Tag: startup

Dublin Tech Summit Partners with Pegasus to Host First Ever Irish Leg of the Startup World Cup

The Startup World Cup, the world’s largest startup pitch competition, will make its debut in Ireland, with the semi-final taking place at Dublin Tech Summit 2024. Powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures, the tournament consists of over 50 regional startup competitions across over 20 countries, providing an unmatched opportunity to access Ireland’s startup ecosystem and global tech companies.

The contendants will be judged at the event by a panel of venture capitalists, with the winner attending the grand final in Silicon Valley to compete against 50 other semi-finalists from across the globe for the $1,000,000 investment prize. The judging panel will consist of esteemed venture capitalist organisations, aimed at supporting startup growth. Featuring partners and directors from, VC Seraphim Space, Sure Valley Ventures, Techstars Sustainability Paris, Anamcara Capital, and The Launch Code.

“The Startup World Cup Grand Finale 2023 in San Francisco was more than just an event; it was a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Martin Tantow, Partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures. “Each pitch brought something unique to the table, elevating the competition to new heights of excitement. To be able to bring such an arena to a highly receptive audience in Ireland, has been a long awaited affair for Pegasus Tech Ventures, and we are honoured to partner with Dublin Tech Summit to bring the first ever leg of the event to Ireland, given the nation’s esteemed tech prowess in Europe”

Dublin Tech Summit 2024 will also be expanding its Accelerate initiative. Accelerate provides an opportunity for Irish start up & scale-up brands to expand internationally and get noticed by technology movers and shakers, to maximise investment opportunities for the Irish startup scene. Dublin Tech Summit will exhibit all entries in its Accelerate hall for the duration of the summit.

“Dublin Tech Summit is thrilled to announce not only the expansion of our Accelerate programme to empower local innovators but its commitment to empowering those very talents on a global stage as host to the Startup World Cup. To be able to utilise our position as a seminal voice in the mainstream techworld to provide opportunities to the next generation of changemakers, is something Dublin Tech Summit and our Accelerate programme take great pride in. In a world of ever changing corporate tax receipts, nurturing our local and start-up economy is as vital now as it ever was”, said Tracey Carney, Managing Director, Dublin Tech Summit.

To compete on the pitch stage at the DTS24, startups must register online to participate in the Accelerate programme and founders must have formed a legal business entity. The startup can be at any stage of development, from pre-seed to scale-up, and each entrant will submit a 90-second video pitch. 50 startups will be selected from the video pitches to compete in knockout presentation rounds on day one of the summit, with finals on day 2 for those who advance in the competition.

“It is an unprecedented opportunity for Irish startups to get their idea in front of expert investors, and the chance to be in the global grand finale competition in Silicon Valley. Entrepreneurial dreamers are the life of the innovation economy. Providing Irish expertise to the world is a key feature of the Accelerate programme, one which has the potential to see significant dividends in the economy as wider society in dynamic times”, said DC Cahalane former GCMO for Dogpatch Labs, and now Venture Partner at Sure Valley Ventures, and DTS Accelerate stage MC.

Top Tips for Securing a Personal Loan for Your Startup

Starting a new business is an exciting and daunting prospect. You often need access to money, either in the form of personal savings or credit, to get things off the ground. Taking out a personal loan can give you that additional boost you need for your venture; it can help with paying for start-up costs as well as provide working capital. However, the process isn’t always straightforward – so if you’re considering using a loan to fund your business plan, here are our top tips on securing one without any fuss!

Understand your credit history and score 

Understanding your credit history and score is crucial if you want to secure a loan in the future. Your credit score is a reflection of your creditworthiness and lenders use this information to evaluate the risk of lending you money. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for loans with better interest rates and terms. On the other hand, if your score is low, you may struggle to get approved for loans or may only qualify for high-interest loans. Knowing your credit score and understanding how it’s calculated can help you take steps to improve it over time, giving you better financial opportunities in the future. With things apps like Credit Builder Plus, it’s easier than ever to learn and improve your credit score. Make sure to consult credit reporting agencies to get the most up-to-date information and advice. 

