TimeFlow, an innovative startup and Benefit Corporation based in Milan and Lecce, is making waves in the IT sector with its AI-based platform designed to streamline the process of selecting and engaging technological partners. After achieving considerable success in Italy and embarking on an international expansion, the company is now turning its attention to the Albanian market. In an exclusive interview, Lorenzo Danese, CEO of TimeFlow, shared insights into the startup’s journey and future ambitions.
TimeFlow has quickly emerged as a key player in the IT industry. The concept for the startup was born out of Danese’s extensive experience in the sector. “During my professional journey, I noticed an increasing difficulty in finding profiles for software development,” Danese explained. Rather than expanding the HR team, he sought a more innovative solution: an Academy to train new talent. By early 2020, after selling his shares in previous ventures, Danese transitioned towards a product-focused approach, leading to the creation of TimeFlow—an AI-based platform that connects companies with IT suppliers. The idea was driven by a deep understanding of the challenges companies face in building connections and finding competent, qualified technology partners.
TimeFlow is revolutionizing the way companies select and engage with technological partners. The platform leverages an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyze client needs and match them with the most qualified IT suppliers in real-time. “Our technology calculates the best match between the companies’ requirements and the suppliers’ skills, significantly reducing the time and cost of scouting and engagement,” Danese said. This approach not only improves the efficiency of the sourcing process but also enhances the quality of the partnerships formed.
What sets TimeFlow apart from other IT outsourcing platforms is its Vendor Management Platform. Beyond just offering a marketplace for IT skills, TimeFlow provides companies with tools to manage their supplier base, digitizing and centralizing commercial relationships. This solution allows businesses to make informed procurement decisions, selecting the most suitable supplier based on comprehensive, real-time data, ultimately making the IT procurement process more efficient and effective.
TimeFlow is also committed to social and environmental responsibility, having chosen to operate as a Benefit Corporation. “We wanted to have a positive impact on both people and the environment,” Danese explained. The company offsets CO2 emissions and collaborates with partners specializing in sustainability. Additionally, TimeFlow is part of Social Innovation Teams, promoting an economic model that generates a positive impact on society.
As TimeFlow expands globally, it has started its international journey in India, a strategic choice due to the country’s rich pool of IT talent. The startup created a technological ‘bridge’ that connects Indian companies with European ones, facilitating mutually beneficial collaborations. Following India, TimeFlow plans to expand into the UK, France, Germany, and Spain.
Albania is now on the horizon for TimeFlow, recognized as a new frontier with a growing tech ecosystem and a young, dynamic workforce. “Albania has great potential, with its growing economy and increasing interest in technological innovation,” Danese noted. According to data from aida.gov.al, Albania’s ICT BPO sector employs around 35,000 people, indicating a robust and qualified workforce ready for growth. TimeFlow aims to create a network of Albanian IT suppliers capable of offering their skills on an international scale. The startup is confident that its platform can help Albanian companies quickly find new opportunities, thereby improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the IT sector in the country.
As TimeFlow continues its international expansion, Albania represents a significant opportunity for the startup to contribute to the growth of the local IT sector while fostering global connections.
