Spearsoft Technologies
Do you know that a single software bug can cost a company millions, even billions of dollars? This fact shows the critical role of the QA/QE (quality assurance/quality engineering) industry.
The software development industry is growing, demanding ever-increasing levels of quality and efficiency. QA/QE companies are helping businesses look after the smooth functioning and security of their software applications. With the recent focus on AI-powered solutions and automation, the industry is witnessing a surge in innovation.
Spearsoft Technologies is a company that has rapidly risen to unprecedented heights in this industry. It was founded in 2021 by Praveen Puram and Srinivas Goli, industry veterans with over 23 years of combined experience. Spearsoft has focused on innovation from the start.
Spearsoft’s core values are communication, commitment, transparency, and trust. They reflect the company’s dedication to creating strong partnerships with clients. Their services encompass a wide range of IT needs, including Software Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, Intelligent Automation, AI/ML/Generative Powered Solutions, Workforce Augmentation, and Recruiting. With a particular focus on AI-driven solutions, Spearsoft empowers businesses to achieve optimal results. Their commitment to quality and forward-thinking approach has moved them to the forefront of the QA/QE industry.
In this interview for our prestigious “The 10 Most Admirable Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2024” edition, we have Praveen Puram, the CEO & co-founder of Spearsoft Technologies in the spotlight who operates from Atlanta, USA and has its Global Delivery Center in Hyderabad. The CEOs shared their entrepreneurial journey which was full of challenges and strategies that led him to success. This interview gives valuable lessons for aspiring young entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Prime Insights: Brief us on the origin story of the company.
With over 23 years of experience in the QA/QE industry, my co-founder, Srinivas Goli, and I identified a critical gap: the need for innovative, AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and quality. This vision led to the founding of Spearsoft. We aimed to provide swift and effective solutions to businesses, by making the best use of modern technology with traditional QA practices and incorporating intelligent automation with it. Our deep understanding of the industry gained from advising CIOs, VPs, and directors has positioned Spearsoft as a pioneer in addressing complex industry challenges.
Prime Insights: How do you maintain a balance between your personal and professional lives?
Well, balancing personal and professional life is a very huge challenge, especially as a CEO. While the role demands your undivided time and attention, I try to set clear boundaries and manage my time effectively. I assign tasks to trusted team members and focus on strategic priorities, which allows me some time for myself and my family while making sure that my professional responsibilities are met perfectly.
Prime Insights: What unique challenges did you come across while starting your company, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was to scale our operations while maintaining a high level of personalized client service. As we grew, our AI-driven solutions and quality standards remained consistent, but it required building a robust infrastructure and scaling our team effectively. This struggle involved managing increased demand and building a company culture that upheld our core values in this expansion. More than all Spearsoft VIP (Vertical Integrated Partners), which has brought more talented leaders who have an aspiration of becoming entrepreneurs but cannot take risks. With this program, we gave our company a platform for their abilities to be experienced without reinventing the wheel. Save the recurring operational cost and focus on their accelerators and domain expertise. They fuelled the company with cross-border, cross-cultural, and cross-domain expertise to serve the customer well. And it is working for us as we have 5-6 VIPs with us now.
Prime Insights: Who are your primary clients, and what industries do they come from?
We work with diverse clients from multiple sectors, including banking, retail, healthcare, and travel & hospitality. Our clients include major financial institutions looking to strengthen their security and compliance through advanced QA solutions, leading retail brands aiming to optimize their customer experience with digital platforms and prominent healthcare providers wanting to improve their operational efficiency and patient care with innovative technology. A notable mention is our work with a leading healthcare provider, where we developed a comprehensive AI-driven quality assurance system that improved patient management and operational workflows.
Prime Insights: How do you ensure Spearsoft stays at the forefront of industry advancements and evolving client needs?
We invest in R&D and keep our team updated with the latest technological advancements to stay ahead of the game. Regular training, attending industry conferences, and building a culture of continuous learning help us be updated with market trends. Mostly by hosting conferences and live video podcasts, we read the minds of technological gurus in the market and keep our hunger cool with advanced technology. Believe me, they become my customers ultimately.
Prime Insights: How important is R&D for the growth of the company?
Yes, R&D is crucial for innovation and growth. It helps us in developing new technologies and improving our services. Our AI-powered profile matcher, EVA, was a result of R&D. It made us provide advanced solutions to our clients.
Prime Insights: How does employee satisfaction help in Spearsoft’s overall success, and what strategies do you use to build a positive and engaged workforce?
Employee satisfaction is vital for productivity and innovation. We ensure contentment through competitive benefits, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Regular feedback and recognition of their efforts is so important to keep our employees motivated.
Prime Insights: Who do you look up to, and what do you convey further to the ones who look up to you?
I admire leaders like Satya Nadella and Infosys Narayana Murthy for their extraordinary vision in life. To young ones who look up to me, I advise them to be curious and resilient. Embrace all the challenges as learning opportunities, and continuously improve in your journey.
Prime Insights: What are your thoughts on entrepreneur participation in the entrepreneurial world?
I believe every entrepreneur brings a unique spark to the table, much like individual threads in a vibrant tapestry. For instance, when we were launching Spearsoft, we faced numerous hurdles that seemed insurmountable.
Conversing with other entrepreneurs, sharing experiences, and getting inspiration from their stories helped us find the courage and solutions to overcome our challenges. This collective wisdom and support system is the fuel for individual success needed in this entrepreneurial journey. It’s a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving in this community.
Prime Insights: What message do you want to give to those entrepreneurs who give up on their dreams because of some stereotypes?
Don’t let stereotypes dictate your path. Every obstacle can be an opportunity to prove yourself. Stay true to yourself, be persistent, and be with supportive mentors and peers who believe in you.
Prime Insights: What are the company’s future plans?
We plan to expand our global presence and continue to develop innovative AI-driven solutions. Our plan includes improving our existing services and launching new technologies to further enhance client operations and drive growth.
Prime Insights: How does Spearsoft contribute to social and environmental responsibility?
Our CSR initiatives are mainly focused on giving tech education to children through scholarships, aiding local startups, and participating in community development projects. We aim to use our resources to make a positive impact on society and contribute to its growth.
Prime Insights: Lastly, is there a message you would like to give to Prime Insights readers?
Well, you must embrace innovation and stay adaptable to updated market trends. I believe continuous learning and resilience are key to success. You must pursue your goals with passion and never stop striving for excellence.
