Pioneering Higher Ed Innovation:
Kinetic CEO, Luke Warren, Sheds Insight on Joining Volaris Group
Join Kinetic Chief Executive Officer, Luke Warren, as he offers an insider perspective on the profound benefits that come with being part of Volaris Group, and the remarkable influence this partnership has had on its prominence within the higher education arena.
Luke joined Kinetic in 2017 as Head of Sales & Account Management, where he was responsible for a team of Account Managers that oversaw strategic partnerships with their valued customer base. In 2020, Luke took on the role of CEO; with the backing of Volaris Group, he has continued to help build an environment for people and innovation to flourish.
In this article Luke delves into the reasons why Kinetic wholeheartedly embraces being owned by Volaris Group and the numerous benefits it derives from the best practices, knowledge-sharing, and learning opportunities within the expansive Volaris network.
The Buy, Hold and Grow Forever Acquirer: Embracing Long-Term Thinking
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of software businesses, the choice of ownership can have a profound impact on a company's future trajectory and its ability to focus on long-term goals.
Take, for example, the case of Kinetic. Although I joined the company two years following Kinetic’s acquisition by Volaris Group, those who were part of the integration – both our dedicated employees and valued customers – can undoubtedly vouch for the remarkable transformation Kinetic has undergone since acquisition. During my tenure, I've witnessed first-hand the incredible progress we've made. We've evolved into a prominent leader in student accommodation and event management software, and it's all thanks to our partnership with Volaris and unwavering support from our valued customers.
One of the main reasons we celebrate our ownership by Volaris lies in their unique 'buy-and-hold forever' philosophy. Unlike private equity or venture capital firms, they prioritise long-term growth, stability, and customer satisfaction. This approach allows us to focus on building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional products.
Our commitment to the long term has been instrumental in shaping our journey. We've been able to cultivate innovation and make choices that deeply resonate with our customers and our industry. Volaris Group's policy of reinvesting capital into growth has propelled us to the forefront of higher ed innovation. Since becoming part of this incredible family, we've tripled in size, achieved consistent double-digit organic growth, and expanded through strategic acquisitions. Embracing their 'buy, hold, and grow forever' ethos, we've strategically acquired Occam Systems and CELCAT, further enhancing our ability to deliver top-notch solutions to first-class institutions.
"Volaris Group's policy of reinvesting capital into growth has propelled us to the forefront of higher ed innovation. Since becoming part of this incredible family, we've tripled in size, achieved consistent double-digit organic growth, and expanded through strategic acquisitions"
-- Luke Warren, CEO, Kinetic
Stability and Assurance for Kinetic’s Team and Customers
Under the umbrella of Volaris Group, we enjoy the inherent advantages of being part of this vast network. Comprised of hundreds of software businesses and offering proprietary benchmarks and ratios, this extensive network provides a wealth of, best practices, collaborative knowledge exchange and diverse learning experiences. By tapping into the collective expertise of sister companies, our team remains at the forefront of industry trends, innovations, and customer-centric strategies.
Moreover, the stability provided by Volaris' long-term commitment assures our team and customers that the business will not be sold again, allowing them to focus on their core mission without the uncertainties that often accompany ownership changes. This stability fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders, enabling us to forge stronger relationships with our customers, suppliers, and partners alike.
Talent Development
As a growth-oriented organisation, we recognise that sustainable growth can only be achieved when you have the right talent within your team to drive success. At Kinetic, our journey towards effective talent management experienced a profound transformation under the guidance of Volaris Group.
This transformation is best exemplified by Adam Calladine, Chief Product Officer at Kinetic, whose remarkable journey within our company began back in 2010. Adam has worn many hats during his tenure, starting as an Implementation Manager and progressing through roles as a consultant and as an integration specialist. It's a testament to his dedication and adaptability. After this, he found his sweet spot leading our product team and now serves as our Chief Product Officer
Adam's journey truly highlights the changes we've made and his commitment to Kinetic's growth.
"Before the acquisition, Kinetic had a relatively informal approach to talent development. This approach often led to skill gaps and challenges when it came to preparing our team members for more significant roles.
Now, as part of Volaris Group, we've implemented a more structured approach to talent development. Every employee is now aware of their career path, supported by mentors, and engages in regular check-ins with their managers. This shift has had a profound impact. We're no longer merely reacting to talent needs; we're actively nurturing our future leaders. This transformation has fostered an environment where our business, and everyone in it, can truly flourish.
I've witnessed this transformation up close. I've had the privilege of watching my teammates grow, and I've experienced my own career take off, leading me to my current role as a board member here at Kinetic."
--Adam Calladine, Chief Product Officer at Kinetic.
"Moreover, the stability provided by Volaris' long-term commitment assures our team and customers that the business will not be sold again, allowing them to focus on their core mission without the uncertainties that often accompany ownership changes"
-- Luke Warren, CEO, Kinetic
Customer-Centric Approach: Putting Customers First
Volaris Group's 'forever' commitment aligns perfectly with our dedication to customer-centricity. This shared focus allows us to understand our customers' evolving needs not just for the present moment, but for the years to come. This alignment has empowered us to develop tailored solutions that address specific pain points and deliver tangible benefits to our clients.
“I've had the privilege of working closely with Kinetic and leveraging their solutions since 2010. Throughout the years, their dedication to innovation has been evident, and this trend has only intensified after their acquisition by Volaris Group. Despite the significant change, my teams and I experienced minimal disruption, and what truly impressed me was their newfound emphasis on a customer-first approach, which has significantly influenced their product development. This evolution has brought about tangible improvements and an even more satisfying experience."
-- Amanda Pettingill, Director of Catering, Hospitality and Conferencing, The University of Nottingham
With a steadfast focus on the long-term horizon, Kinetic can anticipate market trends, adapt our offerings accordingly, and provide continuous support to our customers, promoting loyalty and positioning us as a dependable ally in their success.
Catalysing Growth: An Overall Journey of Success and Innovation
In the dynamic realm of EdTech, Kinetic has reaped immense benefits from its ownership under Volaris Group. Our affiliation has not only invigorated our team; it has also fuelled our remarkable growth within the fast-paced industry. Guided by our forever invested acquirer, a collaborative synergy, and intense customer focus, we are poised for sustained expansion, stability, and triumph.
As software businesses continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape, the case of Kinetic stands as a testament to the profound impact that the right ownership choice can have on a company's future trajectory and its ability to deliver exceptional value to its customers. Values, culture, and leadership vision form the bedrock of Volaris' success stories, ensuring sustained growth and a legacy of excellence.
“I've had the privilege of working closely with Kinetic and leveraging their solutions since 2010. Throughout the years, their dedication to innovation has been evident, and this trend has only intensified after their acquisition by Volaris Group. Despite the significant change, my teams and I experienced minimal disruption, and what truly impressed me was their newfound emphasis on a customer-first approach, which has significantly influenced their product development. This evolution has brought about tangible improvements and an even more satisfying experience."
