SunnyData: A new dawn in data engineering & AI with a $2.5M seed funding launch.
Minneapolis, MN - 2/8/2024 -
SunnyData is thrilled to announce a $2.5 million investment, marking its entry as a pure-play consultancy focused only on the Databricks platform. With the strategic acquisition of Databricks System Integrator Sunnylytics, SunnyData will focus on accelerating business outcomes for customers through the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.
SunnyData: Engineered for Excellence
SunnyData, now embracing the mantle of "Engineering Backbone, AI Brilliance," will be focused on helping customers build the foundational components required on the Databricks platform - by building the highest quality data pipelines that are resilient, repeatable and scalable to deliver the quality data products customers need to be successful in advanced analytics, data science and AI.
This rebranding reflects a deep understanding from our collective experiences that the allure of AI and Machine Learning, while compelling, requires a robust Data Engineering foundation to become a reality in production. SunnyData's unique focus addresses a common industry oversight: the critical need for specialized, experienced Data Engineering professionals, a proven delivery methodology and program management to lay the groundwork for successful analytics and AI projects.
SunnyData provides specialized Data Engineering as a Service on Databricks - focusing on data migrations from Hadoop and EDWs to Databricks, data science COE/GenAI strategy and Data & AI Governance on the Databricks platform. Sunnydata will also develop accelerators and data products on the Databricks platform in select regulated industries - healthcare/life sciences and financial services, combining their industry experience with unparalleled expertise in EDWs, lakehouse and comprehensive data management practice.
A Founding Team Like No Other
The founding team has a deep data engineering and software engineering pedigree along with revenue growth and successful exit at multiple startups: Kai Thapa, Jeronimo Acosta, and Allen Becker.
● Kai Thapa brings 20 plus years of software and data product development and sales expertise at various startups. He also brings deep architecture and practical deployment expertise on data analytics, data governance and data management to large Fortune 500 customers with a proven track record of delivery and sales at Informatica, SnapLogic and Alation, with a focus on healthcare and life science customers.
● Jeronimo Acosta adds valuable experience in entrepreneurship and specialized skills in managing nearshore teams for U.S. clients, enhancing operational efficiency, as he previously did when founding Nooka Labs.
● Allen Becker rounds out the team with his deep knowledge of Databricks projects and the Financial Services industry.
Each of them brings unique yet complementary skills, positions SunnyData to not only excel but also set new standards in data engineering and AI, propelling the industry forward.
Focused on the Future
"Our acquisition of Sunnylytics and the rebranding to SunnyData was to emphasize our focus on high value data engineering and the foundational work that Databricks customers need, but often gets overlooked vs. end-state analytics. We are dedicated to helping our customers build the data engineering and architecture muscle they need to get high returns on their investments in Databricks and get to business outcomes faster," says Kai Thapa, CEO of SunnyData.
“We are here to correct the misconception that advanced analytics and AI can precede a solid Data Engineering foundation - maybe someday AI is so good that it can overcome lazy data infrastructure, inadequate or bad data input, but that's not reality today. Like building a house, data projects need a strong foundation to support the advanced structures built upon them. Data Engineering is the critical groundwork that makes the future of analytics, AI, and Machine Learning not only possible but repeatable, scalable and drives business outcomes”.
The importance of LATAM
SunnyData has also invested in a delivery center in Uruguay, based on market needs in North America as well as the availability of data and technology talent and skill set available in Latin America. Beyond its offices, SunnyData is pioneering a LATAM academy dedicated to cultivating a new generation of skilled data engineers, supported by a nearshore team in Uruguay. This country was strategically chosen for its remarkable position as the 3rd in the world for per-capita software exports. "Our strategy of bridging U.S. and LATAM expertisunnse with our specialized services, uniquely equips us to provide top-tier data engineering solutions at competitive prices" states Jeronimo Acosta, VP of Partnerships and LATAM Delivery.
With this funding, SunnyData is set to expand its Databricks-certified team, enhancing its innovative service offerings and solidifying its industry presence. This strategic growth will not only drive significant innovations but also reinforce SunnyData's commitment to transforming businesses with data.
As SunnyData embarks on this exciting new chapter, it invites partners and clients alike to join in reimagining the potential of their data projects, built on the solid foundation of expert Data Engineering.
For more insights into SunnyData's visit www.sunnydata.ai
