Rocket Reader

Dr Simon Ronald is Chief Executive of what he describes as “very much a virtual company” – one that doesn’t require a shop front, sells 99 per cent of its product through the internet – and 85 per cent of it to the US.

With a PhD in artificial intelligence and a degree in electronic engineering and digital systems, Dr Ronald analysed numerous reading and speed reading programs, books, CDs and tutorials. In 1996 he combined this expertise in designing the RocketReader computer software and also developed the RocketReader speed reading seminars, which have been enthusiastically received by corporate audiences from Kuwait to California.

RocketReader uses advanced artificial intelligence methods to break lifelong poor reading habits and master fast accurate reading techniques.

“We now have three popular websites receiving millions of hits every month,” he says.

With a product that sells on-line and almost entirely internationally, Dr Ronald could have chosen to set up his business anywhere in the world with a suitable broadband connection, but he says his decision to locate in central Adelaide was a “no brainer”.

His deep, narrow warehouse-style office takes up the whole of a second floor above Gresham Street in the City, somewhat resembling, he says, a New York warehouse apartment.

“The rent is very cheap, much cheaper than other Australian capital cities or other fringe locations outside of the CBD,” he says. “We could have located in the suburbs, but being in the City is more interesting and exciting, there’s a more interesting culture and we can do our shopping in our lunch hour.

“The City has become very high tech orientated. We have ADSL2 broadband, the fastest in Australia, and with other high quality software companies now moving in, we’re able to meet casually over a coffee – and that’s better in the City, too.”

In 2003 Dr Ronald was awarded the prestigious SA Pearcey Award for ‘Innovation and pioneering achievements and contribution to research and development in Information Technology’.

Fast Facts

● City location was calculated decision
● Crucible of intellectual property development
● High speed telecommunications reliant