At Manchester Digital, we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week we're speaking with Esteban Salsano, an Engineer with a specialisation in AI from Odev.tech
First of all, please can you introduce yourself and your partners?
I’m Esteban Salsano, an Engineer with a specialisation in AI. I have been working in the IT environment since 2004, collaborating with remote teams. This experience led me to establish ODev.tech in 2010, which was recently featured in Forbes. Our mission at ODev.tech is to provide technical teams and development services to startups and companies of all sizes.
Rufus Round, a CEO who has previously led publicly listed fintech companies after a long career managing money, represents Odev in the UK.
Cynan Rhodes, a CTO based in the UK, focuses on project and client delivery and a deep expertise on startup lifecycle and big company needs.
In addition, Odev is partnered with two Silicon Valley based accelerators, The Batchery and Silicon Valley in Your Pocket. Odev leads training sessions for startups progressing through the accelerators on how to build products and the technical resources they need to grow.
Together, we bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to drive the success of our clients
What inspired you to build a remote/hybrid workforce model, tapping into IT talent worldwide?
My inspiration and the ODev.tech purpose for building a remote/hybrid workforce model stems from my prior experiences working with remote clients in the US and UK back to 2005. Recognizing the growing demand for remote teams and the inherent challenges faced by companies in finding the right talent, we saw an opportunity to leverage global IT talent. Our model allows us to assemble high-performing teams regardless of geographical constraints, providing clients with the flexibility and the expertise they need.
For companies and startups struggling to find the right technical talent locally, what unique value can you provide them?
oDev.tech addresses the challenges of finding the right technical talent locally by offering a vast pool of skilled professionals from around the world. Our unique value lies in assembling tailor-made teams that precisely match the requirements of each project. Additionally, our vast experience, skill sets, knowledge and partnerships, enhance the services we offer, providing access to cutting-edge resources, mentorship, and a thriving ecosystem that enriches our clients' experience.
Do you involve local talent or do you compete with it?
In oDev.tech we recognise the importance of engaging with local talent. oDev.tech aims to complement, not compete, with local talent. By integrating local professionals into our global teams, we foster a collaborative environment that combines diverse perspectives and expertise. This approach allows us to leverage the strengths of both, local and international talent to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
You've told us you are interested in AI and blockchain - what emerging technologies or trends most interest you right now and why?
AI and blockchain are two areas that continue to captivate us. The rapid advancements in AI technologies enable us to create innovative solutions that enhance user experiences and streamline processes. On the blockchain front, we are excited about the potential for decentralized applications and smart contracts to revolutionize various industries, including finance and supply chain. Staying at the forefront of these emerging technologies, ensures that we can offer our clients state-of-the-art solutions that drive their businesses forward.
We are currently engaged on several web3/blockchain projects:
AlphaCapture - a web3 platform that tokenizes investment strategies. Odev provides the full development team that has built the product from the ground up.
GlobalBlock - a UK based crypto brokerage, Odev’s team, working inside GlobalBlock, built a fiat to crypto on/off ramp using open banking, digital asset custodial services via Qredo and wallet integration.
As you engage further with Manchester's community, what opportunities excite you most in terms of potential local collaborations or partnerships?
Engaging with Manchester's vibrant community presents exciting opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. We are eager to explore synergies with local companies, startups, accelerators and educational institutions. Collaborations in areas such as talent development, knowledge exchange, and joint projects could foster a thriving ecosystem. We see immense potential for oDev.tech to contribute to and benefit from Manchester's rich tech landscape, and we look forward to building lasting partnerships that drive innovation and growth.
Thank you Esteban!
To find out more about Odev.tech click here.
