[181] Cybersecurity, M&A And Mission: Nostra's New MSP Model

TubbTalk: The Podcast for Managed Service Providers

In this episode of TubbTalk, Richard Tubb speaks to Kevin O'Loughlin, the founder of Irish MSP Nostra. He started it in 2006 with the aim of making a positive impact and demonstrating Ireland's potential for global success.

From a starting pioneering cloud email adoption service in 2007, Nostra has grown to deliver €50,000,000 in annual revenue and is growing at 30% year on year through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. And it's on its journey to become a market leading, full-service IT managed service of either business.

Kevin tells Richard why he founded Nostra, their approach to cybersecurity and the tech stack they use, as well as why cannibalising the services they offer has led to growth.

Richard asks Kevin about the companies they partner with and why it’s important to nurture your vendor relationships. They also discuss why MSPs are so resistant to change in an industry where change happens constantly.

Having gone through several mergers and acquisitions, Kevin explains Nostra’s approach to them and red flags to be aware of. He also shares his tips on choosing the right tools for your MSP without feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, Richard asks Kevin how he became an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and what that meant for him and Nostra. Kevin shares how he keeps going when things are hard, and reveals his biggest inspirations.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Nostra
• MSP community: IT Nation
• Cybersecurity and backup: Datto
• Cybersecurity software: Acronis
• IT management software: Kaseya
• Cybersecurity partner: Huntress
• Cybersecurity software: Webroot
• SOC as a Service: Enhanced (Formerly InSoc)
• MSP solutions: Barracuda
• PSA tool: Autotask
• Network security: SonicWall
• Cloud marketplace: Pax8
• Book: Rhonda Byrne: The Secret
• Investor: Ray Dalio
• Author and speaker: Tony Robbins
• Investor: Warren Buffett