A Belfast software company co-founded by former Ireland rugby star Andrew Trimble has secured £500,000 of investment.
Kairos Sports Tech said it expects to create new jobs as it expands its business across the US, Australia and Europe with the help of the funding from Whiterock Finance.
The company, which was founded in 2018 by Mr Trimble and entrepreneur Gareth Quinn, has developed a communications and operations platform designed for professional and high performing sports teams.
It counts a number of professional sports team as clients from across the Premier League, NBA, MLB, MLS, and Premiership Rugby. It employs 18 people at its Belfast office, operating across 10 sports in 12 countries and opening a US office last year.
“We’ve seen huge growth globally at Kairos over the last few years, which really validates an exceptional and best in class platform that can be used by elite teams worldwide in any sport,” Andrew Trimble, Chief Executive Officer at Kairos Sports Tech, said. “We’re delighted to partner with Whiterock Finance as we look to further solidify our status as the market leading platform in elite sport. The team at Whiterock have been fantastic through the process, and we can’t speak highly enough of the company.”
The funding is from Whiterock Finance’s Growth Finance Fund which contributes to a larger amount secured as part of a recent fundraiser. The Growth Finance Fund provides loans from £500,000 up to £2 million to established high growth potential SMEs in Northern Ireland.
“Utilising their combined experience, Andrew and Gareth have created an innovative software solution for a competitive market," James Thompson at Whiterock Finance said. "L aunching their product in January 2021 they have secured contracts with well-known elite sports teams across the world, which reflects the company’s potential for global growth.
"We’re excited to support Kairos as they work to expand their team and extend their impressive global success to date.”Finance for the £30m Growth Finance Fund has been provided by the British Business Bank, Invest Northern Ireland and private investors, Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee."
