This TechBullion interview highlights Binu Jacob, CEO & Co-founder of Experion Technologies, whose leadership blends innovation, passion, and resilience. From his early career in defense technologies to becoming a global tech leader, Binu’s journey reflects adaptability and a deep commitment to creating value.
Now steering Experion’s growth after a strategic partnership with EQT, Binu leverages his multifaceted expertise—from sustainability initiatives to music and cultural connections—to build authentic relationships that drive business success. Based in the UK, he is fostering Experion’s expansion in fintech, automotive, and high-growth markets by combining a people-centric approach with cutting-edge solutions.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Binu offers hard-earned wisdom: resilience, grit, and a focus on creating impact beyond personal gain. His vision for Experion unites empathy and innovation to redefine global product engineering.
The EQT Partnership: A Strategic Leap Forward
Congratulations on your recent partnership with EQT! After 17 years of self-funding, this investment marks a significant shift for Experion. Could you share how this partnership will impact Experion’s future growth and the strategic advantages it brings?
Thank you! This partnership with EQT marks a pivotal moment for Experion. After nearly two decades of organic growth, teaming up with a partner like EQT aligns perfectly with our growth ambitions. With our strong presence in key global markets and an inspiring roster of Tier 1 clients, this partnership acts as a catalyst to propel us to the next level.
EQT’s vast network of portfolio companies opens new doors, allowing us to explore fresh Tier 1 opportunities. Their investment through Indium, with deep expertise in FinTech and Data, complements Experion’s strengths, enabling us to expand capabilities and enrich our solutions. More than just growth, this partnership enhances the value we deliver, reinforcing Experion’s position as a leader in software product engineering.
The Experion Difference: A Culture of Innovation
What sets Experion apart from other tech companies in the market?
Experion stands out due to our deep customer empathy and unique product engineering approach. Despite being a 1,500-strong team, we deliver solutions on par with much larger firms. Our technology powers EV charging solutions in North America, manages infrastructure assets on UK motorways, and enables operations for 1,800 retail stores in Australia. These achievements reflect the maturity of our processes and our commitment to mission-critical products.
Beyond technology, our consultative approach brings insights that often reshape client strategies. Many clients pivot their plans based on our research, discovering new pathways they hadn’t considered. Our co-founders stay involved in every project, ensuring that our core values shape each solution. This commitment to excellence, empathy, and strategic thinking is the Experion difference.
A CEO with Many Hats: How Passion Fuels Leadership
You have been described as someone who effortlessly wears many hats—ex-Airforce, classically trained singer, sustainability enthusiast, and global traveler. How do these facets contribute to your role as CEO?
Passion is the common thread across my experiences. My career started in defense technology, working on missile and radar systems, which set the foundation for a career in tech. Music has been a lifelong love, while my sustainability initiatives, such as embedding agriculture into housing projects, reflect my commitment to meaningful change.
Travel, often sparked by my work, has broadened my worldview and enriched my ability to connect with people. Authentic connections often lead to unexpected opportunities. At an event in Munich, my passion for music led me to sing a South Indian classical song, which unexpectedly opened business doors. Bringing my whole self into my role—whether through music, sustainability, or technology—has been invaluable in creating authentic relationships.
Navigating the UK and EU Market
You recently relocated to the UK. How has your experience been navigating the EU-UK market, and what factors have been key in establishing a strong presence?
Relocating to the UK was a strategic move to tap into product engineering opportunities in the region. While the U.S. market moves quickly, the UK and Europe value relationships and trust. Being on the ground allows us to build meaningful connections and align with the region’s unique business culture.
Post-pandemic, Europe has become more open to outsourcing, driven by an aging population and a demand for Indian engineering expertise. Our strengths in hardware, embedded engineering, and product development create opportunities in high-growth sectors like industrial automation and automotive. Clients like TRL and National Highways UK provide a strong foundation for our expansion, positioning Experion as a trusted partner in the UK market.
Strategic Growth in the UK: FinTech & Beyond
What aspects of the UK business environment have been most conducive to your expansion efforts?
The UK’s thriving Financial Services sector presents vast opportunities in FinTech, an area where we have extensive expertise. Our long-standing partnership with TRL, dating back to 2010, has also strengthened our presence. This 14-year collaboration, which led to the formation of TRL India, is a testament to Experion’s commitment and credibility in the UK market.
With London as a global financial hub, our Financial Services team, led by industry veterans, is well-positioned to drive further expansion. Additionally, our acquisition of Vantage, an Australian product company specializing in credit lifecycle services, aligns with our focus on solutions for credit unions, Tier 2/3 banks, and ESG initiatives.
Experion’s Impactful Work in the UK
Could you share some of the impactful projects Experion has delivered in the UK?
We are immensely proud of our work with TRL in developing iROADS and iMAAP, which modernize infrastructure management and road safety analysis. Deployed in 15 countries, iMAAP has analyzed over 100,000 accident data points, helping agencies address critical safety risks.
Additionally, we developed a security-focused digital marketing platform for a leading UK SaaS company, enhancing user access management and GDPR compliance. In education, we integrated AI-driven analytics into a Management Information System, empowering educators with real-time insights. In healthcare, our Cardiovascular Disease Risk Calculation App, used by 95,000 healthcare professionals in 150 countries, supports clinicians in improving patient outcomes.
Experion’s Culture: The Heart of Innovation
What sets Experion’s company culture apart, and how do you ensure it remains undiluted?
Experion’s culture is built on passion, talent, and a commitment to excellence. We call ourselves ‘Maestros at work and play,’ hiring individuals who bring both technical expertise and creative energy. Our low attrition rate reflects a team that is genuinely excited about our work, engaged in meaningful projects, and driven by empathy for clients.
We maintain a flat hierarchy where every voice is valued, ensuring that our core values of ethics, empathy, and innovation stay at the heart of everything we do. This culture is what makes Experion unique and fuels our passion for pushing boundaries.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs entering the tech industry?
Entrepreneurship is not just about wealth creation; it’s a profound responsibility. It requires perseverance, patience, and a commitment to serving markets and communities. Ideas alone don’t build companies—grit does.
Success is not instant. At Experion, we endured five challenging years before finding stability. The journey will test you, but resilience and passion will define your path. Focus on impact, build meaningful connections, and stay committed to your vision—that’s what creates lasting success.
