Angel was recognised as a member of InDaily’s 40 Under 40 young South Australian business leaders last week and also won the Creative Thinker Award – presented by KWP! – for his creative approach to progressing his business.

Over the past year, Cortex Interactive’s revenue growth has allowed it to increase the number of its employees from four to 16 people.

The local company had been awarded a contract with the world’s largest mining services provider Theiss – to educate 80,000 employees around the globe – using its digital training suite (LAAMP) Learning and Assessment Management Platform.

LAAMP combines mobile, virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality technologies to deliver immersive, participatory learning experiences.

Angel founded the company in 2016 after identifying a gap in the way that learning and teaching were being delivered.

Cortex Interactive is now in the process of deploying its product in Australia, Indonesia, Africa, Mongolia, Chile and Canada.

Angel says he intends to grow the company’s reach into the health and education industries and to employ more than 80 people.

Below, he discusses doing business in South Australia.

What is the single most important lesson you have learnt in your business career so far?

The most important lesson I have learnt in my business journey so far is that success has many levels, and it is an ongoing journey. My personality tends to lean towards the “next big thing”, however, I have had to learn to set a strategy, remain focused and persevere to achieve the desired outcomes. There is no such thing as overnight success. 

What do you believe are the strengths of doing business in South Australia?

South Australia’s greatest strengths are its people, culture and environment. We live in a great part of the world and have just as many opportunities to grow as other states or locations in Australia. To operate in South Australia provides for a great living and working environment. The people and culture is key to our success and to work with like-minded South Australians is a huge strength to our business.

What do you believe are the weak points of conducting business in South Australia?

There are always challenges around resources within South Australia.

Do you see your future in South Australia? 

Yes, I always see South Australia as our head office. Our strategy is to extend our offices to support our global LAAMP solution, but with a base in South Australia.

How can the state encourage more of its young leaders to stay?

I believe that Adelaide has just as many opportunities as any other part of the world. We live in a digital age in which we are not restrained by physical boundaries.

To see the full list of 40 winners, announced last week, go here.

InDaily will be profiling each of the winners over the coming weeks.