It all started in 2015. One of Holos Consulting’s most important clients, the consulting company that gave rise to Holos Technology, challenged them to improve their training systems and tools. Some time before, they had heard about virtual reality and the added value it could bring to training people. As a result of this challenge, they embarked on the project, which left their first client very satisfied. It was at that moment they decided to take a step forward and create a technology business line within Holos Consulting.
Today, five years later, Holos Technology offers an interview to the Complutense University of Madrid—a chance to get to know the company from a closer perspective. The first project had good results, but time has passed.
Does Holos Technology in 2016 resemble Holos Technology in 2020?
No. The company has evolved. We believe it has followed the normal path of a start-up. Although it began with the sponsorship of Holos Consulting, Holos Technology started to take off on its own about a year after its foundation.
The first year was tough: we spent a lot of time understanding the technology business and trying to create a new business model completely different from consulting. At first, we had only one client who demanded products and helped us survive. A year later, we officially established a development team in Mendoza (Argentina), very close to Santiago, Chile, and began launching products that are now part of our portfolio. The company has evolved not only in sales but also in its client base. From that initial client, we now have 12, and more than 2,000 users have used our simulators.
Regarding the Holos Tech team, what do you look for in your employees? And what do you think Holos offers to the job market?
Holos has a transversal culture of respect. It is very important for us to ensure that the candidate joining the team will be a good fit, meaning they will integrate well with the group. This aspect is perhaps even more relevant than their technical skills or experience. We value teamwork and enjoy having fun while working; this is something we make clear to our clients and declare as a core value of our company, beyond the basics like honesty, sincerity, and passion. So, it is crucial that the person joining our team hits the target.
I believe we are a good school for professional development. Our team is young and diverse: we currently have four different nationalities, and 40% of our team are female engineers. We offer a relaxed work environment that prioritizes creativity, as we are flexible with schedules. We work based on objectives. While we believe discipline is important, creativity is even more so. Therefore, creative and innovative spirits will thrive in our company. Behind good results, there are always good teams.
What has been the company’s greatest achievement so far?
We have reached several milestones. One significant achievement was our first international sale, which took place in Argentina in 2018 with a client we had been pursuing for a long time—our “dream client” in Argentina: YPF, the country’s largest oil company. Another major milestone is that we have maintained our initial client, BHP, the world’s largest mining company, to this day. Additionally, although it is a long-term achievement, we are becoming technological leaders in extractive industries such as mining and oil & gas.
Speaking of your last answer, why do you think clients trust Holos?
One of our core values is “making things happen,” and we have truly been able to solve the most difficult challenges. Clients trust us, especially when it comes to overcoming these kinds of difficulties. We have never left a client unattended. For this reason, we have generally worked with large corporations. Trust is built over time, and I believe we have always been able to sell the second project—this is a clear sign of the trust our clients place in us.
And regarding future goals, do you plan to apply Holos Technology’s business model to other industries?
We plan to do so, but gradually. We like to stay focused and be the best at what we do. Diversification is part of our goals, but we aim to go in-depth for each sector. Our clients recognize Holos as a company that gets to the root of problems. So far, we have worked in the oil, gas, mining, and education sectors. Our next goals include medicine, retail, tourism, real estate, and more. Additionally, one of our main current objectives is internationalization.
Does this mean you plan to expand the company?
Yes. Our growth plan involves the need to hire more technical, operational, and commercial resources.
Which countries have the most potential to host a company like Holos, and why?
Highly industrialized countries are the number one target for this type of technology. Our strategic plan aims to bring our services to the United States, Canada, Peru, Australia, and Spain. Spain is indispensable as it serves as the gateway to Europe for Latin Americans. Therefore, the reasons a country can host Holos are based on its level of industrialization.
Looking to the future, how do you see your company in 5 years? And in 10?
In 5 years, we see ourselves consolidated in the Latin American market, with measurable results, a highly qualified team, a fully established human resources policy, and the company ranked among the “best places to work”—a place where people prefer to work. Ultimately, we see Holos Technology as a benchmark in the development of virtual and augmented reality products.
In 10 years? It’s hard to say. Technology will likely have evolved into other tools. However, our company is characterized by its dynamism, and by then, I hope we will not have lost that. With dynamism, we will be able to adapt to any technological change.
Many companies have seen the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to reinvent themselves. How has Holos Technology handled the situation?
The transition regarding the telework debate has been very smooth since we have always worked with flexible schedules. As for our product, we have also been quick to adapt our tools to meet client expectations.
Finally, as we approach the end of the year, what does 2021 look like for Holos?
The demand for online training is increasing, and we are prepared for it. Regarding virtual reality, there is a growing need for multi-platform solutions (PCs, VR kits, mobile). We believe 2021 will be a year of consolidation for this demand, and 2022 will be a year of net growth as the global economy improves. In general, Industry 4.0 technology constantly surprises us with innovative solutions and tools. We are on this train and want to be leaders in this area. This is the vision and commitment of the entire Holos team.
