A coffee with… Mark Boost, Civo

What’s new at Civo?

What a whirlwind year it’s been for us at Civo! Some of the highlights from the year have been announcing the total abolishment of egress fees, launching our UK sovereign cloud offering and opening our own event space in London, Tech Junction.

We’ve also made significant strides in sustainability through our collaboration with Deep Green. Our partnership allows us to repurpose the heat generated by our data centres to warm public spaces.

And this is just the beginning! We have a number of hugely exciting announcements planned for Civo Navigate. While I can’t reveal the details just yet, I can say that these upcoming announcements will continue to push things forward for us. So stay tuned – the best is yet to come!

What are the biggest challenges facing the cloud industry today?

The cloud industry is facing two major hurdles that we’re keeping a close eye on. First, there’s the issue of data sovereignty. With tightening regulations around data protection, businesses are increasingly concerned about where their data resides. We’re seeing a surge in demand for solutions that can guarantee data stays within specific borders. It’s a complex challenge, but one we’re actively addressing.

The second big challenge is market competition. Let’s face it, the cloud landscape is still dominated by a few giants, which can hamper innovation and limit your options as a customer. We’re particularly interested in the upcoming decision of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) based on their investigation into the cloud marketplace. Their ruling could shake up the industry and potentially create a more level playing field.

If the CMA does decide to intervene, it could open things up for a more diverse and competitive marketplace. We might see measures that prevent vendor lock-in, promote open standards, and foster true competition based on innovation rather than market dominance.

What are the key actions Civo is taking to be sustainable?

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at Civo. We believe that the cloud industry has a responsibility to innovate not just in technology, but also in environmental stewardship.

One of our proudest initiatives is our collaboration with companies that are reimagining how we use the heat generated by data centres. We’re working closely with Heata, who’ve developed a brilliant system to use server heat to warm homes. Similarly, our partnership with Deep Green is helping to heat public swimming pools with the excess heat from our data centres. These projects aren’t just about reducing our carbon footprint; they’re about turning what was once waste into a valuable resource for communities.

Given the significant environmental impact of data centres, it’s our responsibility as a cloud provider to prioritise sustainability. Data centres are known for their high energy consumption and heat generation. As the demand for cloud services continues to grow, so does the potential for negative environmental consequences. It is why sustainability is a core part of our mission. We recognise that it’s not enough to provide efficient services simply; we must also actively seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint and positively impact the communities we serve.

By focusing on innovative solutions like heat reuse and renewable energy, we’re striving to set a new standard for environmental responsibility in the cloud industry. Being a responsible provider means considering the full lifecycle impact of our operations and continuously working to minimise our environmental footprint.

What is the firm’s biggest success?

Our biggest success has been challenging the status quo in the cloud industry. We’ve recognised that the cloud, as it stands, is broken – dominated by hyperscalers who’ve made it unnecessarily complex and expensive. Our mission has been to disrupt this model, and I’m proud to say we’re making significant headway.

Our greatest achievement lies in our relentless pursuit of simplicity and value for money. We’ve stripped away the complexity that’s become synonymous with cloud services, offering a streamlined, user-friendly platform that doesn’t compromise on performance.

But what I’m most proud of is how we’re changing the conversation around cloud services. We’re proving that it’s possible to offer high-performance, scalable cloud solutions at a fraction of the cost of the big players. Our growing customer base and their success stories are a testament to the fact that the market is ready for a change.

What’s your top tip for finding tech talent?

When it comes to finding tech talent, our philosophy at Civo is all about fitting square pegs in square holes. We’ve learned that the most successful hires aren’t just those with the right skills on paper, but those who align with our culture and are passionate about what they do.

We focus on finding the right type of person first, then worry about the specific role. We believe that skills and experience can be gained over time, but passion, cultural fit, and the right mindset are invaluable from day one.

My top tip? Engage directly with the tech community. This isn’t just about posting job ads; it’s about becoming an active participant in the spaces where passionate tech professionals gather.

Consider attending or even hosting hackathons, contributing to open-source projects, or participating in tech meetups and conferences. These events are goldmines for connecting with skilled individuals who are genuinely excited about technology and innovation. It’s not just about finding someone with the right skills on paper but also someone who brings enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the table.

Remember, the best talent isn’t always actively job hunting. By engaging with the tech community and building relationships, you’re creating a pipeline of potential candidates who already know and respect your company. This approach takes time, but it’s an investment that can pay off with high-quality hires who are more likely to stick around and contribute meaningfully to your team.

You are a prolific founder of companies. What is it that excites you about building a new business?

