(Diary – Retrospective) Some of the Companies I Founded Over Twenty Years in the

(Diary – Retrospective)
Some of the Companies I Founded Over Twenty Years in the Seattle-Bellevue-Redmond area: All of them sold. But the truth is, none of them grew or survived my departure in one way or another.

Right now I’m trying to repatriate my company from Ukraine and UK to the States because I’m healthy enough now to do it and the technology has caught up. But in doing so I am … somewhere between concerned and obsessed with ensuring it survives me. Is that rational? I dunno. 😉

Ascentium (2001, 100M), a Bellevue-based consulting firm, underwent significant changes over the years. In 2010, Avanade, a global professional services company, acquired Ascentium’s practice from Ascentium’s offices in Baltimore, Maryland, and Bellevue, Washington, into Avanade’s operations. Following this transaction, Ascentium’s remaining business units continued to operate independently. However, over time, the company ceased operations, and its presence in the consulting industry diminished.

Redmond Technology Partners (1995, 10M), commonly known as Redtech, was a Bellevue-based consulting firm specializing in technology solutions. In 2012, Redtech was acquired by Sogeti USA, a subsidiary of the Capgemini Group, a global leader in consulting and technology services. This acquisition aimed to enhance Sogeti’s presence in the Pacific Northwest and expand its service offerings. Following the acquisition, Redtech’s operations were integrated into Sogeti’s existing structure, and the Redtech brand was phased out.

Excell Data Corporation(1990, 100M), a Bellevue-based consulting firm, was acquired by Cambridge Technology Partners. Following the acquisition, Excell Data’s operations were integrated into Cambridge Technology Partners, leading to the discontinuation of the Excell Data brand.

This is just the top of the list. Every single company, beginning with the first one at 22 years old, I have either created or helped build as part of the executive team, has not survived my departure.

This is not rewarding. Is any business that does not outlive you rewarding? I don’t think so. My relationships have been rewarding. My life experiences have been rewarding. My work in intelligence was extremely rewarding. My intellectual work though, that’s been and remains rewarding – and will outlive me.

Cheers
CD