Exclusive Interview with Rugby Legends Andrew Trimble and Gareth Quinn

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction: Meet the Founders
2. An Idea is Born: The Frustrations of Communication in Sports
3. Validation and Proof of Concept
4. Building a Team and Scaling Up
5. Challenges Faced by the Founders
6. Plans for the Future: Focus on Growth
7. Expanding into the US Market
8. The Power of Networking: How Invest Northern Ireland and NI Connections Made a Difference
9. The Importance of Reaching Out for Support
10. Conclusion

Highlights:

• Co-founders Andrew Trimble and Gareth Quinn share their Journey of creating Kairos Sports Technology.
• The frustration of multiple communication methods in professional sports led Andrew to envision a team app that could streamline everything.
• Through validation and proof of concept, the founders realized that the communication problem wasn't unique to rugby but existed in other sports as well.
• Building a team and securing funding were essential steps in scaling up the business.
• Challenges faced by the founders included learning new skills and transitioning from a player to a business role.
• The focus for the future is on growth, expanding into the US market, and building strategic partnerships.
• The story of how Paul McDowell became an investor showcases the power of networking and the support available for Northern Irish businesses.
• The founders encourage others to ask for help and reach out to those with knowledge and connections.

FAQ:

Q: How did Andrew Trimble come up with the idea for Kairos Sports Technology? A: Andrew Trimble, a former professional rugby player, was frustrated by the multiple communication methods used in sports. He envisioned a team app that could streamline schedules, requirements, and engagements, making it easier for players to stay informed and perform better.

Q: Was the communication problem only prevalent in rugby? A: No, through validation and proof of concept, the founders discovered that the communication problem existed in other sports as well. They spoke to football managers, coaches, players, and stakeholders across various sports, confirming that a team app could benefit multiple sports teams.

Q: How did the founders secure funding and build a team? A: After validating their concept, the founders focused on securing funding and building a team. They embarked on a fundraising round and received investment from Current shareholders and new investors. With a solid team in place, they were able to handle various aspects of the business, including marketing, finance, and sales.

Q: What are the challenges faced by the founders? A: The founders initially had to juggle multiple roles and develop new skills. As the team grew, the challenges shifted towards thinking more strategically and making decisions to Scale up the business. The transition from being players to running a startup required continuous learning and adaptability.

Q: What are the future plans for Kairos Sports Technology? A: The focus for the future is on growth and expansion. The founders aim to bring in more customers and revenue quickly, with a particular focus on the US market. They have joined an accelerator in Indianapolis and are actively seeking strategic partnerships and investments to propel their growth.

Q: How did the relationship with Paul McDowell, an investor, come about? A: Paul McDowell discovered Kairos Sports Technology through a press release from Invest Northern Ireland. Intrigued by the company's vision, he reached out to the founders on LinkedIn. After a series of conversations, Paul became an investor, bringing not only funding but also his financial expertise and connections in the US market.

Q: What advice do the founders have for entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland? A: The founders encourage entrepreneurs to ask for help and support. They emphasize the value of networking and reaching out to people with knowledge and connections. They also recommend staying connected with organizations like NI Connections and Invest Northern Ireland, which highlight the opportunities and success stories of businesses in Northern Ireland.