Matthew Scullion may no longer be the CEO of UK unicorn Matillion, but his legacy – and catchphrases – live on, judging by the tributes that have come pouring in.
Earlier this week, there were shockwaves following the news that Scullion had been replaced as CEO by veteran enterprise data executive Girish Pancha.
Scullion, who co-founded the business with Ed Thompson in 2011, will remain an ‘active member of the company’s board of directors’.
Some of the biggest names in technology, along with former colleagues, have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former CEO and recall one of his favourite sayings.
Laura Malins, former VP of product at Matillion, said: “What an amazing journey, you’ve come so far and made a dent in the universe and best of all, you’ve done it all from Manchester. Thank you for letting me be a small part of it.”
Nick King-Sayce spent more than 10 years at Matillion before leaving in December 2025. He said: “What an incredible journey. I am still so proud to have been a part of it. Thank you for all of the advice, guidance and support over the years. From starting out in a small 12-person office in Knutsford to becoming part of a world-beating unicorn company. You definitely made a dent in the universe!”
David Rice, group CEO of Snap Analytics Group, said: “You haven’t just built a fantastic business and a rare UK technology story, but also supported the ecosystem creating jobs and opportunities for many others. You’ve done that with tremendous humility. Huge respect to you and what you have achieved.”
Richard Faulkner of HSBC Innovation Banking said: “Thank you for all your support over the years and the exemplary way in which you always carry yourself and for being so generous with your time with the Manchester tech community.”
Ben Wildsmith, strategy and transactions partner at EY Parthenon, said: “A truly amazing and inspiring journey. You’ve created a business in Manchester that competes at the top level globally. A true tech champion who cares and supports a huge network. Top man.”
Brian Gentile, chairman of Matillion, said: “Can’t express enough thanks to you for creating and leading Matillion through so many milestones. You’ve surely put a dent in the universe much bigger than yourself.”
Eddie Harding, partner at ICON Corporate Finance, said: “Everything you’ve achieved with Matillion is a testament to the vision and drive you had all those years ago when you first set out to (quite literally) transform the ETL market. For me, you put the I in BI and have built the most amazing business and team – will be tough handing the baton over to someone else but I’ve always trusted your judgement and am sure it’s the right time. Great work Matthew – keep inspiring the next generation.”
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Steven Frost, founder and CEO of WorkBuzz, said: “You’ve inspired a lot of UK founders, including me!”
Richard Thelwell, senior marketing operations manager at Claroty, said: “You built something truly incredible and supported and inspired a lot of people along the way. It was amazing to be a part of that from the early days in that tiny office in Knutsford. Seeing just how far Matillion has come under your leadership, you should feel immensely proud.”