said: “Michael brings with him a wealth of experience from a range of companies and is therefore a welcomed addition to the Kykloud team where he will play a pivotal role in helping to shape the future of the business.”
think project! appoints Ralf Grüßhaber as MD and CFO
think project!, mainland Europe’s leading SaaS company for collaboration in construction and engineering, has appointed Ralf Grüßhaber as managing director and chief financial officer. He joins the senior management team alongside founder and CEO Thomas Bachmaier.
After studying technical business management in Germany and the UK, Ralf Grüßhaber began his career with Hewlett Packard in Germany and France before working for more than a decade as CFO of the publicly listed telegate AG in Munich. Most recently, he was MD of B2X Care Solutions. Grüßhaber has spent more than 20 years in the technology sector and is familiar with the entire spectrum of financial, HR and legal topics, including mergers and acquisitions.
At think project!, in which global growth private equity firm TA Associates acquired a majority shareholding in January 2017, he will work alongside CEO Thomas Bachmaier, who said:
“Ralf’s entrepreneurial spirit and long-term experience as CFO in technology companies and in mergers and acquisitions are a great benefit for our company. Ralf’s experience will be particularly beneficial in the further expansion of think project! into international markets, which will strengthen our global presence.”
Commenting on his appointment, Grüßhaber said:
“Given its low penetration, the market for construction collaboration software offers exceptional opportunities for continued strong and profitable growth. I am excited and honoured to join think project! and am eager to help continue, and possibly even accelerate, the company’s impressive track record of organic and inorganic growth.”
Prestele is new think project! non-exec director
Update (7 November 2017) – think project! has also appointed a new non-executive director: SaaS expert Peter Prestele, who began his professional career 25 years ago with AEC software provider Intergraph and has held sales and management positions with firms including I2 Technologies, Mercury, IBM, HP and SuccessFactors. CEO Thomas Bachmaier says:
“Peter’s extensive and long-term experience in the software industry … will provide valuable support for our company as we pursue additional growth. We are confident that Peter [right] will play a critical role, especially when it comes to the further expansion of think project! into international markets, as well as the overall strengthening of our position as a leading SaaS company in construction and engineering.”
Prestele said:
“Construction and engineering is one of the largest industrial segments. Customers in this market are dealing with some of the most complex requirements and must perform multidimensional projects, both locally and globally. think project! has created a unique offering that provides substantial value and helps its customers to fundamentally differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”
