At the beginning of May, Milena Tsankarska stepped into her new role as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at ZettaOnline, part of Zetta Group Limited UK company known for its expertise in Software Development, Technical Compliance, Managed DevOps Services, and Cloud Hosting solutions. With a strong presence across Europe, North America, and Africa, ZettaOnline continues to expand its impact in various business industries. In this interview, Milena shares insights into her new role and ZettaOnline’s ambitious vision for the future. Let’s dive in to hear what she has to say!

Can you start by giving us an overview of ZettaOnline and its mission? How does it stand out in the fintech services industry?

In the fintech industry, technical compliance and software development are closely intertwined, as the sector is heavily regulated and requires adherence to strict standards. ZettaOnline has a strong focus on delivering innovative and all-encompassing solutions to help the business not only to meet the legal requirements, but to integrate those requirements into the very fabric of software development. Our mission is to provide businesses with state-of-the-art technology, helping them remain competitive and compliant in a constantly changing digital world. By adopting a compliance first-approach, ZettaOnline helps the fintech companies avoid costly fines, build trust with users, and create secure, reliable products that can scale in a highly regulated environment.

ZettaOnline operates in multiple regulated markets across the globe. What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities you face in different regions like the UK, USA, Germany, and South Africa?

To operate in diverse markets such as the UK, USA, Germany, and South Africa is both challenging and full of possibilities. Each market has its own diverse and unique regulatory framework requirements that we have to tailor and adjust in the delivery of our services to our clients. The opportunity lies in utilizing our expertise across these regions to provide global solutions that are fine for local impact. For instance, as businesses strive to comply with data protection laws and industry standards, partners like ZettaOnline that offer compliance, security, and data protection are in high demand.

ZettaOnline offers a broad range of services, including software development, technical compliance, and managed IT services. Which of these services do you see as the most in-demand among your clients, and why?

Technical compliance is currently seeing the highest demand, especially in the heavily regulated sectors. Clients increasingly seek customized software solutions that can be easily integrated with their existing systems while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in which they operate. With the rise of cyber threats, businesses need to ensure their systems meet specific security requirements, making compliance a priority. Our clients appreciate our ability to deliver both cutting-edge software and the assurance of meeting compliance requirements. After the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more of our clients are seeking security of their operations, data, and payments. We do detect and respond to threats using real-time and proprietary analysis and threat data, offering flexibility and personalization.

Your company provides auditing and certification according to PCI-DSS and ISO standards. How important are these certifications for your clients, and what role do they play in maintaining trust and security?

Certifications like PCI-DSS are vital for our clients, as they guarantee that their operations adhere to the highest security and quality standards. We also ensure compliance with other applicable requirements stemming from the financial regulations. And of course, this builds trust between the company and the customers, which gives the clients trustworthiness and more opportunity to grow.

Cloud hosting solutions are a critical part of your offerings. Can you share how ZettaOnline ensures the reliability and security of these services for your clients?

At ZettaOnline, this is a top priority, and we offer a real-time strategic advantage: instant business insights. We implement advanced security protocols; we regularly audit and continuously monitor our systems in order to achieve efficiency with sustainability. Thus, our clients trust us to provide a secure and stable environment for their operations, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

With the fintech industry rapidly evolving, how does ZettaOnline stay ahead of technological trends and ensure its services remain cutting-edge?

Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving fintech sector requires ZettaOnline to be proactive, innovative, and adaptable. We allocate resources to continuous research and development to explore new technology, trends, and market needs. We aim to incorporate the latest technology into our services and products. This allows us to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet future demands in the fintech sector.

As the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, what strategies do you implement to drive growth and expand ZettaOnline’s market presence? Our plans include determining a marketing strategy that develops and strengthens relations with existing clients. One of our topics is also to expand our services to different markets by establishing and cultivating long-term partnerships with new clients. One of my personal goals is to strengthen the company’s group of different brands and keep their level high in both the fintech and gaming markets. We also aim to achieve additional certifications, which will confirm our leading position in fintech and IT solutions worldwide.

What role does strategic partnerships and collaborations play in ZettaOnline’s growth? Can you highlight any key partnerships that have been particularly impactful?

Yes, the strategic partnerships are a key component of ZettaOnline’s growth strategy. By collaborating with some of the industry leaders, we can offer more comprehensive services and enter new markets. For example, our partnership with The Betting Coach. This collaboration will allow us to promote our fintech solutions, increase their visibility, and attract new users in the online gaming market. For us, those partnerships are crucial to our success and expansion.

Given the competitive nature of the fintech industry, how does ZettaOnline differentiate itself from other service providers?