Research different lenders and loan types 

Considering the vast amount of options available, researching different lenders and loan types can feel like a daunting task. However, taking the time to compare interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility requirements, and other important factors can end up saving you a significant amount of money in the long run. By doing your due diligence, you’ll be able to choose a loan that not only fits your current financial situation but also sets you up for success in the future. So grab a notebook and start taking notes – the effort you put in now will pay off down the line. In addition, you should also look into taking advantage of government-backed loan programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s always worth looking into the available options to see if you qualify.

Figuring out the right type of financial aid brings clarity and structure to your entrepreneurial plans. Starting a company requires taking out a small business loan that offers reasonable terms and aligns with your long-term goals. Whether you’re funding equipment, inventory, or office space, the right loan can make a major difference in your launch phase. Taking time to understand the application process and lender expectations will set a strong foundation for growth.

Have a plan for how you will use the funds and how you will repay the loan 

It’s exciting to think about the possibilities that come with obtaining a loan for a business venture. However, it’s important to have a solid plan in place before taking on any debt, whether through a bank or an alternative lender. A loan should be seen as an investment in your future, rather than a quick fix for financial trouble. So, take the time to carefully consider how you will use the funds and how you will repay the loan in a timely manner. This might involve creating a budget or timeline for the project or seeking financial advice from a trusted professional.

By having a clear plan in place, you’ll not only be more likely to secure the loan in the first place but also set yourself up for long-term success. It’s also wise to seek guidance from experienced professionals to optimize your financial strategy—whether it’s consulting with an accountant or working to find the best mortgage broker in Brisbane who can help you navigate financial products that align with your goals.

Talk to an accountant or financial advisor 

When it comes to starting up a business, there are countless factors to consider, and securing a loan is certainly high on the list. To ensure that you are making the right decision for your specific situation, it’s crucial to consult with an expert in the financial field, such as an accountant or financial advisor. These professionals have a deep understanding of the complexities of financing and can provide valuable insight into everything from loan options to payment plans. By seeking out their advice and guidance, you can feel confident in your ability to secure the funding you need to get your startup off the ground. If borrowing money is still not an option for you, there are other financing avenues to explore, such as venture capital or crowdfunding. 

Preparing to secure a loan for your startup is an important part of growing a successful business. You need to have a clear understanding of your credit history and score as well as what lenders/loan types might be the best fit and most beneficial for you. Having a plan for how you will use the funds and how you will repay the loan is key, as is gathering all the necessary documents any lender will require. It may even be worth exploring other financing options such as investor funding or crowdfunding, depending on your needs. Above all else, talking to an accountant or financial advisor to get advice on this important step is invaluable – knowing you’re making the right decisions can give you the confidence needed to take that next Giant Leap!

 

AWS launches Startup Loft in Dublin to support early-stage tech entrepreneurs reach their potential through the Cloud

The AWS Startup loft is a home for technology startups in one of AWS’s Dublin city centre offices in Charlemont Street. This co-working space is free to use for startups and is equipped with open seating, phonebooths, WiFi and coffee to keep startups fuelled.

The loft regularly hosts office hours and talks with venture capital, legal and accounting firms. Every Wednesday and Thursday startups can sit down with an AWS solution architect or account manager for ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions. This could be an opportunity to discuss a startups technology roadmap, architecture guidance or cost optimisation.

