Julian Clarke (Projectworks)
Overview
Julian Clarke is notably the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and one of the founders of Projectworks, a professional services automation software company based in Wellington, New Zealand. Projectworks is designed to optimize the operations of consultancies by providing tools that handle project scheduling, time tracking, budget management, and invoicing. Since its establishment, Clarke has been instrumental in driving the technological development of the platform, which serves hundreds of mid-market consultancy firms globally.
Recent Developments
- October 2024: Projectworks successfully completed a Series A funding round, raising US$5 million, which has valued the company at NZ$100 million. The funding was spearheaded by the US-based Bridgewest Group and included contributions from Mark Orttung, the new US-based CEO, as well as other significant stakeholders such as the Punakaiki Fund.
- March 2024: Mark Orttung, former president and COO at Bill.com and Nexient, was appointed as the CEO, replacing Matthew Hayter, who remains President and Chief Product Officer. Orttung's appointment is aligned with the company’s strategic shift to expand aggressively within the US market.
- January 2023: Orttung had joined the board of directors, indicating Projectworks' focus towards expansion and strategic growth, especially towards North American markets.
- 2023: Projectworks was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list, ranked 557th due to its remarkable revenue growth in recent years.
- Company Relocation: As part of its scaling up efforts, Projectworks moved its headquarters from Wellington to the US to accommodate and drive its expansion into North America, recognizing the region as a critical strategic market.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julian Clarke |
| Born | |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Occupation | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
| Known For | Co-founding Projectworks |
| Education | BSc Computer Science, Victoria University of Wellington |
Early Life and Education
Julian Clarke was born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand. He attended Victoria University of Wellington, where he pursued and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from 2001 to 2004. Clarke's early interest in technology and problem-solving led him to Provoke Solutions, where his career in software development began. This formative experience laid the groundwork for his later role in founding and developing Projectworks, a testament to his technical acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
Career and Notable Achievements
Julian Clarke's career took a significant leap when he co-founded Projectworks with Matthew Hayter and Doug Taylor. The software initially developed at Provoke Solutions was transformed into a standalone SaaS company in 2016. Clarke’s role as CTO has focused on leading the technical advancements of the platform:
- 2015: Clarke co-founded Projectworks, leveraging his expertise from Provoke Solutions to address industry-specific problems.
- 2019: Officially launched Projectworks, securing its position as a go-to service for consultancy firms with over 500 global clients.
- Clarke's leadership in technology development has seen Projectworks innovate with features that integrate project tracking, budgeting, and automation into a coherent tool that optimizes business operations.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, as the CTO of Projectworks, Julian Clarke remains focused on advancing the platform's capabilities. Under his leadership, Projectworks has become synonymous with tailored solutions that meet the nuanced needs of professional service businesses. Clarke's commitment to innovation has driven the expansion of Projectworks into international markets, with a major emphasis on the United States. His forward-thinking approach has ensured that Projectworks maintains its competitive edge, significantly impacting how consultancy businesses manage projects and resources.
Conclusion
Julian Clarke has played a pivotal role in transforming Projectworks from a simple in-house tool to an expansive global business solution critical for professional services. As Projectworks continues to expand, particularly in the North American market, Clarke's vision and leadership in technology remain crucial in steering the company toward future success. His blend of technical skill, innovative mindset, and strategic foresight ensures that Projectworks will continue to positively impact the consultancy industry on a global scale.