Starting a business is an exhilarating journey filled with challenges and opportunities. As your business evolves, so do your IT needs. I recently had the opportunity to speak about the unique intersection of business growth and technology infrastructure as a part of Denver Startup Week. In the presentation, I outlined the critical phases of business growth and the corresponding IT strategies that can help you succeed.
I was GadellNet’s 16th hire so I know what it’s like to be a part of fast-paced growth. I know how startup employees wear multiple hats, roll up their sleeves, and do what needs to be done. As the leader of our strategic consulting team, I advised multiple clients through scaling. Now, as the CEO, I am passionate about advising entrepreneurs in selecting optimal technology for startups.
Technology for Growth: Startup and Launch Phase
In this initial phase – one to five employees – the focus should be on getting the basics right. This includes setting up essential IT infrastructure such as email, file collaboration, and a domain for your website. There are choices you’ll have to make for your future like will your organization scale more effortlessly using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 tenants. Most organizations are best served by Microsoft 365, unless there’s a specific industry or business purpose that makes Google more advantageous, such as creative production space or non-profit/educational vertical.
It’s crucial at this phase to invest in reliable workstations and ensure that your accounts are secure from the outset. There’s a phrase I like to use when talking about IT equipment – Buy it nice or buy it twice. Workstations don’t have to be fancy, but cutting corners can result in issues further along your company’s journey. Ensure that your operating system will support business needs and whether this workstation supports remote working should be weighed against the price.
Technology for Growth: Growth and Scaling Phase
As your business begins to grow, your IT will become more complex. This phase involves adding to your initial team and delivering your products or services efficiently. Key investments are more complex. Scaling smoothly requires having infrastructure that allows you to manage your infrastructure efficiently.
The primary platform we leverage for Identity Management at scaling companies is Microsoft’s Entra ID. This platform helps organizations manage apps, devices, and data for on-prem, remote, and hybrid work environments. It’s lightweight and affordable, which makes it ideal to be able to scale.
In addition, it is important to implement business-grade cybersecurity protections early, such as endpoint detection and response. Cybercrime risks continue to grow each year, and every device and account is a target.
At this stage, you may also need to consider your physical footprint. Your physical technology needs can range from heavy to light, depending on your unique business model. Modest needs can be limited to network hardware to enable connectivity and protect data and users. Other considerations that can increase your physical technology needs include:
- Conference rooms: do you regularly host sales presentations or meetings?
- Warehouse: do you need to take in, locate, and ship out products efficiently?
- Manufacturing: what does communication look like within your factory and others you’ll build?
- Data Science or Software Development: data needs a place to reside and can require a complex virtual infrastructure
It may seem like a heavy lift to factor in all of these considerations when you have less than 15 employees, but focusing on a strong technology foundation at this phase, allows you to hit the ground running when you move into expansion.
Technology for Growth: Maturity and Expansion Phase
In the maturity phase, the focus shifts to customer retention, team building, and financial stability. IT strategies should now include comprehensive line-of-business platforms, data analytics, and collaboration tools for mature operations. Cybersecurity will remain a top priority, requiring advanced measures such as zero-trust network access and third-party testing. IT investment in support and business operations is now essential to continued growth.
Technology Support for Startups: Key Takeaways
- Begin with the End in Mind: Understand what scaling looks like for your business and make core investments early to avoid switching costs later.
- Invest in Cybersecurity Early: As your business grows, so do your cybersecurity needs. Start with foundational protections and scale up to advanced measures as needed.
- Seek Relevant Expertise: Align your IT services with your business’s maturity steps and seek guidance from experts to ensure smooth scaling.
As your organization grows, navigating the complexities of growth and ensuring IT infrastructure supports its journey becomes increasingly important. But the availability of solutions and products also expands to meet your needs.
GadellNet Consulting Services has experience helping organizations of all sizes in their technology journey. If you’d like more information on how we can support your organization, contact us today or take a look at our Startup Service Offerings.
