Spotting a gap in the growing data analytics market, friends Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson joined forces in 2015 to launch the first data and analytics company in the sport of equestrian eventing. Equiratings provides in-depth data, statistics and content for media and governing bodies as well as performance analysis for professional riders, owners and teams. One year on, they now have clients across the world and were shortlisted for the National Enterprise Awards. Diarmuid spoke to us at #allaboutjobs about how their Local Enterprise Office has helped get their business off the ground.
Using you Local Enterprise Office
Friends since childhood, Sam is a professional event rider with a degree in Management Science and Information Systems and Diarmuid is a qualified corporate solicitor. The idea for Equiratings came from watching mainstream sports and seeing how data was revolutionising the decision making process. “More and more teams are turning to data analytics,” according to Diarmuid, and they wanted Equiratings to bring that service to the equestrian world.
They decided to base their business in Carlow and sought the help of their Local Enterprise Office. “When we first met with Anna Byrne and Kieran Comerford of Carlow LEO we had an idea and with their help, in just a year, we have developed into a company with clients around the world including major international federations, international events and performance teams.”
Getting help with office space....
Last month, Unum, which operates a strategic software development and services centre in Carlow, launched the Unum Launchpad. As part of Unum’s commitment to support the enterprise eco-system in the South East, the launchpad provides office space as well as support to start-ups.
Equiratings were introduced to Unum by Carlow LEO and a connection was made, which lead to Equiratings becoming the first company to take up residence in the Unum office campus as part of the launchpad.
Diarmuid said that from the moment they met, "They have helped guide us both on a strategic and practical level. Having a professional working environment has helped us develop a more corporate culture and also will allow us to build our team from Carlow.”
Getting Awards....
Equiratings reached the national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur last year and, earlier this month, they were finalists in this year’s National Enterprise Awards. Although they missed out on both top spots, Diarmuid said, “The opportunity to present to so many established Irish entrepreneurs and benefit from their feedback is invaluable to a start-up company like ours.” For other start-ups thinking of entering the awards, Diarmuid said it is “a nice opportunity to not only showcase the business on a national platform but also to get advice and help from mentors around Ireland.”
Getting growing....
Equiratings have a busy year ahead and have set their sights on the Olympics in Brazil later this year. They hope to have a presence in Rio where they can lend support to commentary teams and international media teams across equestrian disciplines. They’re also working on growing their expanding team after making two hires already this year and are looking for a software developer and database expert.
Diarmuid views Ireland as a great country for start-ups. “There are huge supports available in Ireland, both financial and also mentorship. It is a great country to start a business in and we have found so many people who want to help us and promote our business around the world.”
Further information
Get more information about Equiratings on their website here.
Find out about your Local Enterprise Office here.
Learn about the National Enterprise Awards.