By Business & Finance 
Pictured at today’s announcement (L-R) are Vivienne Lee and Seamus Kyne, co-founders, Sportlom; Gerard Barry and John Mullen, HBAN WxNW syndicate
HBAN, the organisation responsible for the promotion of business angel investment, has announced the first-ever investment from its newest angel syndicate, WxNW (West by Northwest).
The syndicate has backed innovative Mayo-based sports technology start-up, Sportlomo. The €270,000 investment is co-funded by Enterprise Ireland and will see the creation of 25 jobs in the company.
Founded by Seamus Kyne and Vivienne Lee, Sportlomo develops software for the efficient administration of amateur sports. The software is used by clubs and associations in Ireland, the UK, North America and the UAE to manage the data of sports players and organisers of 52 sports organisations.
The roles announced today will be in the areas of software development, support and sales as Sportlomo continues to grow its presence in Ireland, as well as the UK, US, mainland Europe and UAE.
The announcement marks a targeted push by HBAN, a joint initiative of InterTradeIreland and Enterprise Ireland, to invest in early-stage businesses located in the West and Northwest of Ireland. This year, WxNW will aim to double its number of angels from 12 to 24, while injecting €2m into start-ups in the region; boosting local economies and supporting local jobs.
Seamus Kyne, founder, said: “Our software streamlines administration for all of the top amateur sports in Ireland. We have demonstrated the efficiency of our software at home in Ireland and now we are ready to take the company to the next level. This angel investment has not only given us the funding to grow and employ 25 new staff members, but WxNW has also provides us with the experience, network and expertise to grow our business and reach new customers all around the world.”
WxNW syndicate founder John Mullen added: “WxNW is committed to attracting angel investors who are dedicated to giving start-ups based around the western seaboard the opportunity to grow. As a platform, WxNW enables investors to meet with high-potential start-ups, diversify risk and increase the chances of gaining significant returns on their investment. This is a great time for business angels looking to invest in the west of Ireland, as we are seeing some very innovative export companies emerging.”
