Michael Meeks joins us the week to talk about competing with Microsoft, and why Open Source Wins. Some of the highlights of our conversation include:

• On organic growth: "Unlike many VC-backed companies, we're organic, we're profitable and we have a mission which is to drive open source."
• The business model is counterintuitive but brilliant. By giving away free software, Collabora builds massive brand recognition and deployment. Users try it at home, fall in love with it, and when they need enterprise support, they know exactly who to call.
• On digital sovereignty: In an increasingly geopolitical world, Michael argues open source is the only path to true sovereignty. "The only way to have true digital sovereignty...is to use open source because then it is for the world. It is both local and a collaboration internationally."
• One of the most interesting technical insights: Collabora keeps documents on the server rather than downloading them to clients. This enables server-side policy enforcement - no copy-paste, no printing, no downloads, plus watermarking for traceability.

Michael's remote-first approach is worth noting: rather than have some staff in an office and others remote (which creates two-tier communication), Collabora went fully distributed globally. They do maintain a Cambridge base with internships at Hills Road sixth form college, giving back to the community that shaped him.

Whether you're a founder wrestling with funding strategy, a VC evaluating open source investments, or simply curious about how to build a profitable, mission-driven company without VC pressure, this episode delivers real insights.

Ready to dive deeper? Download Collabora Office from your app store and listen to the full conversation on the Cambridge Tech Podcast. You'll leave thinking differently about competition, sovereignty, and what sustainable growth actually looks like.

Headline sponsor Holden Polestar

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Welcome to Cambridge Tech Week Kickstarter, the event that's putting Cambridge firmly on the global innovation map. This year's theme? How Deep Tech Changes the World. If you're a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, tune in to find out more about the week, and to hear the panel discussion at the kickstarter event.

The episode starts with updates from Kathryn Chapman (Innovate Cambridge), Rob Bridge (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority), Mike Short and Michaela Eschbach (Cambridge Wireless).

We then cover the highlights of the panel discussion that asks “What Does a World-Class Deep Tech Ecosystem Actually Look Like?”

Kathryn Chapman hosts, with panelists Professor Sir John Aston (University of Cambridge), Jo Slota-Newson (Almanac Ventures) and Lucy Yu (CEO, Centre for Net Zero, Octopus Energy Group).

Cambridge isn't just another tech hub. It's a deliberate ecosystem where world-class research, creative thinking, and bold partnerships converge. The government is backing it. The talent is there. Will you be there to hear more during Cambridge Tech Week this September?

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The latest Cambridge Tech Podcast episode packed a punch with exciting announcements from the Cambridge ecosystem, followed by an in-depth conversation with Jean Michel Van, founder of Ryse Flow, a company building the next generation of AI-powered sales automation.

The real gem of this episode is Jean Michel's journey from corporate product management to founding Ryse Flow. His story is refreshingly honest about the fears and decision-making that come with entrepreneurship.

Jean Michel's background is unconventional. Born in Paris to parents who fled the Cambodian genocide, he spent 15 years in pharma and tech before making the leap to entrepreneurship. His early career in pharmaceutical finance eventually led him into tech through a pivotal acquisition role, where he discovered his passion for product management.

After 15 years climbing the corporate ladder, Jean Michel reached a turning point. Rather than waiting for the ‘perfect idea’. he decided to take the leap.

Ryse Flow's premise is compelling: AI won't simply be bolted onto existing software, it will fundamentally reshape how sales automation works.

"AI is going to disrupt most of the legacy players in the market in the same way cloud disrupted client-server implementations in the early 2000s."

Jean Michel's strategy is pragmatic:

· Currently leveraging 70% existing tools while building proprietary IP

· Only pursuing paid pilots - ensuring customer commitment and real feedback

· Maintaining a lean, self-funded team to preserve long-term decision-making autonomy

· Already profitable despite being early-stage

This episode captures the real tension between corporate comfort and entrepreneurial ambition. Jean Michel's willingness to discuss both his fears and his conviction offers genuine insight for founders considering the leap.

Tune in on your preferred podcast platform, and subscribe to join the weekly conversation.

Headline sponsor Holden Polestar

#CamTechPod

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