MoveAhead, the movement analytics software company, has closed a €1.5 million seed investment led by private investment firm Growing Capital, Enterprise Ireland and angel investors.
The investment will create another six jobs at the Dublin City University (DCU) spin out company and support their growth strategy in the Irish and international markets.
The company, led by chief executive Johann Issartel, said their software was was a first of its kind video motion tracking platform focusing specifically on children and teenagers, digitising their movements using proprietary motion tracking technology for use in a variety of applications.
“We’re thrilled to announce this significant investment which underscores the confidence of our investors in our vision and ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and teens globally,” said Issartel.
MoveAhead pointed to research which showed a growing number of children were now no longer able to hop, skip or run properly, indicating the need for their motion tracking technology as kids spend more and more time in front of screens.
“Our mission is to meet children where they are and to bring movement and scientific insights on development to the digital realm,” said Jamie McGann, chief product officer with the firm.
“Previous attempts to digitise children’s movement like Kinect and the Wii were great, but the technology was built on adult’s data and science. Children are not just ‘mini adults’. They are built differently, move differently, grow differently,” he added.
Enterprise Ireland (EI), the state’s business development agency, has given extensive support to the company since its founding in 2020, with Leo Clancy, its chief executive, saying it was a “perfect example” of the high calibre of research commercialisation activity in Ireland.
“They are already having an impact globally with their groundbreaking platform which is focused on supporting young people and establishing the foundation for lifelong sports participation and physical well-being,” he said.
By Liam Coates of Business Post.
