Navigator and Shipwright.
Most navigators can't build. Most builders can't navigate. Duncan does both.
He gets it fast—pattern recognition across domains is how he's wired. He tells you the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. And unlike most strategists, he can actually build what he recommends.
There's also a gift for context. Where others rush past details to get to solutions, Duncan absorbs the full picture—the tangents, the history, the things that "probably don't matter." They usually do. This isn't just patience; it's how the patterns emerge.
Founders often sense something important but struggle to name it—a gap in their product, a pattern in their market, a decision that keeps nagging. Duncan helps give shape to the fuzzy. He sees the connections you're feeling but can't yet articulate, and helps you move forward with clarity.
He doesn't just build what you ask for. He anticipates what you'll need next—preparing you for the journey beyond, not just the destination in front of you.
Most rush to build. We invest in understanding first. We map the full constellation before charting the course—because when you see the whole picture, the path becomes clear.
Constellation Mapping.
Before we build anything, we map the full constellation. It's slower at the start. Everything that follows is faster, better, and built on solid ground.
Plot the Stars
Deep discovery. Your vision, constraints, market reality, technical requirements—every star in position.
See the Pattern
Pattern recognition. What connects? Where are the opportunities—and the pitfalls you haven't anticipated yet?
Chart the Path
Strategic architecture. The roadmap forward—decision points, dependencies, and success criteria.
Validate the Map
Reality testing. Does this hold up under scrutiny? What are we missing? Test the map before we sail by it.
Navigate Forward
Execution with clarity. Build with confidence. Adjust as new stars appear. Stay true to the constellation.
Origin
BoldOrion is founded in South Africa as a web development practice. The goal was simple: build better digital experiences. But the vision was already expanding beyond just code.
Expansion
Incorporated in the United States. The practice grew from local development to global consulting, serving clients across continents and industries.
The Bridge
Through complex engagements with tax software and social platforms, the core realization emerged: the true value wasn't just building, but translating complex business visions into technical reality.
Venture Architecture
Stepped into the role of Group CTO for Rhodeon/Openfin, a venture studio. Applying the "Navigator" philosophy to a portfolio of companies, proving that strategic architecture scales.
The Navigator
BoldOrion evolves into a strategic consultancy. We don't just reach the destination. We prepare you for the journey beyond.