From Zero to $5M ARR: Sharala Axryd’s 9-Year CADS Journey

How is CADS helping organisations unlock the power of data and AI?

Since its founding in 2015, the Center of Applied Data Science (CADS) has been on a mission to close the gap between data literacy and the evolving needs of modern businesses. Through its AI-driven platform, CADS.ai, the company enables organizations to align workforce skills with future demands, optimizing talent management and driving impactful business outcomes.

In this episode of Open For Business, Sharala Axryd, Founder and CEO of CADS, shares her journey from telecommunications engineer to tech entrepreneur, the pivotal moments that shaped CADS, and the insights gained from building a $5M USD ARR business.

Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

- Origins: CADS was born out of Sharala’s mission to bridge Malaysia’s data literacy gap, inspired by her personal experiences with brain drain and the need to upskill local talent.

- Pivot to SaaS: Initially focused on corporate training, CADS transitioned to a scalable SaaS model in 2020, centering on its proprietary CADS.ai platform.

- Business Model: CADS generates revenue through enterprise SaaS subscriptions, offering workforce assessments, customized learning paths, and integrated skill management tools.

- Key Achievements: CADS reports $5M USD ARR, 30–40% annual growth, and profitability since inception, positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven talent management.

- Market Expansion: With Malaysia contributing 80–90% of revenue, CADS is targeting regional growth in markets like Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia.

- Funding and Future Plans: After bootstrapping for nearly a decade, CADS is now seeking external funding to accelerate global expansion and scale its platform.