Vyra – Eoin Le Masney (Sector – Sustainability EdTech)

Backed by behavioural science, the Vyra Platform provides businesses with a highly engaging solution to up-skill employees rapidly and at scale. Whether it is through Vyra’s best-in-class learning modules or bespoke company learning programmes, the Vyra Platform is there to deliver to 50 or 5000 employees. https://vyra.ie/why-vyra/

KowRoo – Sheelagh Brady (Sector – Travel and Corporate Security)

Risks associated with travel, such as delays, accidents, criminality, or even death, can have an enormous impact on a business. The global security market is estimated to have an annual turnover in excess of $66.9B for the US alone. KowRoo combines analysis of real-time data that is personalised for the user, whilst integrating the risk appetite of the business, and communicating dynamic risk rating results via an app to the user. KowRoo will have a mobile app and desktop user interface, behind which a large volume of historical risk assessments generated from past analyses and real time incidents will be used as inputs to modern AI algorithms to build a real time robotic analyst “KowRoo”.

Elkstone Capital – Kate Fullen (Venture Capital)

Elkstone is a leading Irish Investment House focused on Entrepreneurs, Senior Executives, Institutional LPs, the Venture Community and Irish Diaspora. Their mission is to increase the economic value and overall wellbeing of the Island of Ireland by enabling deserving investments and delivering superior investment performance.

Minister of State in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Minister Dara Calleary :

“The Start Up Loft initiative is an important addition to the entrepreneur and start up ecosystem here in Ireland. This space and others like it play a vital role by supporting early stage and start-up companies test out their ideas, pitch for investment, and build their networks. I’m pleased to support the launch today which will complement the range of government supports and schemes available through our enterprise agencies, including the Local Enterprise Office network and Enterprise Ireland, to help Irish start-ups scale up, grow, and succeed both at home and on the global stage.”

 Mike Beary – Country Manager, AWS Ireland:

“At AWS, one of our leadership principles is to “Think Big”. Here in Dublin, we want to enable a culture of “thinking big” by providing some of Ireland’s brightest entrepreneurs with a space for their ideas to grow. This new Startup Loft will create the ideal forum for new companies to meet other founders, interact with VCs, and discuss how to take their businesses to the next level.”

Kate Fullen – Elkstone:

“Spaces like this give the VC community a chance to work with some of the most interesting founders in the country as they get their new companies up and running. The AWS Startup Loft is a great addition to the business ecosystem in Dublin.”

 Sheelagh Brady – KowRoo:

“Putting a company together from scratch is a hugely complicated and exciting project. The Startup Loft gives me a dedicated space to expand my business while learning from other entrepreneurs as we move our projects to the next stage. Having access to VCs and AWS experts is an added bonus. ”

 Eoin Le Masney – Vyra:

“The AWS Startup hub has been a game changer for Vyra – we have met some fantastic founders, solved problems with solutions architects and even used the space to pitch to mentors and investors. AWS Startup Loft is always creating value through events and regular check-ins and I know that in the future we will reference the AWS Startup hub as a key ingredient in our early stage success.”

The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Startup Development Company

If you are looking to hire a startup development company, it is important to know what you are looking for. You need to decide if you want a company that specialises in one thing or a generalist. You also need to ask yourself if you want a company that has been around for many years or one that is new and innovative.

When choosing the right startup development company, make sure they have experience in your industry. The team should be able to provide references of past work in the same industry as well as their portfolio of past projects. It is also important that they have the right skills and expertise for your specific project needs. A startup is a company that is just starting out and has high growth potential. They are usually small companies, with limited resources and a small team. Startups can be in different industries, such as manufacturing, retail, or healthcare.

A startup development company is an organisation that helps startups grow their business by providing them with services like developing the company’s strategy, marketing the company to potential customers, and securing funding for the business. In this article, we will explore the process of selecting a development company. We will cover the following questions:

  •  What are the things to consider when choosing a development company?
  •  How do you find a development company?
  •  What are the qualities of a good development company?
  •  How much does it cost to hire a development company?
  •  What is the best way to find out about startup developers or companies before hiring them?

Why Startups Need a Software Development Company and What to Expect From Them?

Software development companies for startups are an essential part of the startup ecosystem. They help startups by providing them with the best software solutions and making sure that they are up-to-date with the latest technologies.

