Mark’s story on… growing a childhood curiosity into data-driven innovation

From the tender age of five, Mark's fascination with computers was undeniable. His mother, recognizing this early spark, actively sought ways to nurture his interest. She reached out to nearby colleges to investigate opportunities or programs where Mark could satisfy his appetite for computers. At nine years old he found a mentor who guided him through ICL, a specialized course on configuring computer hardware and software. He not only completed the course but became the youngest person in the world to earn the certificate. From this point Mark's learning snowballed rapidly. At just twelve years old, Mark's talent caught the eye of Boston College, a private South African higher education provider. They offered him a bursary to pursue further IT diplomas, starting with the CompTIA A+ certification, an entry-level credential validating foundational skills in technical support and IT operations, and later, Network+ and Security+.

He envisioned a future firmly set in IT, making strategic subject choices all through school to align with his career aspirations. In his final year, a friend's father, recognizing his remarkable early aptitude for computer science, extended a job shadowing offer. This initial glimpse into a real-life project, though seemingly minor then, would unknowingly unlock a far more substantial future opportunity. Mark went on to successfully complete his BSc Degree in Computer Science at the University of PE. In his second year there, through his job shadow connection, Mark was invited to intern at DNS Africa, along with his friends, Inge and Gilles, who he had known since school and who had all followed the same educational path. They gained first hand exposure to the wealth of statistics and data embedded within the company’s infrastructure, and soon identified innovative ways to transform this raw information into intuitive dashboards, delivering insights that were far more actionable and valuable for the business. Their exceptional work quickly resonated, leading the business to implement the ‘Capstone Project’ in their third year. Their success on this project was so profound that they were offered the chance to launch their own independent venture, Tyto Insights. This company now empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of their data, transforming it into actionable insights to drive business success.

“It was about finding a way for the business, its customers, and the public to easily use and consume data. This internship started the whole steamtrain of what we really needed - a culmination of data engineering, data science, and BI analysis - that would eventually grow into what Tyto Insights is today.”

While completing their fourth and final year at university, they launched their business with DNS Africa’s support. An organization that not only saw their potential early on but also provided essential guidance in securing initial capital and streamlining operational management, while critically focusing their efforts on client traction. Just a year and a half later, the business is flourishing, rapidly expanding its talent pool and client portfolio.

Traditional business intelligence often limits itself to off-the-shelf tools, but Tyto insights has been built to operate differently by integrating deeply into the businesses they serve, becoming a true extension of their team. A process that involves asking critical questions, working hand-in-hand with their employees, and fully embedding themselves to deliver highly relevant, custom-built insights. To Mark, it's clear: businesses shouldn't adapt to tools; tools should adapt to the business, a one size fits all approach simply won't cut it. He explains that we cannot overlook that the data and trends come from people and understanding behaviour which tools too often fail to capture.

“Data will always be there, but how do you get real tangible insights from it? It's not about putting data into some graphs, it's about seeing the value in the insights.  When you see the value: you can productise it, you can give it to the general public, and empower businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions that drive growth and innovation.”

Mark breaks through the standard molds that govern the IT space. He's a character whose core being yearns for freedom and self-expression, which led him to embrace entrepreneurship, bypassing the traditional employee path.  Generous, creative, hardworking, a calculated risk-taker and freedom seeker, Mark is an introverted entrepreneur who confidently steps out of his comfort zone to engage. He seizes every opportunity not just for personal gain, but for the benefit he can bring to those around him, seeing the position of founder as a privilege to enable opportunities for others as the business grows.  

"I credit my mom entirely for recognizing my interests so early on. I genuinely find fulfillment and purpose in my everyday work. It's less about chasing the next big milestone, and more about living and learning in the moment. Our vision isn't static; we redefine it with each phase, seeing what's possible, learning, and realigning as we go."

Mark’s words of wisdom: the idea itself is already 50% of the product and that's already sellable, get feedback and only then start building. Second to that: never underestimate your network and the value of human connections. This proved to be crucial from the onset of Mark’s journey. He learns from the clients he is fortunate enough to engage with, reminding us that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from those we serve. 

This trio of founders share an unwavering commitment to reimagining traditional tech approaches to better serve the people who use them. They buck the trend and challenge the assumption that young founders lack the experience or insight necessary to drive meaningful innovation, proving instead that fresh perspectives combined with dedication can transform how technology integrates into everyday business life.

www.dna.co.za

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