At ZettaOnline, we don’t just provide services; we offer customized solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs. We set us apart through a combination of deep technical expertise, knowledge of global regulatory aspects, and a client-centric approach. We are very dedicated to innovation, security, and compliance, and these ensure that we offer high-quality and reliable services that help our clients achieve their objectives.

10. Looking ahead, what are some of the key trends in fintech and IT services that you believe will shape the future of the industry?

AI is playing a transformative role in the fintech and IT sectors. The key areas AI is being leveraged are fraud detection and prevention, personalized financial services, regtech and compliance, customer onboarding, and identity verification, along with many other areas. The offering of customer-centric solutions should consider compliance with the requirements for developing or deploying AI.

What are ZettaOnline’s future goals and objectives, and how do you plan to achieve them in the next 3-5 years?

Of course, our plans are with a glance for the future and especially to how to expand our global presence, particularly in emerging markets, while continuing to innovate our service offerings. We intend to invest both in AI and machine learning to stay ahead of industry trends and provide even more robust solutions to our clients. Our goal is to be recognized as a leader in the fintech services industry, known for our innovation, reliability, and client-focused approach.

Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at ZettaOnline? What experiences have shaped your approach to leadership and strategy?

My professional experience belongs to different managing roles in marketing, business development, and strategic planning across multiple industries. Each of them gave me more and more added values that shaped me in the way to drive growth and lead teams effectively. My personal approach emphasizes collaboration, team leadership, and maintaining a strong focus on the client’s needs.

In your opinion, what are the most critical skills and attributes needed to succeed in the fintech industry today?

It is crucial to adapt rapidly to the latest innovation in the industry, to have strong technical expertise, and to have a deep understanding of regulatory environments. Of course, to have strong problem-solving abilities, creative thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning. We have to quickly adapt to new technologies and market dynamics as the industry evolves.

What advice would you give to aspiring professionals looking to enter the fintech or IT services sector?

My advice to those that are looking to enter both the fintech and IT services sectors is to stay close to the innovation and trends of both industries in order to be up-to-date with the latest developments. That will assure them some advantage in the future and will put them in a stronger position.

Finally, is there anything else you would like our audience to know about ZettaOnline or any upcoming projects you are particularly excited about?

I am excited to share that our team will be attending five major gaming events before the end of 2024. With our deep interest in the gaming industry, it is only fitting that we showcase our services at these significant events. We are kicking off with Sigma East Europe, scheduled for September 2-4, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary. This event is set to be one of the largest and most influential in the gaming industry, offering significant events and valuable industry insights. We continue with SBC Events, 24-26 September in Lisboa, and in November, 11-14, 2024, ZettaOnline is going to attend Sigma Europe.

After that, we are going to attend BEGE and EEGS, which are two of the premier events in the gaming and entertainment industry (Sofia on November 27-28, 2024). If you want to find out what ZettaOnline’s services are, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange a meeting.

Today marks the official launch of CatoriTech, an exciting new player in the tech industry. At the helm of this ambitious venture is Domenico Mazzola, a seasoned entrepreneur and industry leader, stepping into the role of CEO and Co-Founder. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Domenico to discuss the vision behind CatoriTech, the challenges of launching a new company, and the innovative solutions they plan to bring to the market. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, CatoriTech is set to make waves from day one. Join us as Domenico shares insights into what’s next for this promising startup and the future of tech innovation.

What inspired you to start CatoriTech, and how did the company come into existence?

The inspiration to start CatoriTech came from recognizing a significant gap in the iGaming industry. Both my co-founder, Antonio, and I had worked in technology and gaming for years, and we saw a clear need for more innovative, scalable, and secure solutions tailored specifically for this industry. The idea was to create a company that not only delivered cutting-edge technology but also understood the unique challenges and opportunities within the iGaming sector. CatoriTech was born out of a desire to drive the industry forward by leveraging the latest technologies and fostering a culture of innovation.

Can you explain the core mission and vision of CatoriTech?

Our mission at CatoriTech is to empower the iGaming industry through innovative, reliable, and scalable technology solutions. We aim to set new standards in how technology can enhance gaming experiences, streamline operations, and drive growth. Our vision is to be the leading technology partner for iGaming companies worldwide, recognized for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer success.

How does CatoriTech differentiate itself from other companies in the iGaming industry?

CatoriTech stands out in the iGaming industry by focusing on a few key differentiators. First, our tech stack is designed with scalability, security, and user experience at its core, allowing our clients to grow and innovate without worrying about the limitations of their technology. Second, our fully remote working model allows us to tap into a global talent pool, ensuring we have the best minds working on our solutions. Finally, our customer-centric approach means we work closely with our clients, understanding their specific needs and challenges, and tailoring our solutions accordingly.