Software development companies can be categorised into two types – consulting firms and software product companies. Consulting firms provide services to startups in various areas, such as software design and development, business strategy, marketing and sales. Software product companies on the other hand design and develop their own products to sell to clients.

Startups should expect from a software development company:

  1.  The best software solutions for their needs
  2.  Expertise in latest technologies
  3.  A better understanding of their business needs

How to Find the Right Software Development Company for You?

The question of finding the right software development company for you is one that every business owner has to answer at some point. It is important to remember that this decision will have a significant impact on your business, so it should not be taken lightly.

The first step in finding the right software development company for you is to do research on your own. Check out their website and see what they have done in the past. If you can find any reviews or testimonials, pay close attention to them because they can provide insight into how well the company works with clients and whether or not they are trustworthy. Once you have narrowed down a few companies, it’s time to start contacting them so that you can get a better idea of what they are like as a company and get an estimate on how much it would cost for them to work with your business.

How to Choose a Software Developer that is The Best Fit for Your Startup

A good developer is hard to find. It is difficult to find someone who can not only do the job but also has the right attitude and work ethic. However, it’s not impossible. There are some things you can look for when you’re trying to find a perfect developer for your business.

When looking for a software developer, there are many qualities that will be important to you and your company. A good developer should have great communication skills, an understanding of what they are doing, the ability to learn quickly on their own and an eagerness to take on new challenges. They should also be enthusiastic about what they do and have an interest in technology in general.

If you are looking for the best software developer to build your startup, you should take time to research and find out who is the best fit for your company. The perfect developer will have skills that align with what you need, they will be a good culture fit, and they will have a sense of urgency in their work.

Irish startup launches development of a propulsion system that can change mankind’s space travel abilities

The Irish space company Aerospace Propulsion Systems has started the R&D stage of the development of the Ultra High-Frequency Drive Propulsion System. It has a unique concept, which doesn’t use either liquid or solid fuel. The UHF Drive Propulsion System is based on the peculiarities of the interaction of ultra-high frequency and ultra-high frequency magnetic fields. 

“Our UHF Drive Propulsion System is a totally unique technology. Nothing like this has been built or tested before. We have searched carefully, and no one has this idea or anything similar. It’s radically and fundamentally different from all currently known propulsion systems. UHF Drive Propulsion System can work in any environment and does not interact with the environment in any negative way: It is capable of working in or out of the atmosphere and even under water,” said Charles Seadon, CEO of Aerospace Propulsion Systems.

The engines of a propulsion system are ultra-high frequency linear drives, which don’t use any form of conventional rocket propulsion solids or fluids. Thus, they produce no sound or exhaust gasses. Also, the concept helps to reduce total weight, as any propellant doesn’t add mass to the construction. Despite the small size and light weight, these motors can develop enormous power. As the research shows, they can reach up to 10 times faster speeds.

It is also possible to cluster a number of engines to create even more power and lift as well as provide redundancy to increase the safety of space flight significantly. UHF Drive Propulsion System engines are fully reusable, making them environmentally safe. These propulsion systems can also replace the jet engines of airplanes that use conventional fuels, highly polluting the atmosphere.

“These units, if successful, will change mankind’s space travel abilities, make space ships able to take off and landon any surface, and also can change aircraft flight. This will mean a new era in revolutionizing travel and enabling speeds never seen before,” Charles Seadon said. 

The company is based in Ireland at The National Space Centre. The development is produced in tight cooperation with Munster Technical University (MTU). MTU will provide engineers, physicists, graduates, and postgraduates to assist in the development and testing of the UHF drive under the supervision of Dr. Niall Smith, head of research at MTU. Dr Smith is a doctor of philosophy, astronomy and astrophysics, and experimental physicist. The lead engineer and inventor of Aerospace Propulsion Systems is Ukrainian.

The system is being developed and tested in a secret location in Ireland, protected by the military. During the first 24 months, the company will perform a test & development program and complete The Proof of Concept in the first 6 months. In total, Aerospace Propulsion Systems estimates 2 – 3 years to release the product. 