What truly excites me about building a new business is the opportunity to tackle new challenges and solve novel problems. Each venture presents a unique set of obstacles that require innovative thinking and creative solutions. It’s this process of identifying gaps in the market, conceptualising solutions, and then bringing them to life that I find incredibly invigorating.

With each new business, there’s an opportunity to push boundaries and make a meaningful impact. The thrill of problem-solving and the potential to create something that genuinely improves people’s lives or businesses is what drives me. It’s not just about building a successful company; it’s about the journey of learning, adapting, and growing through each new challenge we face.

Why is it important to simplify software development processes?

Streamlined processes allow developers to focus on what truly matters – creating innovative solutions and delivering value to users. By reducing complexity, we can significantly decrease the time to market for new features and products, which is critical in maintaining a competitive edge. Simplified processes also lower the barrier to entry for new developers, fostering a more inclusive tech community and allowing a wider range of voices and ideas to contribute to the field.

I’ve seen firsthand how simplified cloud infrastructure can empower developers to work more efficiently and creatively. Simpler processes often lead to more reliable and maintainable code, reducing technical debt and improving the overall quality of software products. In essence, simplification isn’t just about ease of use; it’s about enabling innovation, improving productivity, and ultimately creating better technology solutions for everyone.

What are you looking forward to at Civo Navigate?

What I’m looking forward to most is the unprecedented opportunity for our community to come together, learn, and share ideas in person. The energy of face-to-face interactions, especially after the challenges of recent years, is something I’m particularly anticipating.

What is new this year? 

I’m incredibly excited about Civo Navigate making its debut in Berlin this year. This move to one of Europe’s most vibrant tech hubs marks a significant milestone for us. We’ve significantly expanded our program, offering more workshops, talks, and networking opportunities than ever before. We’ve curated an impressive lineup of speakers from various backgrounds, ensuring a wide range of topics and perspectives.

But what truly sets this year apart are the announcements we’ve got up our sleeves. Without giving too much away, I can say that we’re about to shake things up in the private cloud space with a solution that brings together the best of public and private clouds. It’s all about simplifying complexity without compromising on performance or security.

We’re also venturing into new territory with an AI initiative that we believe will redefine what’s possible in terms of sovereignty and trust in AI applications. It’s an exciting step forward in our mission to empower businesses with cutting-edge, ethical technology solutions.

They’re just a taste of the innovation we’re bringing to the table this year, and I can’t wait to see how they’ll be received by the tech community.

What should attendees be excited about?

Attendees should be excited about the sheer concentration of talent and knowledge that will be present at Navigate Berlin. With some 40 talks, 10 workshops, and attendees from all over the world, the opportunities for learning and networking are immense. The chance to learn from peers and industry leaders in an intimate setting is invaluable.

Our keynote speeches by Kelsey Hightower and Frank Thelen are certain to be highlights – their insights into cloud-native technologies and entrepreneurship in the tech world are not to be missed. But beyond the formal sessions, I’m a firm believer in the power of community and peer learning. The hallway conversations, impromptu discussions, and connections made during breaks often lead to some of the most valuable takeaways. Navigate isn’t just a conference; it’s a gathering of a community passionate about cloud technology and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, there’s something here for everyone to be excited about.

How do you take your coffee?

Frequently!

Besides caffeine, how do you recharge your batteries during a working day?

While caffeine certainly plays its part, I find that the most effective way to recharge during the workday is through meaningful interactions with my team. I make it a point to touch base with colleagues across different departments regularly. These interactions aren’t just about work progress; they’re opportunities to share ideas, solve problems collaboratively, and often spark new innovations.

There’s an energising effect that comes from bouncing ideas off each other or working through a challenge together. Sometimes, a quick chat with a team member can provide a fresh perspective that reinvigorates my approach to a task. I also find that our team’s collective enthusiasm for what we’re building at Civo is contagious. Seeing their passion and dedication often gives me that extra boost of energy to push through the day. It’s not just about individual recharging; it’s about tapping into the collective energy and creativity of our team.

How do you switch off at the end of the day?

Work-life balance is critical, and for me, it’s all about family time. As soon as I step through the door, I make a conscious effort to leave work behind and fully engage with my family. Focusing on my loved ones not only helps me disconnect from work but also provides a different kind of fulfillment and energy.

Having a family-focused evening routine not only helps me switch off but also ensures I’m recharged and ready for the next day. It’s a reminder that while work is important, it’s the moments with family that truly matter and provide the balance needed to sustain a demanding career in tech.