SETsquared Exeter sees the potential in software firm

Bespoke mobile and web software firm, Seedata has experienced great success since it was founded in 2010. Starting as a digital web agency, Seedata utilised collaborations to expand operations and focus more on innovative products.

Regional opportunities

Partnerships have been a key business success factor for Seedata. Managing Director, John James, explained: "Links and collaborations with regional partners are important to us and have formed the basis of some of our greatest innovations."

The firm worked with South West Academic Health Science Network (SWAHSN) to create a quality improvement platform for health and social care (Life QI), which is now active in 25 countries, its fastest growing user bases are in the UK, USA and New Zealand.  

Working with the university, as part of their connection with SETsquared Exeter, Seedata is working on innovative text analytics looking at patient experience and student writing styles, with a goal to enhance scalable data analysis.

Adding to its accolades, managing director John James has been listed as one of the ‘top 50 entrepreneurs’ by SETsquared at an event held at the House of Commons.

A partnership between the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey, SETsquared aims to provide a range of support services for aspiring tech start-ups. Being part of the SETsquared programme has enabled Seedata to access the contacts and advice needed to maximise opportunities in industry and working alongside the university.

Joe Pearce, Head of Business Support at SETsquared Exeter, said: “Seedata is actively working alongside the university and businesses to bring innovations to market through their world class software. The business is a real success story for Exeter and has utilised local connections to build business opportunities, growing their business into an identified gap in the market.”

Exeter sees growth in tech

Exeter has become a hive of tech-related businesses, attracting some innovative firms across a variety of industries. Sharing of knowledge, support from incubators like SETsquared, modern office space, and transportation links are increasing the desirability of the city.

When expanding and looking for new offices, Seedata chose to stay within the city and moved to the Exeter Science Park for its excellent transport links.

John added:

“Because our clients are based all over the world, one of the most important business considerations for us is our location. We spend a lot of time travelling to meetings, so being based at the Science Park right next to the M5 and Exeter airport is fantastic.

As a young and progressive company, being part of the fast-paced environment at the Science Park is perfect for us. We have been through a busy period and are looking to grow even more, so being surrounded by like-minded people gives us the opportunity to network and benefit from other companies' expertise.”