Cork’s Boole Syndicate invested €2.3M in start-ups last year

CorkBIC today announces that business angel investment is thriving in Cork as it prepares to host Europe’s largest international private investment and entrepreneurship gathering next month. CorkBIC figures show that the HBAN Boole Syndicate, based in Cork, invested €2.3M in start-ups last year, up 52% on the previous year. It has now invested almost €11.5M in Irish start-ups since its inception in 2013.

The increase in investment activities has been supported by the growth of the Boole Syndicate. It now has 52 active members, up 24% from 2020. A significant proportion of the investments being made by business angels in the Boole Syndicate, managed by CorkBIC and the Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN), are in Cork companies.

CorkBIC will showcase the strength of the Irish start-up ecosystem and early-stage investment at the EBAN Congress 2022 on May 18th and 19th, in the presence of Michael Mc Grath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as Europe’s business angels meet in-person for the first time in more than two years. A number of speakers have been added to the line-up, including Anita Bhatia, Assistant Secretary-General, UN Women; Pearse Flynn, founder, EI-H2; and Terence O’Rourke, Chairman, Enterprise Ireland.

The event will feature panel discussions; networking; an awards ceremony; and a pitching competition. It will educate Europe’s business angels and entrepreneurs on key elements of successful angel investing, including exits; cross-border investing; and syndicates. Speakers and panelists will also explore the opportunities of impact investing, ESG, DeepTech for a safer Europe and the funding of new technologies such as AI, blockchain and machine learning,

Michael O’Connor, CEO, CorkBIC, said: “Cork’s economy is thriving and that is reflected in the start-up ecosystem. Some of the world’s biggest companies are based in Cork, creating a talent pool for start-ups and a knowledge pool of angel investors who can share their expertise with entrepreneurs.

 “As a result, angel investment in Cork is continuing to grow year-on-year. Now is the ideal time to showcase that on a European stage and use our knowledge to help our international angel investor community to be successful. We want to show investors that world-class innovation and expansion is happening nationwide and that some Cork companies have recently delivered returns to business angels that are twelve times greater than original sums invested.”

 One example of a Cork company that has received significant funding from business angels and other investment sources is Gasgon Medical. The company recently raised €2.25M as part of a funding round that was led by DBIC Ventures and included HBAN’s Boole Syndicate, Irrus Investments, and MedTech Syndicate; Spain’s AIG; and a number of private investors in the US.

The company has developed a low-cost device, Air Vault, that attaches directly to IV drips in hospitals to eliminate air bubbles. These can be fatal for patients if they enter the bloodstream and dangerous for nurses, who must break the IV line if air bubbles form, therefore exposing them to medications that can be harmful over time. Gasgon Medical will use its funding to launch in the US in Q1 2023 and grow its team from six to 10 by year-end 2022.

Vincent Forde, CEO and founder, Gasgon Medical, said: “We deliberately sought investors that would bring strategic value to our business: not just capital, but smart money. They will be invaluable as we grow the business. We are currently carrying out pilot studies in hospitals in Ireland, Europe and the US. They see it as a no-brainer solution and our aim is for every IV system worldwide to have an Air Vault attached as the de facto solution to eliminating air bubbles.

 “We have a growing MedTech community in Cork and that has proved very beneficial to us as we seek funding and supports to expand. The network effect is very strong and that gives us access to investors and knowledge in the industry, which we may not otherwise have.”

Speakers at the EBAN Congress will include some of Europe’s most successful investors and super angels. Tickets can be purchased online at https://ebancongress.com/tickets/.

Cathy Bryce, Managing Director AIB Capital Markets, said: “AIB is delighted to be a sponsor of this European business angel reunion. Business angel investment is a vital source of funding for start-ups and we look forward to supporting its growth in Ireland and across Europe through this year’s EBAN Congress. With AIB’s strong commitment to ESG we’re delighted that the conference will explore the role angel investing can play in driving sustainability and encouraging more women to be represented in venture capital.’’

