How is CADS helping organisations unlock the power of data and AI?



Since its founding in 2015, the Center of Applied Data Science (CADS) has been on a mission to close the gap between data literacy and the evolving needs of modern businesses. Through its AI-driven platform, CADS.ai, the company enables organizations to align workforce skills with future demands, optimizing talent management and driving impactful business outcomes.



In this episode of Open For Business, Sharala Axryd, Founder and CEO of CADS, shares her journey from telecommunications engineer to tech entrepreneur, the pivotal moments that shaped CADS, and the insights gained from building a $5M USD ARR business.



Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

- Origins: CADS was born out of Sharala’s mission to bridge Malaysia’s data literacy gap, inspired by her personal experiences with brain drain and the need to upskill local talent.

- Pivot to SaaS: Initially focused on corporate training, CADS transitioned to a scalable SaaS model in 2020, centering on its proprietary CADS.ai platform.

- Business Model: CADS generates revenue through enterprise SaaS subscriptions, offering workforce assessments, customized learning paths, and integrated skill management tools.

- Key Achievements: CADS reports $5M USD ARR, 30–40% annual growth, and profitability since inception, positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven talent management.

- Market Expansion: With Malaysia contributing 80–90% of revenue, CADS is targeting regional growth in markets like Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia.

- Funding and Future Plans: After bootstrapping for nearly a decade, CADS is now seeking external funding to accelerate global expansion and scale its platform.

How is CADS helping organisations unlock the power of data and AI?Since its founding in 2015, the Center of Applied Data Science (CADS) has been on a mission to close the gap between data literacy and the evolving needs of modern businesses. Through its AI-driven platform, CADS.ai, the company enables organizations to align workforce skills with future demands, optimizing talent management and driving impactful business outcomes.In this episode of Open For Business, Sharala Axryd, Founder and CEO of CADS, shares her journey from telecommunications engineer to tech entrepreneur, the pivotal moments that shaped CADS, and the insights gained from building a $5M USD ARR business.Here are some key highlights from the conversation:- Origins: CADS was born out of Sharala’s mission to bridge Malaysia’s data literacy gap, inspired by her personal experiences with brain drain and the need to upskill local talent.- Pivot to SaaS: Initially focused on corporate training, CADS transitioned to a scalable SaaS model in 2020, centering on its proprietary CADS.ai platform.- Business Model: CADS generates revenue through enterprise SaaS subscriptions, offering workforce assessments, customized learning paths, and integrated skill management tools.- Key Achievements: CADS reports $5M USD ARR, 30–40% annual growth, and profitability since inception, positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven talent management.- Market Expansion: With Malaysia contributing 80–90% of revenue, CADS is targeting regional growth in markets like Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia.- Funding and Future Plans: After bootstrapping for nearly a decade, CADS is now seeking external funding to accelerate global expansion and scale its platform.

The flagship entrepreneurship show on BFM, featuring personal business stories from early stage start-ups, all the way to billionaire octogenarians in Malaysia and abroad. Notable guests include Martin Cooper (father of the mobile phone), Julian Assange (founder of WikiLeaks), Ralph Henry Baer (father of video games), Tony Buzan (Mindmap Guru), Isaac Tigrett (Hard Rock Cafe founder), Robert Kiyosaki (Financial Guru), Nick Vujicic (motivational speaker) and more. Tap into this valuable resource of shared experiences for the SME industry, which also touches on news, issues and trends affecting the business community and beyond.

Open For Business

Discover fresh concepts, tackle obstacles, and unleash growth - Open For Business is the dynamic show where BFM engages with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry trailblazers, igniting inspiration, sparking success, and exploring new business models.

Advertisement