Jugo
Greenfield Virtual Events Platform
CTO-level strategy, engineering delivery and a permanent team built to last. From zero to a production platform with the internal capability to keep building.
The impact
The Challenge
Jugo, part of the GDS Group, set out to build a next-generation SaaS platform for virtual events by transforming online meetings into immersive, collaborative experiences. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Bristol with offices across North America and Europe, the ambition was clear. The starting point was not.
There was no technology team, no platform and no infrastructure. Everything needed building: the product, the team and the technology culture around it.
Zero to one
No existing tech function, no platform, no infrastructure. Product, team and technology culture all needed building from scratch.
Speed to market
The virtual events market was moving quickly. Jugo needed a proof of concept fast to validate the opportunity and protect their position.
Sustainable capability
Rapid delivery wasn't enough on its own. Jugo needed a permanent engineering function that could take ownership and keep building after Enablis stepped back.
Our Approach
Enablis provided CTO-level strategic leadership alongside hands-on engineering delivery, while simultaneously building Jugo's permanent internal team. We shaped technology strategy, architecture and senior stakeholder engagement across the GDS IT function. Working closely with key stakeholders, this included developing and agreeing an IT strategy and technology roadmap, identifying areas of weakness and defining corrective actions, supporting the IT team in day-to-day operations and driving forward platform and data initiatives as priorities evolved.
An engineering squad built the initial product in parallel, using a cloud-native AWS architecture and an immersive technology stack combining backend, frontend, real-time data streaming and 3D rendering. Alongside delivery, a structured talent acquisition programme assembled Jugo's permanent team through market analysis, salary benchmarking, targeted employer branding and community engagement.
Technical Solution
CTO-Level Strategy
Senior consultant providing technology strategy, architectural direction and IT leadership support across GDS
AWS Platform
Cloud-native architecture on AWS with modern tooling built for scale from day one
Immersive Stack
Java, React, Kafka event streaming and 3D gaming technology powering interactive virtual experiences
Rapid POC Delivery
Senior engineering squad building the initial product while permanent recruitment ran in parallel, protecting speed to market
Talent Acquisition
Market analysis, salary benchmarking, employer branding and technical screening to build a permanent engineering function
Knowledge Transfer
Structured handover maintaining development momentum through the transition from Enablis-led to internally-owned delivery
The Impact
Jugo launched with a technology strategy and architecture designed to scale and a permanent engineering team ready to take it forward. The proof of concept validated the product approach, and structured knowledge transfer meant no loss of momentum as the internal team took ownership.
Outcomes delivered
- POCSuccessfully launched and validatedProduct concept proven, market opportunity protected
- Full teamPermanent engineering functionRecruited, onboarded and transitioned
- SeamlessKnowledge transfer completedZero loss of velocity during transition
- AcceleratedProduct roadmap deliveryDevelopment momentum maintained throughout
Enablis were instrumental in the build and launch of our platform. The team and engagement model were first class, bringing a wealth of expertise and working collaboratively with us to bring the product to life.
Jugo Leadership
Long-Term Value
Product Foundation
Jugo launched with solid technical foundations built for growth and continued innovation.
- •Cloud-native AWS architecture with an immersive 3D technology stack
- •Technology strategy and roadmap established by CTO-level consultancy
- •Technical foundations proven through successful POC and product launch
Team and Culture
Jugo now has a permanent engineering function that owns the product end to end.
- •Complete engineering team recruited, onboarded and transitioned
- •Employer brand established through community engagement including Leeds Digital Festival
- •Internal capability built to extend and evolve the platform independently
Related Capabilities
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