 Roger Wallace, EY Private and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Lead, said: “As a firm who works with, and supports, some of the most exciting entrepreneurial companies both here in Ireland and internationally, EY is very excited to be collaborating with CorkBIC on this year’s EBAN congress. It has been long-awaited and we encourage both the entrepreneurial and the investor community to attend, to benefit from the valuable networking and investments opportunities that this event will create.”

Leo McAdams, Divisional Manager, Investment Services and Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland welcomes the EBAN Congress to Cork this year. The creation of innovative start-up companies is the bedrock for economic growth nationally and I welcome this opportunity to showcase the strength of the Irish start-up ecosystem to EBAN’s international investors. This event will build on our existing HBAN angel activity and will enable entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors, partners and collaborators at the Congress.”

Partners & Sponsors for the EBAN Congress are EBAN, CorkBIC, EU Commission & Invest EU Portal, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, EY Private, AIB Group, Enterprise Ireland, Irish BICs & it@Cork.

Google launches Startup School for businesses throughout Ireland

Google For Startups has today announced the launch of its Startup School programme in Ireland. The series of virtual training courses will launch this April and will be available to startup founders and their teams throughout the country.

The initiative aims to provide support to startup founders and their teams by offering a series of free, hands-on virtual courses aimed at helping them to grow and advance their businesses. The interactive sessions will cover a wide range of areas and will feature Google tools and products such as Google Analytics, Google Ads and Google Cloud as well as training around topics such as funding, expanding internationally and becoming an effective founder.

The courses will be offered for free on Wednesdays and Thursdays for six weeks starting on Wednesday 13th April. A number of the training sessions will be led by successful founders  including Pat Phelan, Co-Founder at SISU Aesthetic Clinic, Alison Sheehy, Digital Marketing Lead at GYM+COFFEE and Ryan Scott, CEO of Dropchef. The Google for Startups Startup School is being run in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and Dogpatch Labs, who will assist Google in reaching startup teams throughout the country.

Paddy Flynn, VP of Geo Operations at Google, said, “We are hugely excited to launch Startup School in Ireland. It’s no secret that Ireland is well known for its entrepreneurial startup culture and building successful startups. We want to continue our contribution to nurturing the startup community and providing free access to this training is one way of doing that. 

“We are very proud of the great work Google has been able to achieve through partnerships with Irish startups and the startup ecosystem, and with the launch of Startup School we hope to reinforce our commitment to helping Irish businesses to grow and succeed.”

Jake Phillips, Ecosystem Development Director at Dogpatch Labs added, “We’ve always been focused on providing a valuable community for startups to support growth, share knowledge and form connections. Google’s Startup School will be another great avenue for startups to access expert knowledge to grow their businesses.”

Google has been successfully running programmes aimed at upskilling startups for several years now and has recently opened its virtual doors at an EMEA level. The Startup School courses in Ireland will be specifically available to and tailored for Irish businesses with the size of each session capped so that all participants have an opportunity to ask questions and interact with instructors.

Startup businesses can find out more and register for the virtual training sessions online at: https://campus.co/global/startup-school/

Irish Motorsport Tech Start Up Raises €300,000 in seed funding. #Tech #StartUp #Motorsport #Motoklik

Motoklik, an Irish Motorsport Tech start-up, has raised €300,000 in seed funding from investors and Enterprise Ireland. Along with supporting the creation of 10 roles, the funding will also be used to complete the commercial design of the product and launch it into the market.

The company, which was founded in 2018 by Jens Köpke, a former Research and Development Engineer with Bausch and Lomb, and Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur category winner, is seeking to make racers faster and safer by improving their suspension setup.

Jens has been racing off-road motorcycles for over 20 years. In 2016, he injured himself in a crash caused by an incorrect suspension setup. As a result, he had the idea to create Motoklik.

