Surendra Patel

Background

About Surendra Patel

As Director of Operations at Gather, I lead the strategic and operational transformation of our agentic martech platform, helping businesses turn event interactions into clean, actionable data that drives real ROI. Gather uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to capture attendee and client information in real time, syncing it seamlessly into CRM systems like Salesforce. My focus is on embedding automation into every layer of the business, from product to process, to improve how companies capture, use, and act on customer data. With 20+ years of experience across industrial automation, cybersecurity, and data systems, I’ve built and scaled businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. I specialize in identifying inefficiencies, implementing tech-powered solutions, and modernizing operations to support rapid growth. At Gather, I’ve helped clients (including several in the automotive and manufacturing sectors) streamline lead capture workflows, reduce manual data entry, and gain faster insights into customer behavior, turning event spend into measurable pipeline impact. Prior to Gather, I led multiple businesses across sectors including: White Badger Security, where I focused on cybersecurity and risk mitigation for critical infrastructure. Weiss Instruments, where I modernized manufacturing operations and led digital transformation in the industrial controls space. These roles deepened my cross-sector understanding of how to scale tech platforms, optimize workflows, and deliver lasting operational value. Today, I also serve as Managing Director of Small Back Room, a brand and communications agency working with property developers and real estate leaders in the U.K. My role spans innovation, systems design, and business strategy, bridging creative execution with technology enablement. I'm currently building a portfolio of underperforming martech, SaaS, and creative firms across the U.S. and U.K, with the goal of integrating them under a single structure and eventually taking the company public. I believe in trust-based, non-micromanagement leadership that empowers others to take ownership, make decisions, and drive outcomes. My approach is grounded in clarity, autonomy, and accountability. When I’m not working, I enjoy travel, following emerging tech trends, and partnering with founders and creatives looking to scale.