Michael Gould, the founder of Yorkshire’s tech unicorn, has launched a new platform called Kaleidoscope.
- Kaleidoscope aims to revolutionize business planning by offering simple, affordable solutions.
- The platform is particularly focused on aiding small enterprises in managing their operations effectively.
- Key features include tools for decision-making, forecasting, and understanding financial complexities.
- Gould’s mission is to make sophisticated planning accessible without expensive external consultants.
Michael Gould, a renowned entrepreneur from Yorkshire and founder of the tech unicorn Anaplan, has embarked on a new venture with the creation of Kaleidoscope. After a brief two-week break following Anaplan’s successful IPO, he quickly turned his focus to this new endeavor, inspired by the need to improve business planning resources for small enterprises.
Kaleidoscope is designed to instill confidence in businesses making critical decisions. The platform offers comprehensive tools that range from product selection and stock level strategy to production cost insights and cash flow management. This initiative is part of Gould’s vision to streamline analysis and planning processes in an uncertain business environment, enabling enterprises to focus on the essentials.
The mission of Kaleidoscope is to provide clear insights for decision-makers across various sectors, including business, philanthropy, and government. By exploring potential outcomes, businesses are better equipped to make informed decisions. The Kaleidoscope team is engaging small businesses in an early adopter program, which provides them with complimentary access to the software in exchange for feedback on its usability.
Gould, reflecting on his experiences with Anaplan, recognized the complexities that smaller businesses face when dealing with intricate modeling software. He explained: ‘Most modeling software is out of reach for smaller businesses due to its complexity and cost. We aim to offer a solution that allows these enterprises to assemble their own effective solutions using customizable building blocks.’
One of the primary goals of Kaleidoscope is to replace traditional spreadsheets with a more efficient planning method. Gould acknowledges the initial simplicity of spreadsheets but points out their limitations as business needs grow. He emphasizes the need for Kaleidoscope to become the go-to platform for business planning, eliminating the need for cumbersome spreadsheet management.
Kaleidoscope operates as a fully remote company based in the UK, employing a team of 18 professionals. Unlike the rapid growth usually sought by venture capital-backed firms, Kaleidoscope’s strategy focuses on refining the product until it becomes self-sustaining, reflecting a long-term commitment to quality over quick expansion.
Gould’s Kaleidoscope initiative represents a thoughtful approach to solving business planning challenges, offering small enterprises powerful tools to succeed without overwhelming complexity.
