It is always worth noting when a start-up demonstrates they have what it takes to achieve significant growth. When that company’s founders include a CEO recognized as a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Enterprise Technologies for 2023, and when that company continues to expand its footprint, size, and revenue exponentially, it is worth taking note. OS AI sat down with Zaden Tech’s CEO Valentine Nwachukwu to learn more about this company’s performance-driven results, how its DNA breeds efficiency, and how experience with DOD has positioned it for success across all of GovCon.
Founded in Knowledge
Zaden was founded on the belief that practices such as automation and containerization meant security did not have to be sacrificed to achieve quality and that there were smarter and more effective ways to move forward.
Beginning as a subcontractor supporting DOD, the company has grown steadily since, focusing on key strengths in DevSecOps, secure cloud, and AI. With the stars aligning, a mandate by the Secretary of Defense focused on DevSecOps practices fuelled the growing buzz and opened the door to the next contract. “There were relationships that also factored in where clients we knew, now had new requirements to meet. We were familiar faces, they trusted us, and we had what they needed. We could speak confidently about Zero Trust, DevOps, and what was needed to implement AI in the Missile Defense space.”
Performance Driven Results
Noting the similarity in requirements, Zaden developed its own products through which it could enable faster adoption through automation. Noting that the government is often challenged to find the right partner to deliver what it needs, the team says orals are where they shine; where they can really communicate the importance and effectiveness of what they do.
“That ability to write proposals that are meaningful, to be interviewed and questioned about our DevSecOps and AI practices is a real differentiator. For government leaders trying to wade through the language, to understand, orals are a way forward that cuts through all of that.”
Transferability
Having started in DOD, where requirements are stringent, Zaden is confidently looking to move into other areas of federal service. “Different agencies may have different applications, different problem sets, but they all have similar requirements when it comes to infrastructure and security. They may not need anything as stringent as DOD, but we can move them in the right direction. Because we start with security first and always have, we understand what that means, which is ingrained in everything we do.”
Highly Efficient and Defined by DNA
Drinking its own Kool-aid, so to speak, this small team is highly efficient in how it works, in how it evaluates proposals, and in the bids it responds to.
It is also deliberate in establishing and living according to its DNA, thoughtfully and deliberately defined and shared. Among those codes is building the most lovable products that customers will immediately take to that are intuitive and exactly what is needed. “That means leaning on user research and UX data to ensure nothing surprises the customer.”
Another aspect of its DNA is serving as its customer’s advocate. This means sitting down to a discussion with an empty chair representing the client. “Any decision is made taking into account how the customer will feel about what we’re doing. That relates both to what we do for them and to how we operate.”
Zaden is also focused on avoiding vendor lock, on a goal that the solutions it provides to customers will outlive the company’s engagement with the client and that the product will still serve its purpose whether the company is engaged or not.
Understanding that time and energy can be wasted when a decision doesn’t pan out, Zaden focuses on a unique practice that identifies two possible paths for any challenge. “If one doesn’t work, there is another ready to go that has been vetted and doesn’t need approval. It empowers our team to identify and recognize progress and whether it is time to take another approach.”
Documenting the different paths and outcomes supports more efficient future decision-making based on tangible data.
Embracing Culture
As a fully remote team, many of Zaden’s self-described unique and quirky team support the company as they can, using their homes as true extensions of Zaden in whatever way is needed. Part of the thank you is a company offsite intended to celebrate the team, build connections, and provide tangible appreciation.
“As we grow that is something we continue. That notion of going on vacation with your team is a great way to foster organic relationships.”
Zaden applies that lens of relationships to potential partners, seeking those with a similar mindset and thought process in how and why they support particular clients. “We come into a partnership intending to be contributors, knowing we have technical skills and capability to bring to the table, to the proposal, and to execute the work.
The Start-up Difference
Not a small business, Zaden defines itself as a start-up, which means its exit strategy is in place and its communication is transparent. “We will be an example of how to grow a business and bring value to the table, to use a start-up approach and deliver for the client.”
Are you curious to know more? Valentine will be attending several cyber-focused conferences this summer, including TechNet Cyber, the Space and Missile Defense Symposium, and the National Cyber Summit.
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