Tecnotree is a full-stack digital business management solution provider for digital service providers, enabling them to overcome digital barriers and capture the complete value of automation and connectivity. It has almost 900 employees. Padma Ravichander, CEO at Tecnotree, explains how the business started in the storeroom of a milk shop almost 50 years ago and how it has a commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Tell us a bit more about your business and how it started.
Forty-seven years ago, in the storeroom of a milk shop in Helsinki, Finland, Tecnomen was founded. Tecnomen grew to become the telecommunications company that would deliver Finland’s first paging and voice messaging systems nationwide. In 2008, it acquired the Indian company, Lifetree, thus creating today’s Tecnotree and becoming the first end-to-end Business Support System’s (BSS) provider for the telecom industry. Over the years, we have transformed from a legacy, hardware-driven stack to a fully digital, cloud-native BSS suite, enabling telecom operators to modernise their operations and embrace AI, automation and FinTech solutions.
Today, we continue to harvest this spirit of innovation. We provide cutting-edge digital business support systems, AI-driven customer engagement solutions and FinTech solutions across 70 countries, with our strongest presences in the EMEA and Latin American regions. We aim to be the leading Digital Transformation partner for telecom operators worldwide, enabling them to unlock new revenue streams and enhance their customer experiences.
How has the business grown since it started and how did you ensure growth?
Tecnotree’s growth has been driven by relentless innovation, deep industry expertise and a commitment to driving Digital Transformation. From its origins in Finland with just two primary customers in Africa and LATAM, Tecnotree has expanded to 70+ countries, serving 90+ providers and 1.2 billion+ subscribers. Yet, customer centricity and tailored solutions remain at the heart of its growth strategy. With 4,200+ product features, Tecnotree enables 5G monetisation, streamlines customer lifecycle management and more, ensuring operators stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
The company’s double-digit revenue growth over the past five years is a testament to its ability to understand, adapt and innovate. With 80%+ of its workforce TM Forum-certified, Tecnotree showcases it expertise and commitment to industry standards. It drives telecom innovation, enabling service providers expand beyond connectivity into FinTech, commerce and AI-driven customer engagement.
What’s the business’ approach to management?
Tecnotree’s leadership team brings deep industry expertise, meeting regularly to drive strategy, innovation and operational excellence. We operate with a sharp focus on agility, collaboration and forward-thinking solutions, staying ahead in an evolving telecom landscape. ‘Winning Together’ and ‘Futuristic Thinking’ are our core values which guide our approach, ensuring sustained growth and impact.
People are at the core of our strategy. We believe in a lean, highly skilled workforce, hiring fewer but more resourceful professionals to create operational excellence. Backed by strong HR-led training and leadership programmes, our TM Forum-certified workforce is equipped to push boundaries and pave the future of digital telecom solutions.
What is your company’s vision and goal?
Our vision is to enable digitally connected communities and drive financial inclusion. With 2.6 billion people still lacking access to connectivity, Tecnotree remains committed to bridging the digital divide, a mission we have pursued across emerging markets for decades. By providing AI-driven, cloud-native solutions, we empower telecom operators to scale efficiently, expand their reach and deliver seamless digital experiences to more people.
The integration of CognitiveScale Cortex AI/ML capabilities into our 5G multi-cloud digital stack is a strategic step toward achieving this vision. This acquisition enhances Tecnotree’s own scalability while equipping our customers with advanced AI-driven automation and intelligence. By strengthening their ability to optimise operations, personalise customer engagement and accelerate service delivery, we enable operators to connect more people, drive Digital Transformation and support the growth of inclusive digital economies worldwide.
What kind of clients and market do you serve?
Tecnotree operates in the global Operational Support System and Business Support System (OSS/BSS) market, delivering digital BSS solutions that enable telecom operators to automate operations, enhance customer engagement and drive new revenue streams. With a presence in 70+ countries, we serve 90+ service providers, including MTN, Vodafone, Telefónica, Claro, Zain, Omantel and Telenor. The telecommunications sector dominates the US$60 billion market, with increasing opportunities in financial services and healthcare.
Our strongest footprint is in MEA & APAC, contributing 80% of our revenue, while Europe and the Americas account for 20%, with key markets in Central and South America. As we pivot into the North American market, we are strengthening partnerships with system integrators to accelerate expansion and scale our cloud-native, AI-driven BSS solutions, ensuring we remain a key enabler of Digital Transformation for telecom operators worldwide.
What has your career looked like so far?
I have had a remarkable trajectory in the technology and telecommunications industry, defined by dynamic leadership, an unwavering commitment to innovation and a passion for Digital Transformation. With over 40 years of tech industry experience, I have led initiatives that empower businesses to thrive in an interconnected world. As CEO of Tecnotree, I have driven strategic growth, operational excellence and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud computing, positioning Tecnotree as a global leader in telecom software solutions.
Under my leadership, Tecnotree has expanded its global footprint, fostered a culture of collaboration and strengthened long-term partnerships with industry giants. A strong customer-centric approach and dedication to diversity and inclusion have made Tecnotree not only a leader in innovation but also an employer of choice.
I am constantly inspired by the great team at Tecnotree. My vision is to drive continuous excellence and innovation in the digital landscape, shaping the future of connectivity and innovation and setting new industry benchmarks. I am confident that Tecnotree’s journey of growth and success will continue, defining the next era of Digital Transformation.
How do you equip your staff with skills and knowledge?
At Tecnotree, we operate at the cutting-edge of technological development and digitalisation, making continuous learning a priority. We ensure our teams have access to training, workshops, seminars and industry events to keep their skills relevant and competitive. Beyond structured programmes, we emphasise learning by doing, encouraging job rotation for cross-skilling and fostering knowledge-sharing sessions, mentorship and buddy programmes to create a culture of continuous growth.
How do you work with other executives within the C-suite to make sure your voice is heard?
My approach to working with the C-suite is fundamentally collaborative. I believe that the most impactful decisions emerge from a shared understanding and a collective commitment to achieving common goals and objectives.
To ensure the strategic direction of the company is always the focus of our deliberations, I prioritise clear and concise communication, backed by robust data and analysis. I also focus on building strong relationships with my fellow executives, understanding their priorities and perspectives. This allows me to frame my suggestions within the context of their concerns and demonstrate how my ideas align with the overall strategic goals of the company. I find that this approach is far more effective than simply asserting my opinion.
Results tend to focus on outcomes and results in my communication with my C-Suite, constantly striving to drive our company values of winning together and futuristic thinking, a results-driven mindset and strong organisation. This has to include respectful collaboration and empathy without forceful assertion in order to build a strong team.
Ultimately, my goal is to not simply have my voice heard, but to contribute to a highly effective and collaborative leadership team that drives Tecnotree’s success.
