TWO brothers have moved to Barnsley to launch a digital innovation designed to help fellow entrepreneurs.
Richard and Graham Downs are co-founders of AnchorVine, an AI-powered digital platform targeted at business support agencies, accelerators, incubators, universities and colleges.
Richard and Graham developed their new platform into a commercial proposition through The Furnace business incubation programme delivered by Enterprising Barnsley at Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre (DMC).
On completion of the programme, the pair opted to move from Sheffield to DMC 01 and build their business in Barnsley. And, Enterprising Barnsley, via its Launchpad programme for startups, has become one of the first organisations to adopt the AnchorVine platform.
Richard Downs said: “The Furnace experience was pivotal in helping us to refine our MVP – Minimum Viable Product – and our sales pitch for AnchorVine and land our first customers.
“It was a no brainer decision for us to stay in Barnsley and be part of the ecosystem we’re now trying to help grow. We look forward to working with Enterprising Barnsley to help make future business support programmes even more effective, as well as playing an active part in the business community.”
The brothers’ decision to rent office space at DMC 01 has been backed by a Tech Welcome Grant. Plus, as part of the Barnsley digital business community, they now have access to on-going support and workshops through Enterprising Barnsley and Launchpad
Enterprising Barnsley group leader Ben Hawley said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with AnchorVine to help them bring their innovative business support tool to market through The Furnace incubator.
“We’re very pleased they’ve decided to stay on and make Barnsley their base as they pioneer their product with us, and promote it across South Yorkshire, the wider region and ultimately nationally as the go-to AI-enhanced digital tool to support business transformation.”
Richard added: “The support we’ve received from Enterprising Barnsley at the DMC has given us the opportunity to kick-on and grow in a way that, had we not received such support, we would have found almost impossible. We would encourage anyone who has an idea or fledgling business to speak to the team here - they’re so supportive.
“Being part of the DMC community has also been incredibly important for us, as we can all help each other. For example, we have been able to access technical development expertise from others such as Jordan Chesham of JP Coding who was amazing in helping us clear some important hurdles."
Richard and Graham have many years’ combined experience in software and business development and identified a gap in the market for a platform that could improve the workflow efficiency of business growth support programmes.
