Enate, founded by Kit Cox in 2011, is an AI and orchestration platform designed to help companies streamline their operations.
Enate, based in Cheltenham, was founded out of Kate’s frustration with outdated tools, such as spreadsheets and shared mailboxes, that many companies relied on to manage complex services. The Enate solution offers a single platform that provides visibility into tasks, enabling organizations to improve efficiency and automate processes.
Large organizations such as TMF, Ernst & Young, and Acuity have integrated Enate’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform to manage their service delivery, often achieving operational savings of up to 20% within the first three months. The platform identifies gaps and opportunities, helping companies effectively deploy automation across their operations.
Recognizing the growing potential of generative artificial intelligence, Inat Sam Ward has been appointed head of AI research and development to lead innovations in this area. From sentiment analysis and email sorting to intelligent document processing and data analysis, Enate’s AI tools have been disruptive for its clients. Recent results show that companies save up to 30 hours for every 1,000 emails processed, which is the equivalent of saving the time of two full-time employees each year.
Built on Microsoft Azure Open AI Service, Enate solutions provide high levels of accuracy, security, and compliance. The company is an official Microsoft ISV partner and has been recognized as an automation leader by Zinnov.
Powered by Mercia, Enate’s mission is clear: free companies from mundane, repetitive tasks, and deliver insights that allow them to focus on customer service excellence and growth.
What is the inspiration behind Inat?
I was inspired to create Enate because, quite frankly, I was tired of seeing business leaders having to deal with redundant systems, or worse, spreadsheets and shared mailboxes to deliver cutting-edge services that weren’t good enough to do the job. We built Enate to deal with what the world is really like. Many companies have traditionally relied on things like IT service management systems to deliver services, but the problem is that even though fixing a server in Brazil is the same as fixing a server in Belgium, that’s not the same as running payroll in those countries. Enate helps standardize to get to the level that works, but it also allows you to adapt to variables in your business between countries and products, and package it all into one superior service.
Who do you like?
Having just returned from two weeks at Glastonbury Festival – one at the festival and one in the clean-up process – I have great admiration for Michael and Emily Eavis. What they have built and grown is truly unique.
The whole concept of Glasto only works because so many people have bought into the idea of Glasto, and are willing to act somewhat out of character and dedicate their time to doing so: an idea I call Glastonomics. Acts like Coldplay perform for a tenth of their usual fee, campers give up amenities, doctors and dentists provide free care, and volunteers run the festival.
After the festival, I joined 2,000 others in collecting rubbish for five days to restore the site to its former glory. I have had the opportunity to spend time with a diverse group of people from all parts of the community, from students to VIPs, teenagers to retirees, and academics. It is a testament to how contributing to society brings rich rewards.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Yes, I would not have started a capital-intensive business until I had easier access to capital. The harsh truth is that you have to really struggle for a while. If I could go back in time, I would have started working in the service industry first. Another thing I would do differently is write a shareholders agreement – don’t bother with shareholders agreements unless you need them.
What defines your way of doing business?
Working smart, entrusting our talented team to do their best, and making sure the people around me are happy. I’m not someone who strives for a specific end point, I define success as something more personal and immediate. If my way of doing business brings happiness to others while they are engaged, then the business is a success. Conversely, if my team and clients aren’t satisfied, it’s a sign that there’s still work to be done.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Don’t wait years to get started. Go ahead and find out if you are qualified to run a business. Do you enjoy the feeling you get before an exam? If you can enjoy it, do it. You have to be passionate about what you do so that you can take on all the challenges that will come along the way.