OUR STORY

We started Data Republic in 2016 as a boutique big data analytics firm — one long-term bet: productized services could help businesses operationalize large-scale analytics on Cloudera's open-source platform, without needing a small army of Silicon Valley data engineers. We unseated legacy data warehouses charging a fortune for a commodity, and undercut "dollars-for-hours" consulting running 3X the cost.

We bootstrapped it. Working with early customers to validate the model, we went cash-flow positive from $0 to $1M without raising capital — earning trust and repeat business from Fortune 500 names across AdTech, BioTech, Gaming, and major consumer platforms. Beyond my co-founder, our engineers worked as free agents — no vesting, no IPO chains. Several went on to found their own data and ML startups.

But the shift from productized services to product is easier said than done. I watched this play out on Cloudera's first sales field team, riding the wave to ~$200M ARR and unicorn status. It's more efficient to ride an active wave than fight the trend. When cloud disrupted the disruptors, that same instinct told us where to move next.

That conviction shaped what Data Republic is today: an unconventional GTM agency, co-developing PMF and GTM with Applied AI startups. What we did in 2016 is now what AI unicorns call Forward Deployed Engineering — the market has come full circle to the same truth: data and AI solutions have to be productized for each business's real needs. From early stage through Series A and B, we help builders reach — or reinvent — repeatable GTM. We partner with founders who believe customer obsession is the fastest path to PMF and GTM fit.

Applied AI shouldn't cost a fortune, or hide behind legacy software and SaaS markups. By cutting GTM waste and solving real problems, we bring Vertical AI applications within reach of the businesses that need it most.

If your AI delivers 10x faster outcomes — send me a message.

Feras Nazzal, Founder