Technology and Innovation

What is the driving philosophy behind your technology stack at CatoriTech?

The driving philosophy behind our technology stack is to build with the future in mind. We’ve selected technologies that are not only robust and secure but also flexible enough to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the iGaming industry. We prioritize scalability, ensuring that as our clients grow, their technology can grow with them without compromising performance or security. Additionally, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve by continuously researching and integrating emerging technologies that can provide a competitive edge.

How does CatoriTech ensure scalability and security within its technology solutions?

Scalability and security are fundamental to everything we build at CatoriTech. We achieve scalability by using cloud-native architectures that allow for seamless expansion and contraction based on demand. This ensures that our clients can handle peak loads without any performance degradation. On the security side, we implement best-in-class security protocols, including encryption, regular security audits, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR. Our goal is to provide a technology infrastructure that our clients can trust, knowing that their data is secure and their systems can handle whatever challenges come their way.

Company Culture and Remote Work

CatoriTech is a fully remote company. How do you maintain a strong company culture in a remote environment?

Maintaining a strong company culture in a remote environment is something we take very seriously at CatoriTech. We’ve created a culture that emphasizes communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. Regular virtual meetings, both formal and informal, help keep everyone connected. We also encourage transparency and open communication across all levels of the company. Additionally, we’ve implemented tools and practices that allow for seamless collaboration, ensuring that distance doesn’t hinder productivity or team spirit.

What are the advantages of your remote working model, and how does it benefit both your employees and your clients?

The remote working model offers numerous advantages, both for our employees and our clients. For employees, it provides flexibility, allowing them to work from anywhere, which can lead to a better work-life balance and increased job satisfaction. This flexibility also means we can hire the best talent from around the world, not just from a specific geographic location. For our clients, the benefits include faster turnaround times and a broader range of perspectives and expertise, as our diverse team can approach problems from different angles.

iGaming Industry Impact

What trends do you see shaping the future of the iGaming industry, and how is CatoriTech positioning itself to lead in this space?

The iGaming industry is rapidly evolving, with trends like increased regulation, the rise of mobile gaming, and the integration of AI and machine learning shaping its future. At CatoriTech, we’re positioning ourselves to lead in this space by staying ahead of these trends and continuously innovating our technology solutions. We’re also focused on providing scalable and compliant solutions that can adapt to the changing regulatory landscape. By staying agile and forward-thinking, we aim to help our clients not just keep up with the industry but lead it.

How does CatoriTech contribute to the success of its clients in the iGaming industry?

CatoriTech contributes to the success of its clients by providing technology that is not only robust and reliable but also tailored to their specific needs. We work closely with our clients to understand their business objectives and challenges, and we develop solutions that help them achieve their goals. Whether it’s improving user experience, ensuring regulatory compliance, or enabling seamless scaling, our technology is designed to empower our clients to succeed in a competitive industry.

What challenges do you foresee for the iGaming industry, and how is CatoriTech preparing to overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we foresee for the iGaming industry is the increasing complexity of regulations across different markets. To address this, CatoriTech is investing in compliance technology that helps our clients navigate these regulations more easily. Another challenge is the rapid pace of technological change, which can make it difficult for companies to stay current. We’re tackling this by constantly innovating and updating our technology stack to ensure our clients are always ahead of the curve.

Future and Vision

What are CatoriTech’s goals for the next 5 years, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Over the next five years, our goals at CatoriTech include expanding our presence globally, further enhancing our product offerings, and becoming the go-to technology partner for the iGaming industry. We plan to achieve this by continuing to invest in innovation, building strategic partnerships, and focusing on delivering exceptional value to our clients. We’re also committed to growing our team with top talent from around the world, ensuring that we have the expertise to support our ambitious goals.

How do you envision the role of CatoriTech evolving as the iGaming industry continues to grow and change?

As the iGaming industry continues to grow and change, I envision CatoriTech evolving into a more comprehensive technology partner for our clients. We plan to expand our product offerings to cover more aspects of the gaming ecosystem, from player management to data analytics. Additionally, we aim to become a thought leader in the industry, providing insights and guidance on emerging trends and best practices. Ultimately, our goal is to be at the forefront of innovation, helping to shape the future of iGaming.

What inspired Xanada Investments to create this startup competition in the gaming industry?

The necessity for this initiative arose from the modern market conditions and the challenges faced by startups. We observed that many startups with incredible potential struggle due to a lack of resources and guidance. This competition was born from the need to bridge that gap and provide a solution that goes beyond just capital.

