Brothers Richard and Graham Downs have moved to Barnsley to launch a digital innovation they’ve created.
Called AnchorVine, it’s an AI-powered digital platform targeted at business support agencies, accelerators, incubators, universities and colleges.
It aims to improve the efficiency of their programmes by bringing together all management and communication tools and automating essential routine tasks. Itincludes a 24/7 virtual business assistant to maintain focus on actions they need to take between meetings with their real-life advisor.
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. Undertaking that programme convinced them 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 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 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.”
