About Us

Bluedot's Origin Story

Where It All Began

We place consumer experiences in context, so it’s only fitting to place Bluedot in context by sharing its origin story.

The unassuming origin of Bluedot began in Melbourne, Australia with scribbles on a bar napkin, a couple of beers, two friends, and one complaint. Co-Founders Emil Davityan and Filip Eldic couldn’t pay for toll roads using their mobile phone because the GPS location detection was inaccurate and unreliable, especially at high speeds.

That single use case sparked the idea for a precise location technology (embedded in a mobile app) that would place consumers in context based on their physical location. In practice, this meant whenever they drove through a freeway toll at high speed, their trip would automatically be detected. It would then initiate payment via a mobile app once they arrived at their destination.

Want to see Bluedot’s precise location technology in action? Explore how Transurban offers a seamless experience for toll road customers.

The idea first evolved into a research and development firm, then became a full-fledged company, expanding across industries and continents.

But that’s only half of the origin story. The other, more interesting part of the story comes from the people who turned Bluedot into a reality. They’re migrants, refugees, travelers, and transplants – people who deeply understand and appreciate the power of place.

Co-Founders Emil Davityan and Filip Eldic met years prior to starting Bluedot when Filip relocated from Croatia to Australia at 19. Emil, of Armenian descent, was born in Tehran, Iran and raised in Australia.

The two friends were joined by CTO Balendran Thavarajah, a Tamil refugee from Sri Lanka who immigrated to Australia as a young adult.

Later, David Jacques, PayPal founding CFO, joined the Board. Richard Branson and Steve Wozniak awarded Bluedot ‘Best Startup in Australia’ at Talent Unleashed 2014.

“The Bluedot story is our collective story because the people make the company. When I joined Bluedot, I was immediately impressed with Emil, our CEO and co-founder. Despite being constantly on a plane, losing sleep, or meeting with multiple people in multiple time zones, the team is his primary concern.”

Lise, Executive Assistant

The next big milestone was commercializing and launching the product internationally. Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without a global team.

The small but mighty Bluedot team hails from 5 continents and 20 countries. These places uniquely shaped each person’s background and perspective, bringing a wealth of diversity and creativity to the company.

Fun fact: the Bluedot team (combined) speaks nearly 25 different languages.

Soon the company expanded beyond the Melbourne office, adding a US headquarters in San Francisco and a sales office in Sydney.

Bluedot continues to grow around the globe (we’re hiring!) and proudly partners with enterprises like Transurban, Salesforce, Oracle, and Adobe to help companies place consumers in context based on their location.

Meet Our Leadership

Filip Eldic

Co-Founder

Leads the company’s R&D program and previously helped launch successful location-based apps. Forbes 30 under 30 in Technology. Background in IT, economics and international relations, and previously held financial roles.

Emil Davityan

Co-Founder

Cyber policy adviser to successive Australian Prime Ministers, leading complex projects with major technology companies and international governments. Previously an adviser on international economic and financial policy, and held financial roles.

Dr Jana Matthews

Advisor, Board Observer

Global Thought Leader for major corporations such as SAP. Named one of 18 Women Business Gurus in the World. Dr. Matthews is the author of seven books and has designed programs for organizations that support entrepreneurs, such as the Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the Women Presidents’ Organization, and Innovate South Australia.

David Jaques

Chief Financial Officer

Founding CFO of PayPal, where he raised $140 million and achieved a valuation of $680 million. CFO of Nokia’s venture capital fund, BlueRun Ventures, and previously at Barclays Bank and Senior Vice President at Silicon Valley Bank.

Judy Chan

Head of Marketing

Leads marketing for Bluedot. Prior to joining Bluedot, Judy managed emerging mobile products at Urban Airship. Recognized as a 40 Under 40 Brand Marketer by Brand Innovators, Judy previously held eCommerce and marketing positions at Livescribe and Hewlett Packard.

Balendran Thavarajah

Chief Technology Officer

Managed major international projects and teams, with expertise across a broad range of technology platforms and methodologies. Previously development manager at Standards Australia and held roles at Centrelink, Soul and DigiPlus. Associate lecturer at the University of Western Sydney.