TL;DR: Otonomee, an outsourcing firm based in Cork, is rapidly expanding its team and services, focusing on remote work and strong company culture. As it heads towards a projected €30m turnover, the company is redefining the outsourcing landscape and defying critics who question remote-first operations. Brendan Ring, Head of People, shares insights on communication, talent acquisition, and the future of their business.
Otonomee, a Cork-based outsourcing company established in 2020, is making significant waves in the industry as it gears up to achieve a €30 million turnover this year. Specializing in customer service for technology, wearables, and healthcare, the firm has garnered attention by being shortlisted as one of Think Business’s 100 hottest start-ups to watch in 2026. Brendan Ring, the company’s Head of People, attributes their success to an ambitious approach towards remote work and a commitment to inclusivity within their workforce.
Ring describes the journey since Otonomee’s inception as both “manic and exciting,” which is hardly surprising given that the company operates with a fully remote team of 650 members spread across four continents. He believes that the flexibility inherent in a remote-first structure, coupled with a strong focus on culture and values, sets Otonomee apart from typical outsourcing firms. Critics often question the sustainability of remote business models, but Ring dismisses these concerns, arguing that Otonomee is not bound by traditional outsourcing confines, instead promoting a highly adaptable, people-centric strategy.
As Otonomee continues to evolve—adding new partners and expanding internationally—Ring emphasizes the importance of time management and intentional communication in scaling a remote workforce. With growth that has seen a headcount increase of 500% in just a couple of years, maintaining alignment while allowing teams the autonomy they need is crucial. Although he acknowledges the difficulties of achieving this balance, he is adamant about the need for clear communication, stating, “Bad news is better than no news.” Such transparency has proven vital in building trust across a dispersed team.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows; the challenge of retaining talent in a sector notorious for high attrition rates is significant. Otonomee boasts an impressive 85% retention rate, a remarkable feat that is often unheard of in the business process outsourcing industry. Ring attributes this success to a holistic focus on employee experience, highlighting the removal of lengthy commutes and fostering an environment where staff feel respected and valued. “It’s not about perfection; consistency and transparency make the difference.”
Otonomee’s aggressive strategy shows no signs of slowing down, as the company aims to broaden its footprint further. With operational hubs in places as diverse as Colombia and Romania, the focus remains on leveraging the benefits of a global talent pool. However, while Cork will always be the heart of Otonomee, the challenges of managing a geographically diverse team are formidable.
One can’t help but chuckle at the irony of a company founded in the pandemic era thriving in what many deem to be a crippling time for traditional businesses. Perhaps it’s the quintessential case of “look what you can do from your own couch,” taking the remote work trend and turning it into a competitive advantage.
As Otonomee stands poised for future growth amid an ever-evolving landscape, one thing is clear: the age of flexible work is far from over. With innovative companies at the forefront, they are not merely adapting but reshaping perceptions about outsourcing altogether.
Interestingly, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in Ireland, the remote working trend has boosted the economy, with a 9% growth in the sector since the pandemic, showing that the way we work might just be here to stay.
