Should you be California dreaming?

Howard Koenig is CEO of Aruspex, which is a software-based workforce planning provider. It was founded in 2003.

What was your business idea?

Founded in 2003, Aruspex is the world’s leading Software as a Service company, focused solely on strategic workforce planning to help the world’s most successful companies plan and build their best workforce.

The Aruspex methodology and SaaS solution were developed through years of practical domain experience, complemented by deep technical skills. Headquartered in San Francisco, Aruspex has customers and offices around the world.

How did you commercialise it?

Aruspex CAPTure software lets companies monitor the progress of their strategic plans and alter the plans based on changes in the company or surrounding environment. High profile clients include Toyota and Starbucks.

The CAPTure SaaS solution is complemented by Aruspex Advisory Programs, which provide clients with hands-on education and ongoing guidance.

Why did you head to the US?

I think the classic reasons to head for the US are well understood; these include market size and valuations. Another primary driver is access to a critical number of vertical industry markets.

Australia is a market that lacks depth of vertical market adopters in many industries. This forces new solutions vendors to offer their solutions as cross-industry solutions. This runs counter to global trends of specialisation and industry adoption patterns.

How do you view the Australia market?

I view the Australian market as a great place to develop SW and validate the commercial marketability of new SW solutions.

What does the Australian market need to do to better support these start-ups?

Australia needs more venture capitalists with expertise in global markets. Also, there is a shortage of systems, engineers and architects with SaaS expertise, particularly with enterprise class applications.