February 24th, 2024 by Thea Maisuradze
Explore the inspiring journey of Inflectra, from its humble beginnings in South Wales to becoming a global leader in agile software solutions. Discover how founder Adam Sandman's vision and dedication to diversity, quality, and community have shaped the company, offering innovative, inclusive, and impactful products that redefine the boundaries of software development and compliance.
Early Inspirations: A World of Possibilities
As the founder of Inflectra, my journey into entrepreneurship and technology wasn't a straight path but rather a series of pivotal moments and interests that guided me to where I am today. Growing up in South Wales during the 1980s, amidst the backdrop of Margaret Thatcher's era of deregulation and privatization, I was captivated not just by computers and technology but also by the allure of business. This fascination wasn't typical among my peers, who largely aspired toward conventional professions. My entrepreneurial spirit was kindled early on; at the tender age of 10, I was already dabbling in writing computer software, ranging from 8-bit games to basic application software, and attempting to sell them, albeit with mixed success.
A Pivot to Technology: The Ice Cream Epiphany
My academic path led me to Physics, a subject I chose out of my love for science. Yet, the laboratory's confines soon felt limiting. The magic happened over ice cream with a friend who introduced me to the burgeoning field of IT consulting. This casual conversation sparked a realization: my passion for technology could merge with my interest in business. This fateful meeting led me to emigrate to the United States in 1998, embarking on an eight-year tenure with Sapient across Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. This is where the seeds of Inflectra were sown.
The Genesis of Inflectra: Filling a Market Void
The genesis of Inflectra was born out of my experiences at Sapient and a serendipitous realization of a gap in the market for modern, agile requirements, test, and project management systems. This led to the launch of our first products, SpiraTest and SpiraTeam, in 2007. My transition from a consultant to an entrepreneur was fueled by a desire to address the industry's need for affordable, agile-focused tools in software project management. Inflectra was not just a business venture; it was a path to democratizing access to cutting-edge software development tools.
Learning Through Mistakes: The Insurance Oversight
In the early days of Inflectra, nestled within the comfort of our home offices, a humorous yet foundational mistake served as a pivotal learning moment for me. We had just begun making our mark, primarily serving small and medium businesses across North America and Europe, with a team no larger than four. Wearing multiple hats—from legal counsel to CEO—I had overlooked the necessity of business insurance. This oversight came to light in a rather unexpected setting: a neighborhood party. While discussing the nature of our business with an insurance broker, his reaction was one of disbelief, humorously exclaiming, "When did you think you would need some insurance when there was a claim!" This interaction led us to secure a comprehensive insurance portfolio, teaching me the invaluable lesson of preparedness and the importance of seeking experienced guidance to navigate the business landscape. It underscored the need for a culture that not only embraces learning from its mistakes but also values mentorship and foresight.
Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion: More Than a Policy
At Inflectra, we hold a core value dear to our heart: "New Beginnings." This ethos is born out of a belief in offering opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds and career paths. For instance, our head of marketing initially worked in human rights, and our head of products was a policy analyst for the UK government. These individuals, among others, brought latent skills that were previously overlooked. By collaborating with local coding meetup groups, we've extended opportunities in software development and testing to those self-taught or without a formal college education—talents often ignored by traditional HR practices. This approach reflects our commitment to seeing beyond the resume to the individual's potential and passion.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and support, we ensure that both part-time and full-time employees receive equal benefits, including four weeks of vacation and all Federal holidays. This policy particularly aids part-time workers, often stay-at-home parents eager to re-enter the workforce as their children grow older. It's our way of making it easier for parents to transition back into professional roles, reinforcing a culture that values family and life flexibility.
Our dedication to diversity is evident in our team composition and leadership. With approximately half of our employees being female and a leadership team that mirrors this balance, we strive to reflect the diversity of our global customer base. This diversity is crucial for us to serve as effective stewards of our customers' trust and to embody our core value of building for our users, not for Wall Street. It's a testament to our commitment to creating a work environment that values and leverages diverse perspectives for better decision-making and innovation.
Embracing a global perspective, we engage with customers and employees from around the world, understanding that the "American" business culture is not the universal norm. This global engagement has taught us the importance of cultural sensitivity and the value of diverse viewpoints. Whether it's adjusting to direct feedback styles in the Netherlands or fostering understanding across varying political and cultural spectrums in the U.S., these experiences have enriched our company culture with a deep appreciation for the global tapestry of our customers and people.
Using Success for Good: The Global Technology Initiative
The success of Inflectra has provided us with opportunities to give back. It enabled us to launch the "Inflectra Global Technology Initiative," an ambition to replicate the success we witnessed in Buenos Aires on a global scale. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology for social good, aiming to empower communities around the world.
One of the most profound experiences came from a trip to Buenos Aires, where Inflectra's software became more than a tool—it became a beacon of hope. Through the "Codo a Codo" program, we taught software testing to those looking to change their lives. This mission was a vivid reminder of technology's power to make a real difference in people's lives, reinforcing my belief in using business as a force for good.
Reflecting on Inflectra's journey, from pivotal learnings to our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and global engagement, it's clear that our culture is a reflection of our collective experiences and dedication. For leaders looking to build a vibrant company culture, the key lies in embracing what makes your company unique and allowing this to shape your core values and operations. At Inflectra, we view our culture as the foundation of our success, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and every individual can make a meaningful impact.
Adam Sandman founded Inflectra in 2006 and serves as the company's CEO. He is responsible for product strategy, technology innovation, and business development. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his family. Prior to founding Inflectra, Sandman worked as a director for Sapient Government Services, where he was in charge of development with the U.S. Marine Corps. and other government agencies, and was responsible for leading many capture teams and writing whitepapers and position statements to build Sapient’s reputation as a leader in the defense space. He studied physics at Oxford University.