An Interview with UNDECOM’s chairman
As we celebrate the 4th anniversary of UNDECOM, we reflect on a remarkable journey marked by innovation, growth, and community. UNDECOM was founded with a vision to create a comprehensive platform for investigion, legal, intelligence and security professionals. Over the past four years, it has become a pivotal resource for experts and professionals worldwide, providing valuable resources and a thriving network of experts.
To mark this special occasion, we sat down with UNDECOM’s chairmain who is also one of the co-founders to delve into the story behind the platform, explore its unique features, and discuss its impact on the investigations community. Join us as we uncover the insights, challenges, and future aspirations that continue to drive UNDECOM forward.
Can you tell us about the journey that led to the creation of UNDECOM?
NV: Almost five years ago, I met with two other investigators, both former law enforcement officers, and we quickly realized that we shared a common challenge: finding trusted experts with very specific expertise in our field. Despite our extensive networks and resources, it was often difficult to locate the right specialists for complex cases. Our research revealed that there was no comprehensive solution available, aside from relying on personal networks or platforms such as LinkedIn.
What inspired you and your co-founders to start UNDECOM?
NV: Tapping into our personal networks and using platforms such as LinkedIn were our primary methods, but these solutions quickly proved to be too limited. We found that for very specialized needs or for expertise in certain geographies outside of our own, these methods fell short. Whether it was locating a forensics expert in a remote region or finding someone with niche knowledge in a particular type of investigation, we struggled to identify the right professionals efficiently and reliably.
This persistent issue sparked the idea for UNDECOM. We wanted to create a platform that could bridge these gaps and provide a comprehensive solution for professionals like us. Our goal was to develop a resource where investigators, forensic and security experts, and legal professionals could easily find and connect with the right experts, regardless of the specificity of their needs or their geographical location.
Our combined experiences in various aspects of investigations, intelligence, diligence, digital forensics, and e-Discovery fueled our determination to bring this vision to life. We knew that if we were facing these challenges, others in our field likely were too. This realization drove us to create UNDECOM, a platform designed to streamline the process of finding specialized expertise, foster professional collaboration, and support the global community of investigators and forensic professionals.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of UNDECOM?
NV: One of the biggest challenges we faced in the early days of UNDECOM was encouraging experts to set aside the time to create their profiles on our platform. Despite offering free BASIC profiles, it initially required some courageous first subscribers to take the leap and register. This initial hurdle was significant, as the platform's success depended on having a robust and diverse community of professionals. However, once those early adopters joined and began to see the value of UNDECOM, registrations started to accelerate, and the momentum built quickly from there.
How has UNDECOM evolved over the past four years?
NV: Over the past four years, UNDECOM has undergone significant evolution, marked by a major platform redesign and the expansion from an English-only interface to a multilingual one, now supporting English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, and Italian. These changes have made the platform more accessible and user-friendly for a global audience. Additionally, we have continuously worked on implementing new features to enhance functionality and user experience, reflecting our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our target communities.
How has the community around UNDECOM grown and developed over the years?
NV: The community around UNDECOM has experienced remarkable growth and development over the past four years. We now boast over 1,120 members from 97 different countries, representing 57 languages and 385 distinct fields of investigative, legal, intelligence, and security expertise. This diverse and expansive network has enriched our platform, fostering a truly global and multidisciplinary community. Additionally, we have strengthened our partnerships with businesses, exemplified by our collaboration with Generali Insurance, who rely on UNDECOM to find experts for their cases. These partnerships underscore the platform’s value and its integral role in connecting professionals across the globe.
Can you share any success stories from members of the UNDECOM community?
NV: Our Blog section features several success stories.
Can you tell us about any partnerships with professional organizations and large companies?
NV: Building on the success of our existing partnerships, such as with Generali Insurance, we are working hard to foster more relationships with professional associations and large companies. Many professional organizations and associations direct their members to our platform, recognizing the value of a comprehensive network of experts. Additionally, internal investigation teams within large organizations frequently use UNDECOM to find the right specialists for their needs. These collaborations not only enhance the credibility and reach of our platform but also ensure that our members are connected with reputable and diverse opportunities across various industries.
How can new subscribers benefit from joining UNDECOM today?
NV: Joining UNDECOM today opens up numerous opportunities for new subscribers, enabling them to receive requests they might otherwise miss. As we continue to grow our partnerships with internal investigation teams in large enterprises, our members can expect an increasing number of referrals and opportunities. By being part of a diverse and expansive network of over 1,100 members from 97 countries, subscribers can connect with professionals across 385 different fields of expertise, enhancing their visibility and potential for collaboration. Additionally, the platform offers access to cutting-edge tools, resources, and a global community, supporting their professional growth and success in the field of forensics, investigations, intelligence, security and the legal sector.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining UNDECOM?
NV: I would advise anyone considering joining UNDECOM to not hesitate—register straight away! With both free and paid subscription plans available, it only takes about five minutes to set up your profile and start accessing valuable opportunities and referrals. For professional associations and members of internal investigation teams in large organizations, I recommend reaching out to us via our platform. We’d be more than happy to explore how we can collaborate and support each other, helping you leverage our platform to its fullest potential.
