In December, Michael Tobin, Founder and CEO of Continent 8 Technologies, served as a featured speaker at an exclusive event hosted by Startup Grind Isle of Man.
During an insightful fireside chat titled, ‘How to Build and Run a Global Business from the Isle of Man – and Why?’, hosted by Stephen Trimble, Michael shared valuable insights and personal experiences from his remarkable career.
For those unable to attend, the informative chat can be watched here:
Alternatively, below are some fun facts and the key takeaways from the event.
Michael Tobin, originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, began his career as a Chartered Accountant with a prominent accounting firm after graduating from McGill University. In was in this role that he recognised the increasing demand for data centres, which led him to establish Continent 8 Technologies.
Continent 8 has emerged as a leading global provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity services, delivering world-class solutions to the biggest names in the iGaming and online sports betting industry, including Apricot (formerly Microgaming) and PokerStars.
Continent 8 initially provided infrastructure services to the financial services sector. However, a pivotal moment occurred when an early pioneer in the online gaming space sought Continent 8’s services. This opportunity prompted Continent 8 to pivot and specialise in data centre services tailored to iGaming.
The growth of the online gaming industry paralleled Continent 8’s expansion, enabling them to assist iGaming operators and suppliers in optimising their online support and capabilities.
Continent 8’s decision to establish operations in the Isle of Man was influenced by one of its customers, who facilitated introductions to local government officials and key advisors. These connections were instrumental in positioning the Isle of Man as a central location in Continent 8’s long-term strategic plan. Michael’s initial experience with the Isle of Man was also notably impactful.
Michael shares, “When I came here for the first time, there is something that felt right. That’s when we established a formal entity in 2005 and called it Continent 8. The following year, this is where we would base ourselves.
Today, the Isle of Man remains integral to Continent 8’s success – we have built a state-of-the-art data centre in Douglas and employ a team of over 20 skilled professionals and specialists locally.”
After establishing a presence in the Isle of Man, Continent 8 expanded into Europe with data centres in Gibraltar, Malta and other key iGaming jurisdictions and locations. When regulation permitted (since the repeal of PASPA), they targeted North America, first launching their impressive data centre in New Jersey, recognised as the sports betting capital of the US.
Today, Continent 8 operates more than 100 interconnected locations, with an active presence in 30 US states and operations in all major regulated iGaming jurisdictions in LATAM.
Michael advises aspiring entrepreneurs to strategically align with suitable partners, including mentors and advisors. He underscores the importance of cultivating positive, trustworthy relationships that help move your endeavors in a positive direction.
Michael highlighted, “Find partners and advisers who complement your skills and provide new perspectives. Trust is key, and over time, you’ll learn who you can rely on.”
Continent 8 Technologies, the award winning multi-jurisdictional hosting and connectivity provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Quayle as Senior Product Manager, based at the Company’s Headquarters in the Isle of Man.
Stephen Trimble, Chief Product and Marketing Officer for the Group commented “Ian is joining at a very exciting time indeed for Continent 8. Having recently taken our network truly global and now active in nearly 30 locations across Europe, Asia and the Americas we have further expansion plans across our product and service catalogue. Being able to bolster the global product team with someone with Ian’s expertise at our Isle of Man corporate headquarters is great news all-round. “
Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the business, with over 18 years experience in Technology Consulting and Leadership Roles within Telecommunications, Data Centre / Hosting, IT Service and Financial Services business. Ian’s most recent role was as the Head of Technology Design with a Global Financial Services organisation where, among other achievements, he was responsible for the design and realisation of their new Secure Global WAN and hosting environment.
Ian added “The solid foundations that Continent 8 has laid with their extensive global network and hosting environment, combined with the obvious talents of the technical teams across the jurisdictions makes for a superb environment to build great things. I was naturally drawn to this and am very excited to be taking a product-focused role, to work with the team at Continent 8 in further building on those amazing foundations and enhancing the product portfolio in new and exciting ways – for the benefit of our all our customers!”
Michael Tobin, CEO and co-founder of Continent 8, welcomed Ian’s appointment, “Continent 8 prides itself on its global growth and the ability to attract highly qualified people, such as Ian. Our company’s continued success and international expansion depends on the quality and experience of our personnel. I heartily welcome Ian to the Continent 8 team.”
Continent 8 Technologies, the award winning multi-jurisdictional hosting and connectivity provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Moran as Account Manager and Jason Malone as Senior Network Analyst, both based at the Company’s Headquarters in the Isle of Man.
Michael Tobin, CEO and co-founder of Continent 8, welcomed the appointments, “Continent 8 prides itself on its growth and investment in the Isle of Man and the ability to attract such highly qualified and respected people such as Caroline and Jason. Our company’s continued success – locally and globally – depends on attracting and retaining the best people in the industry.”
Peter Williams, Global Sales Director for the Group commented, “Caroline is a great addition to the sales team and brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience within the offshore business community, where she is highly regarded for her ability to deliver outstanding customer service
Caroline joins Continent 8 with 20 years Corporate Account Management and more recently a Global Solutions Account Management experience with key strategic accounts.
Caroline added “Continent 8 is a progressive, agile company with a portfolio of products and services that I believe offer uniqu benefits for both local and global customers. Offering connectivity solutions that are entirely owned and managed by Continent 8 enables us to offer a single point of contact and responsibility for global companies. I am very much looking forward to creating greater local awareness of Continent 8, whilst strengthening and building on existing customer relationships.”
John Stone, CTO for the company commented, “We are delighted to have attracted such an experienced and talented individual as Jason. His skills and experience greatly complement our plans for the expansion of our global private network and associated products.”
Jason Malone Jason brings a wealth of experience gained in the in the telecommunications sector, previously as Head of Hosting, Managed and Transport Networks Jason had the responsibility for maintaining fibre infrastructure, broadband and transport networks across the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Specialising in Cisco, Alcatel and Huawei technologies he designed and developed a number cutting edge leading solutions for today’s market place.
Jason added “It’s exciting to be part of a company such as Continent 8 who are the market leader in their business sector. I’m looking forward to working with the team and getting to grips with the company’s rapidly expanding global private network.”
Continent 8 Technologies is delighted to have won the award at the Isle of Man Energy Awards 2017 in the category of “Best Energy Saving”
The award is for the implementation of an innovative cooling solution at our Isle of Man data centre which has resulted in a 65% saving in energy usage.
Pictured is Continent 8’s Finance Director Paul Watterson receiving the award from the Isle of Man Government’s Director of Corporate Services Ken Milne at a presentation on 2nd August.