Dinesh Kumar and Richard Coates - Founders of Lumanorth
Did you always envisage a career in the world of Technology?
RC: My three key passions were sports, computers and graphics. I knew that I wanted to work with computers. I landed a great role with a games company, Eutechnyx, as an Artist, then progressed to Art Manager – that was the start of a 17year career!
DK: I was obsessed with computer games, graphics and programming from a very young age and knew that’s what I wanted to do. I worked on a lot of different projects then moved on to games development, progressing to lead Tech Programmer at Eutechnyx, that’s where I met Richard.
What attracted you to your current role?
RC: I thrive on being my own boss. I love the challenge, the variety it brings and the opportunities to work with companies to help them visualise their aspirations and turn them into a tech solution.
DK: Rich and I have worked together as business partners for over 10 years. We are very like-minded and share a love of tech and gamification. When the opportunity arose for us to start anther venture together it was a no-brainer. We knew of some real opportunities and wanted to create a specialist agency and develop specialist products. Plus, we both enjoy a fast-paced, no-nonsense approach, which makes working together much easier.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
RC: Keep your finger on the pulse the tech is changing all the time! Take the initiative to build your own website or do some small projects, improve your technical skills and build a portfolio that is unique. Try out different roles and companies to discover what line of work you prefer.
DK: Enjoy your work, be curious, make things. All of those build valuable problem solving skills – which is arguably the most valuable skill in tech.
Tell us about the most exciting thing you’re currently working on?
We are developing a cutting edge learning platform that provides bite-sized, multimodal learning, combined with AI to specifically target individual knowledge gaps called Bentobot. It uses top spec gamification that maximises reward psychology, making it much more fun and engaging. There’s huge potential for this and we’re looking forward to launching it.
We’re also thrilled to have secured a partnership arrangement with Vantec and are really looking forward to working with them to develop their immersive 3D applications.
Tell us about your team.
RC: We’re a small, but I would say, world class development team who I would confidently compare to any other big league software development studio.
Dinesh and I have been colleagues for over 20 years, and business partners on several successful ventures now. We have a fantastic team of eight developers that are based with us at the Toffee Factory, Newcastle.
DK: The people on our team we have come to know previously through previous work or the local tech scene or who have really shone at interview. Their backgrounds combine public sector, gaming industry, and high-tech start-ups and they each have a unique specialism. They’re an amazing team and we’re very proud of the work we deliver to clients.
What’s your fondest memory of a career in the industry?
RC: Winning the Nectar Business Award, Best Use of Technology and talking to ‘Dragon’ Sarah Willingham discussing future technology use cases.
What are your remaining career aspirations?
RC: To continue to create an award winning development team and work on cool tech projects as well as building our product ‘Bento Bot’ into a world leading learning platform.
What piece of technology would you be lost without?
RC: That’s a tough question for a techie! I’d have to say two pieces, my Mac book everything just works when you need it too, the software is very slick, and its so fast. Also my Fitbit as I am a bit obsessed with tracking my steps.
DK: For me, I would say there are three pieces of tech I’d be lost without that’s my tech setup at home which includes a Mac, PC, and my music gear.
Who are your heroes and mentors?
RC: It’s a bit of a cliche now, but Steve Jobs is the person that comes to mind first. He paved the way as far as consumer tech innovation is concerned.
DK: Yes, I’d agree with Richard. We’ve both been lucky to work with some brilliant people throughout our careers and I think there are a number who have taught us some pretty cool stuff that we’ve then been able to build upon.
When not working, how do you like to relax?
RC: I like to get away from my desk and get outside and spend some time in the great outdoors we have here on our doorstep. I enjoy family walks with my dogs on Low Hauxley beach in Northumberland.
DK: I love to learn and love music so I like to try my hand at new instruments. I’m currently learning (and getting fairly competent at) Jazz piano now, which I find very relaxing. For something a bit more fast-paced, I still enjoy gaming.