The last word with… Dr James Kent, CEO and Co-founder

The last word with…..
Dr James Kent, CEO and Founder of BlackRainbow discusses the future of investigative technology

01: Can you tell me about your role at BlackRainbow?

I’m Co-Founder & CEO of BlackRainbow, which launched in 2017 with Morgan Sheehy. My career began with a childhood dream of policing, leading to 15 years in law enforcement specialising in Hi-Tech Crime and helping establish some of the first digital crime units. That experience revealed major challenges in investigations and the technology designed to support them.

I later moved into the private sector, founding companies focused on digital forensics and e-discovery. Across every role, the mission has been consistent: Solving problems and driving innovation to make investigations smarter and more effective.

At BlackRainbow, I lead our product office team, ensuring NIMBUS is designed from an operational perspective. We understand firsthand the challenges investigators face and the difference the right tools can make. Our team has worked with investigators in over 40 countries for two decades, giving us deep insight into their needs and enabling us to build solutions that truly serve them.

02: You hosted your first in-person NIMBUS workshop (NIMBUS Nebula) this year. What were the biggest takeaways from the event?

Our first NIMBUS Nebula workshop showcased the power of community as a platform for engagement. Customers weren’t just curious; they were passionate about exploring NIMBUS. Attendees shared innovative use cases, sparking discussions and inspiring others to rethink their setups. The excitement continued through product announcements, feature demos and company updates.

The workshop also delivered largescale training on new functionality, which customers embraced eagerly. Most importantly, it reinforced how much they value connection – networking sessions were buzzing with ideas and feedback, helping us stay close to customer sentiment. Looking ahead, we’re hosting two workshops in February, bringing investigation leaders and tech experts together to collaborate, share insights and explore innovative approaches to challenges shaping investigation technology.

03: As the company continues to grow, how do you balance the needs of bespoke software versus off-the-shelf solutions?

Firstly, by understanding the core requirements. NIMBUS is an off-the-shelf product, which is ideal for standardised processes – offering faster deployments, lower costs and self-configuration.

At times, we build bespoke functionality for flexibility and differentiation, though it comes with higher costs. To strike the right balance, we evaluate total cost of ownership, time-to-market, scalability and integration needs. Our preferred approach is hybrid: Leveraging NIMBUS for core functionality and adding bespoke components where differentiation matters.

04: What are the biggest ambitions or milestones BlackRainbow is aiming for in 2026?

2026 will be pivotal for BlackRainbow, with release of a new National Dynamic Decision and Case Management System for UK Policing, on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). This marks the beginning of a new era for UK Police Forces and their partner agencies. It aligns with the findings identified in subsequent public inquiries and sets new standards for decision-making and accountability. NIMBUS Dynamic has been designed to assist decision-makers in complex and high-intensity operations by enhancing situational awareness and providing an enhanced common operating picture.

View SJUK January 2026 Issue.

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