Enterprise software management firm Cloud23 has achieved an 80% increase in its local customer base over the last year.

Founded in 2021 by global technology executive Ram Ramakrishnan as an artificial intelligence services company in Delaware, US, the company entered the South African market in 2022.

The firm, which now has 135 employees and contractors globally, has been able to serve clients in South Africa, as well as Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Mauritius, with the region holding “enormous” potential.

“We are excited about the positive response we have received not only in Africa but also beyond. Our ability to provide enterprise software management services with the proficiency of global leaders, while remaining economical and nimble, has led to substantial growth in a relatively short time,” says Ramakrishnan.

To meet the surge in local demand for its services, Cloud23 opened offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and retained 57 employees and contractors across Africa. The company is also actively recruiting local and African talent, which it believes is an exciting prospect for the sector globally.

The company’s expertise lies in helping organisations in financial services to manage and optimise their operations through cloud-based software company Salesforce and Amazon Web Services platforms, and its competitive edge is its ability to match the skills of global leaders in enterprise software management while being quick, efficient and cost-effective.

“In many cases, Cloud23’s rates are 40% less than its competitors, making it a compelling option for businesses in South Africa and beyond. Leading Cloud23 clients include the Standard Bank Group and Stanbic,” he continues.

Cloud23 is one of the fastest-growing Salesforce Consulting partners in South Africa, with over 200 accreditations and the rapid growth of the Salesforce economy in South Africa having been pivotal to Cloud23’s success in the region.

Ramakrishnan says estimates show that, in South Africa, Salesforce and its ecosystem are expected to create 5 240 jobs and add $2.10-billion in new business revenue from 2018 to 2024.