Skyfii [SKF:ASX]: A Global Leader in Big Data Analytics and Marketing for Physical Venues

With many successes behind us, we remain excited about the potential of our solutions because we have seen first-hand what a difference they make: Wayne Arthur, CEO Skyfii

Information technology has transformed the way companies conduct business. Allowing businesses to automate manual operations and process information much faster. While business technology often is used through personal computers, server storage and point-of-sale or cash register systems, another major technological advancement is the Internet, which has created new communication forms and other business methods that companies use when processing financial and business information.

A business is no longer dependent on its local customer base for its survival; it now has a worldwide audience for its goods and services. The Internet has changed not only a business’ market, but how a business communicates with its employees, and competes with competition.

In light of the above mentioned, we are thrilled to present Skyfii an emerging software company pioneering Big Data Analytics and Marketing Tools.

The organization develops and commercializes data analytics, marketing, and advertising services to its customers worldwide. Its products and services include IO Connect, which connects guest WiFi and customer data sources; IO Insight that generates venue, location, and customer analytics; and IO Engage, a data-driven marketing platform. Its guest Wi-Fi offers a set of features to manage a user experience, collect valuable customer data, and create guest Wi-Fi analytics.

SkyFii focuses on verticals,including retail, shopping centres, education, government, airports and museums. The firm is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. 

Interview Excerpt: Wayne Arthur, CEO

Why was the company set up? How did you select the vertical and decide to be a part of the global platform?

By witnessing the rapid rate of change in consumer expectations that the digital and online worlds were forging, it became clear that any organization with a physical venue (a shopping centre, a retailer, an airport) had limited knowledge of who their customers were and how they behaved in comparison. If you don’t know your customer, how can you possibly give them what they want, when they want it? Skyfii was set up to provide a solution for these organizations with an inherent need to understand their customers, their behaviours, wants and needs. It was apparent to us that retail was being challenged the most by online, and the depth of applications that could be derived from harnessing this data was the greatest for the retail vertical.

So this is where we began. 

How successful was your first project roll on? Share the experience?

Skyfii’s first major rollout was with The GPT Group, a diversified property group and a top 50 ASX listed company by market capitalisation. Skyfii successfully tendered to provide an analytics and content delivery platform that could leverage the existing wireless network. The rollout of services to GPT were a large milestone for Skyfii, covering 18 venues, both retail property and commercial offices. Skyfii’s deployment with this client was incredibly successful, resulting in a contract renewal and founding engagement with our Data Consultancy Services (DCS) team. 

What kind of mixed responses have you received from your consumers over the years? How have they motivated you to shape your offerings/grow the company?

A large part of our success to date has been due to our ability to adapt, listen to our customers and the wider market, allowing us to shift accordingly. One of the more profound requests we have had from our clients was an ability to ingest a greater number of data points and provide bespoke research outcomes. As a result of this feedback we have launched a Data Consultancy Services division, now a professional service for customers reshaping the way organisations use data. 

What were the grounds on which you have expanded your company and its offerings over the years?

After quickly expanding within the Australian market and identifying a number of other relevant verticals, Skyfii sought to diversify and adapt its go to market solution. Although inherently there was a need for retailers to understand the performance of venues and behaviour of customers. A number of other verticals had identified the benefit of understanding human behaviour and location within public spaces and venues. As more vendors entered the market, Skyfii realised the opportunity to expand internationally, leveraging the experience and IP developed within the Australian market.

Are there any trigger factors/events/individuals that have played key roles in shaping your organization’s roadmap?

The impact of online shopping has been the single biggest factor in creating heightened awareness around the need for physical organisations to know more about their customers, encouraging them to implement solutions that will enable them to meet their needs and compete in the digital era. This transition and a number of cornerstone customers have contributed Skyfii’s development.

Do you have any new products ready to be/getting ready to be rolled out into the market?

One of the newest offerings to market from Skyfii has been the formation of our Data Consultancy Services (DCS). At present this team has been providing services to both existing and new customers, creating bespoke reporting leveraging a number of data sources available to large venues. This service offering although available to customers now, will likely be formally launched to market in the coming months as the team cement their value proposition and offer to the market. 

Where do you see you and your company a couple of years from now?

Having set up a strong foundation domestically in Australia and our recent expansions internationally, I have a strong belief that Skyfii will continue to expand in the coming years.

Meet the Leadership Team

Wayne Arthur, CEO: Wayne is the current CEO and Co-founder of Skyfii. He has a longstanding career in the outdoor media sector in senior managerial roles for companies such as Titan Media Group and EYE Corp.

John Rankin, COO: John has over 15 years’ experience in the media and property industry, 10 of which were spent in senior and executive leadership positions. Prior to joining Skyfii John worked at GPT Group where he held two Director-level positions.

Michael Walker, CIO: Michael has over 20 years of executive management and capital markets experience. Michael was formerly a Director of Citigroup (Asia Pacific) where he held several senior roles in Australia and Hong Kong.

Jason Martin, CPO: Jason’s background is primarily focused on designing and building high-volume processing systems. Working as a principal architect on large-scale projects for government and commercial enterprises has provided Jason with knowledge of how to build scalable and secure platforms.

Ian Robinson, Sales Director: Ian is a media industry professional with over 17 years’ experience. Ian works directly with Innovation, Marketing and Data teams at major retail property groups to unlock the value in the Skyfii IO platform and drive business growth.

Keep in touch: skyfii.io