The field of big data has exploded over the last ten years and, as new maps continue to be drawn, Canadian firm Massive Insights is continually expanding the realm of the possible.
David Kim
Partner & CEO
Massive Insights
The year is 2012 and big data is all the buzz. For many companies though, it is just that, a buzz word. Everyone has figured out that their data is an asset, and terms like data lake and cloud are being thrown around freely, but few have yet figured out how to actually navigate that landscape and unearth the value. The maps are still being drawn, and the early movers are operating out at the edges where the cartographer has penned: “here be dragons.” And David Kim has caught the explorer’s bug.
In 2012, Kim had already built himself a successful and stable career in direct and digital marketing. But he wanted to be on the frontier, writing the future of data. And so, with his business partner, Clarence Chow, and a shared dream, they took the leap and Massive Insights was born. “We started with clearing out the proverbial garage office,” says Kim. “We were coming from really comfy, cushy, steady jobs, where we were well paid and had some great clients. But we had this dream of creating a culture that truly provided real value back to clients. Ultimately, our hearts are in helping others create their own success stories for us to be a part of.”
Relationships matter, even in this highly technical world of ones and zeros, and bits and bytes. We always focus on the quality of work, but we never lose sight of the relationships we’re building along the way.
In those early days, when there was some uncertainty about the future of the data sector, a guide with the right instincts and sense of direction was of inestimable value. With a prescient understanding of the power of analytics and data visualizations, Massive Insights soon secured a reputation as one of the few trusted navigators in the wilds of big data analytics. And in a frontier environment, reputation is everything. “Looking back over the last 10 years, how we’ve grown and how fortunate we’ve been, a lot of that was based on relationships, networks, the referrals from client endorsements,” says Kim. “Our very first client continues to be one of our clients today. Relationships matter, even in this highly technical world of ones and zeros, and bits and bytes. We always focus on the quality of work, but we never lose sight of the relationships we’re building along the way.”
Today, there are a lot fewer blank spots on the map, and Massive Insights has been instrumental in filling it. They have chosen to draw roads to a better world for their clients, and for Canada as a whole. Kim understands that data touches everything. For some companies, data is primarily a marketing asset; for others, it is a tool to reshape and improve not only how a product is delivered, but also to enhance the product itself. And sometimes that product is a healthier future for a sick child.
“We’re currently working the number one children’s hospital in the world, SickKids Foundation. Our objective is to help them understand their ability to uncover opportunities with donors, and how they can optimize and maximize their activities to generate the most value back to the hospital. It’s these types of meaningful applications of data that really connect us back to things that matter to us. And we’d always like to use any of our superpowers for good.”
In 2021, looking forward to their next decade, Massive Insights is retaining their explorer’s spirit, with their eyes set on new horizons beyond the map’s edge. And the network they have built and nurtured will continue to grow and expand with them as they uncover ways to build value and use data for the betterment of all.