By creating our own investment initiatives, we can set the terms and provide a prize that offers more than just funding. Many competitions offer financial support, but startups often lack the guidance on how to effectively use that money. Our competition is unique because it not only provides financial backing but also offers a platform for continuous learning and development. This ensures that winning startups have the tools and knowledge to maximize their potential.

Moreover, there are numerous deserving startups that often go unnoticed and lack the opportunity to showcase their capabilities. This competition is an opportunity for startups to gain visibility, connect with industry leaders, and receive the strategic consulting they need to succeed.

Q: What specific goals does Xanada Investments aim to achieve through launching this competition?

Through this competition, our main goal is to give promising startups in the gaming industry the spotlight they deserve and the support they need to grow. We seek out the best ideas, provide them with resources, and help them scale effectively. This includes funding, expert advice, and networking opportunities to turn innovative concepts into market-ready solutions.

We are ready to showcase that working with investment funds offers more than just capital. It’s about having a team of experts guiding you, sharing valuable insights, and helping you grow your business. This competition is a chance to demonstrate the benefits of structured investment and the real value it brings.

Xanada Investments’s core goal in this competition is to support talented managers, small teams, and entrepreneurs with great ideas and experience who might not know where to go next. Whether they’ve had a business that didn’t work out or are looking to scale, we want to show them there’s a path forward. By highlighting these success stories, we aim to inspire others and demonstrate the transformative power of strategic investment and mentorship. We’ve already received 20 applications in the past week, indicating strong interest and potential.

How does Xanada Investments plan to support the competition winner beyond financial rewards?

At Xanada Investments, our commitment to the competition winner extends far beyond mere financial backing. We provide a powerhouse of resources and expertise designed to make long-term success. For operators, our elite marketing team, adept at managing multimillion-dollar budgets, will craft impactful campaigns that drive user engagement and maximize ROI. For providers, we open doors to hundreds of casinos ready to integrate innovative solutions, leveraging our deep industry insights to streamline processes and optimize game design and user engagement.

Talking about B2B startups, we excel at building robust sales departments from the ground up, utilizing our vast experience to drive revenue growth and establish sustainable business models. Our strategic consulting, led by industry leaders with a proven track record of scaling over 20 iGaming companies, provides hands-on guidance to refine business

Certainly, extensive media coverage will elevate the winner’s visibility in both B2B and B2C markets, making the growth process engaging as the industry and public witness the project’s progress in real time. This comprehensive support system ensures the winner not only survives but thrives, setting new benchmarks in the competitive iGaming landscape.

What are the conditions for participating in the Xanada Startup Contest?

We are looking for leaders who know how to work in the industry, achieve results, and manage finances effectively. We invite individuals who have a clear understanding of their strengths and potential. Our primary consideration is the team we will be working with. We want to collaborate with those who demonstrate strong leadership and the ability to navigate the complexities of their industry.

If you have a solid team and a well-thought-out approach to your business, we welcome you to apply. We are interested in startups that show promise and have a clear vision for their future.

The Xanada Startup Contest is open to businesses at various stages of development, including Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A. We welcome startups from different regions and sectors, focusing on the quality of the team, their experience, and their readiness to bring their ideas to market. Our aim is to support those who are mature enough to leverage the resources and guidance provided to achieve significant growth.

Currently, the fund has received 80 applications, and we anticipate even more with the launch of the contest. This increased interest will motivate startups to participate and prepare their pitches diligently.

What advice would you give to startups to ensure they advance to the next round?

To ensure your startup advances to the next round, good preparation and strategic presentation are key. Start by thoroughly preparing all necessary documentation. Investors expect to see a solid business plan and detailed financial projections that outline a clear path to profitability. Understanding your market, competition, and business model is crucial. When you walk into a pitch meeting, you should be ready to answer any question confidently, demonstrating your deep understanding of your business and its potential.

Having a comprehensive understanding of the investment process is also essential. Securing investment is not just about having a great idea; it’s about proving that you can turn that idea into a profitable business. Highlight realistic and achievable milestones, as investors look for startups with a pragmatic approach that can execute plans effectively. Remember, a million-dollar investment should ideally generate a significant return, and investors need to be convinced that you have a viable strategy to achieve this.

And the main piece of advice is to manage your expectations and maintain professionalism. Be realistic about what you can achieve and avoid overpromising. Ensure that your pitch materials are polished and convey your vision effectively. Demonstrating a clear, strategic plan and showcasing your team’s capability to execute it can significantly boost your chances of advancing to the next round and securing the necessary investment for your startup’s growth.

To apply for the Xanada Startup Contest, please submit the following form.