1. Introduction
Few technology companies can trace their origins back to a global consulting powerhouse like KPMG, but thatâs exactly the case for Codebridge. Born out of an internal innovation unit inside KPMG, Codebridge evolved from a small experimental software project into a full-fledged technology company delivering cutting-edge digital solutions.
The journey from one of the worldâs largest consulting firms to a thriving software development company wasnât a straight path. It involved strategic decision-making, overcoming challenges, and leveraging deep business expertise to create something entirely new. This is the story of how a consulting background laid the foundation for a world-class tech company.
2. The Unexpected Beginning: A Programmer in a Tax Department
The story of Codebridge starts in an unlikely place: KPMGâs Transfer Pricing department. At the time, Konstantin Karpushin, a partner at KPMG, was leading a team focused on tax law and financial consulting. But as the business grew, so did the complexity of client relationships.
The Problem:
- Managing client interactions and projects manually was inefficient.
- There was no dedicated system to track engagements, communication, and progress.
- The team needed a way to streamline workflows and improve productivity.
The Solution:
- Konstantin hired a programmer, Evgeniy Baranovsky, to develop a CRM system.
- The first version was built using Microsoft Access, based on a purchased template.
- It quickly became an essential tool for managing client relationships.
This decisionâbringing software development into a tax consulting departmentâset the stage for what would later become Codebridge.
3. From an Internal Tool to a Game-Changer
The CRM system worked so well that it didnât just remain a local toolâit scaled across multiple KPMG departments and regions. As new needs emerged, the system evolved:
| Year | Development Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2013 | First version of CRM built in Access |
| 2014 | System rewritten in C# for better performance |
| 2015 | Adopted by multiple KPMG offices (Ukraine, Kazakhstan, etc.) |
| 2016 | Expanded into goal-setting and project management tools |
What started as a simple internal tool turned into a fully functional enterprise software, laying the foundation for a team that could build and scale technology within a global corporation.
4. The Birth of KPMGâs Product Development Center (PDC)
By 2017, the success of internal software projects led to the idea of creating a dedicated technology team inside KPMG. This initiative became the Product Development Center (PDC), a unit responsible for developing software for KPMGâs global operations.
Key Innovations by PDC:
- KPMG Smart â A goal-setting platform for employee performance tracking.
- Knowledge Cloud â A knowledge management system for consultants.
- Proposal Constructor â A tool to automate proposal creation for clients.
- Benchmarking Tool â A system for transfer pricing analysis using external databases.
The PDC model was unique: instead of outsourcing development, KPMG built an internal product team capable of creating software that met its specific needs.
5. Why PDC Couldnât Scale Inside KPMG
Despite its success, PDC faced significant challenges within KPMGâs corporate structure:
1. Misalignment with KPMGâs Core Business
KPMG is primarily a consulting and audit firm, not a software company. Selling software products wasnât aligned with its traditional revenue model.
2. Hiring and Retention Issues
Attracting and keeping top-tier software engineers was difficult inside a company that wasnât built for tech talent development.
3. Limited External Market Potential
Since KPMG primarily served internal clients, scaling PDC into a commercially viable technology business was not a priority for the firm.
By 2020, it became clear that the PDC model wasnât sustainable inside KPMG. This realization set the stage for a bold new chapter.
6. The Transition: Codebridge is Born
In early 2021, Konstantin and his key team members left KPMG to create Codebridge, an independent software development company. Unlike PDC, Codebridge was built from day one to:
- Work with external clients worldwide.
- Operate as a full-service software development firm.
- Compete in the global tech industry, not just consulting.
The transition wasnât easy. Without the support of a corporate giant, Codebridge had to build its own brand, client base, and operational model from scratch.
7. Codebridgeâs Rapid Growth and Competitive Edge
Unlike many newly formed tech companies, Codebridge had a strategic advantageâits deep expertise in solving complex business problems.
Three Key Differentiators:
- Enterprise-Level Thinking
- Years at KPMG taught the team how to navigate complex business structures.
- Codebridge could handle large-scale, high-stakes projects with confidence.
- UX-Driven Development
- A strong emphasis on user experience (UX) design set Codebridge apart.
- Many tech firms focus purely on coding, but Codebridge prioritized usability.
- Advanced Hiring and Talent Acquisition
- The company applied marketing techniques to recruitment.
- Over 24,000 candidates applied within three years.
- Codebridge built automated hiring funnels to attract top-tier developers and designers.
8. Codebridge Today: A Tech Powerhouse
Since its inception, Codebridge has grown into a global technology company, delivering high-performance software solutions across industries.
Current Achievements:
â
$1M+ in revenue from global clients
â
70+ top-tier engineers and designers
â
Enterprise solutions for fintech, healthcare, and logistics
| Codebridge in Numbers | Value |
|---|---|
| Years in Operation | 4+ |
| Total Team Members | 70+ |
| Countries Served | 15+ |
| Clients Served | 600+ |
9. Lessons for Entrepreneurs: From Corporate to Startup
Building a tech company from within a corporate structure isnât common, but it offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs:
Key Takeaways:
- Innovate from Within â Sometimes, the best business ideas start as internal projects.
- Donât Be Afraid to Pivot â When a corporate structure limits growth, independence is the answer.
- Leverage Your Strengths â Codebridge succeeded by combining business expertise with technology.
10. Conclusion
The journey from KPMG to Codebridge is a testament to how corporate innovation can give birth to a thriving tech company. What started as a small CRM system inside a tax consulting team has grown into a leading software development powerhouse.
Today, Codebridge is not just another tech firmâitâs a company built on deep business knowledge, UX-driven development, and a commitment to solving complex problems with technology. As it continues to expand, Codebridge stands as an example of how strategic vision and adaptability can turn a corporate experiment into a global success story.