Motoklik’s product aims to reduce the need for riders to rely on the “feel” of their suspension setup. Market research carried out by Motoklik revealed that 90% of racers report issues with their suspension setup, such as being too stiff or soft, but lack data on what is the cause and extent of the problem.

Motoklik has developed a cloud-based Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning platform in collaboration with the European Space Agency. Via a mobile app, it links to an in-house developed motorcycle suspension position monitoring system that provides racers, and race teams, with information on the best suspension setup for current track conditions.

Mr Köpke said the investment will put Motoklik in a position to take advantage of the booming off-road motorcycling sector and prove the technology works in one of the world’s toughest environments.

Caption: Motoklik CEO and founder, Jens Köpke. Credit: Motoklik.

“Motoklik is a ground-breaking product in Motorsports,” says Mr. Köpke. “Where previously data acquisition and management was only for top end race teams, now our AI and Machine Learning system can help teams and racers at every level to find the best setup, letting them concentrate on one thing – Winning!”

Welcoming the funding announcement Enterprise Ireland’s Niall McEvoy, Manager HPSU said, “We are proud to support Motoklik’s fundraising round to create 10 high value add jobs in Kilkenny over the next couple of years. Motoklik has developed a light, affordable, robust system to measure suspension movement developed for motorbikes.  Jens Köpke is passionate about motor racing and his own experience drove him to use cutting edge technology to ensure that the sport is safer.  This is a significant development for Motoklik and we look forward to working with Jens and his team in internationalising this innovative offer on this exciting venture.”

Motoklik is an ESA BIC (Business Incubation Centre) Ireland supported client company. ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland Manager, Peter Finnegan, commented that, “Motoklik is an interesting example of another Irish company that is utilising Earth observation data to enhance its product offering. The company’s innovative use of technology to address a problem experienced by motorsport enthusiasts has global applicability.”

Financing – The new investment is led by a number of local investors and Enterprise Ireland, as well as further funding through the European Space Agency. As part of the process former Merlyn Showering CFO, Michael Kilcommons will join the board of directors.

Entrepreneurs launch app to streamline service industry offering in Northern Ireland. #getsortsy #sortsy 

Tech-savvy entrepreneurs Peter Layland and Richard Campbell have launched their innovative app set to revolutionise the way that local businesses and consumers make appointments, following an investment of £200,000 in a bid to meet growing consumer demand.

Sortsy, which was officially launched to the Northern Ireland market in June, provides companies operating in the service industries with a quick route to market and allows them to directly engage with customers across Northern Ireland.
The new app will give businesses, both large and small, a platform to market their services to consumers, receiving bookings, and fill appointments directly based on consumer demand.  

Having already made an investment of £200k and created 7 new jobs to date, Northern Ireland’s latest tech start-up has big ambitions for their product.

Speaking about the new company Peter Layland, co-founder, Sortsy said “The idea for Sortsy was born out of sheer frustration as I tried to find a qualified and trusted trades person in Northern Ireland.

“Working with Richard and the newly formed Sortsy team we have developed a product which will offer businesses the perfect online channel for promoting and growing their business with a relevant local audience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The app will also deliver exceptional customer service to NI consumers – it’s a win-win situation for everyone”.

 

Speaking about the new app, Richard Campbell, co-founder, Sortsy said, “From the very beginning I could see the potential in this product.  It is something I could see myself using all the time, so being a part of the team creating it and building it is just the icing on the cake”.

“Our product has infinite possibilities for the local businesses it can help grow and even create. From sole traders to multi-nationals, from plumbers to hairdressers and dentists, once started Sortsy can be expanded and assist virtually any type of business”.

Sortsy launched in Northern Ireland in June with over 400 trade professionals. Unlike other apps that offer just one genre or industry, Sortsy will be adding new industry sectors and additional business services to their platform very soon, and as they grow business users’ opportunities will grow also.
For further information or to register your business with Sortsy visit www.sortsy.co.uk or tweet @Sortsy #getsortsy.