Some places are just built differently, and Colorado sets that bar pretty high — literally.
The high altitude of Colorado impacts everything from resident’s physical health to farming tactics. The state has more mountains that measure above the 14,000 foot mark than any other in the country.
Hiking and living anywhere near half of that height puts a strain on the body’s oxygen levels — at least for the first few days. Due to the lower amount of oxygen in the air, the human body kicks into overdrive to produce more red blood cells which help get the most oxygen possible flowing through the bloodstream.
Plants also go through a transformation when grown that high above sea level. Many plants at high altitudes have genetic variations that have adapted to lower oxygen levels, intense sunlight and the ability to withstand colder temperatures. The plentiful sunlight and cool nights high above sea level can cause crops to condense their sugars, making produce often sweeter than elsewhere in the country.
To sum it up, Colorado people and plants adapt so they can keep growing.
Built In Colorado found three tech companies in the Centennial state that are also adapting and growing — it must be in the air up here.
What Udemy Does: Udemy is a global skills marketplace and learning platform. It also specializes in generative AI and now has more than 73 million learners and over 16,000 organizations worldwide.
Award-Winning Learning
In September 2024, Udemy was given the highest grade for an Overall Learning Content Solution in ISG Software Research’s Buyers Guide for Learning Content Solutions. Continuous learning is a big part of the internal culture, as well. Here are a few of Udemy’s professional development perks:
- Continuing education stipend
- Job training and conferences
- Mentorship program
- Online course subscriptions available
- Promote-from-within culture
- Lunch-and-learn sessions
- Continuing education available during work hours
- Virtual coaching services
Case Study — Growing in Connection: Similar to the struggles that many Colorado farmers face today, Roy Riquelme, a chef and conservationist from Peru, saw the environmental destruction that climate change and deforestation was having on the Amazon region in his home. Riquelme decided to create Cooking and Preserving, a catering business that celebrates the culinary heritage of the diverse fruits and vegetables from the Amazon rainforest, and teaches people how to use these ingredients in recipes.
Riquelme needed to get the word out about Cooking and Preserving, so he took a digital marketing course through Udemy.
“My goal is to leave a very important legacy for new people who become involved with the project and for our next generations to enjoy what we still have,” said Riquelme on Udemy’s website.
What Gogo Business Aviation Does: Gogo Business Aviation is a provider of broadband connectivity services for the business aviation market.
On-the-Ground Perks
Gogo Business Aviation uses a hybrid work model, so when employees aren’t jetsetting, they can expect these perks when coming into the office in-person.
- Commuter benefits
- Company-sponsored outings
- Onsite gym
- Onsite office parking
- Recreational clubs
- Relocation assistance
- Some meals provided
Rising in Altitude: Gogo Business Aviation recently acquired Satcom Direct, whose “extensive international sales and service footprint is the leading global business aviation geostationary satellite in-flight connectivity service provider,” according to a press release on the company’s website.
“This transaction accelerates our growth strategies of expanding our total addressable market to include the 14,000 business aircraft outside North America, and delivering solutions that meet the needs of every segment of the business aviation market,” said Gogo Chairman and CEO Oakleigh Thorne. “Together, Gogo and Satcom Direct will offer integrated GEO-LEO satellite solutions that provide the highest performance of any satellite solution, along with the world-class customer support that the global heavy jet segment demands.”
TurboTenant’s property management software makes self-managing rentals easier for independent landlords.
Growing Workplace Culture
TurboTenant is hiring. Here are some of the perks new teammates can expect when they join the Colorado office.
- Volunteer in local community
- Flexible work schedule
- Open-door policy
- Open office floor plan
- Team-based strategic planning
- OKR operational model
- Day off for your birthday
- Hybrid work model
- In-person all-hands meetings
- Employee awards
Scaling With AI: Generative AI is changing the customer service landscape. Some companies are cutting back on customer service reps, while others are using generative AI as a tool.
TurboTenant announced in September 2024 that it would use customer support from Intercom called Fin AI. According to a press release, the AI tool helped five employees in the company cross-train and grow their careers. It also noted that the tool played a role in TurboTenant doubling the size of its customer success team.
“Innovation is the name of the game at TurboTenant, so it only made sense to test if Fin could streamline our processes while improving users’ experience,” said CEO Seamus Nally in the press release. “It’s not a question of replacing team members with AI. We’re showing that AI can answer our users’ questions faster, allowing the team to focus on more impactful and rewarding tasks.”