New Investment From Gallagher A Sweet Step For Smart Tech Firm MyApiary
Friday, 22 September, 2017
The Apiculture industry is soon to benefit from a range of smart beekeeping solutions from start-up technology companyMyApiary.
Gallagher and software company NetValue Ltd are part of a group of investors that have seen the potential within the industry and put their weight behind the young Hamilton-based company.
"Many of the best breakthrough ideas come from individuals and small start-up companies. We're actively looking to get involved with start-ups with good ideas where we can add value, leveraging our experience in the innovation and product delivery process including research & development, marketing, logistics, distribution and sales. We're extremely pleased to partner withMyApiaryto support them in reaching their full business potential," comments Gallagher Chairman and CEO, Sir William Gallagher.
The investment comes at an opportune timeMyApiaryas they near the commercial release of their operations management system for beekeepers.
Developed in partnership with several leading beekeeping businesses in New Zealand, the software will bring a step change in the way beekeeping businesses manage their teams, assets and production performance.
"Working with the industry has been a huge part of our journey", saysMyApiaryfounder Darren Bainbridge. "It has been an exciting journey learning about the specific needs and challenges faced by beekeepers in New Zealand. We've made a big shift in our approach through industry involvement".
The completion of the first capital raising round now meansMyApiarycan add more resource behind several other innovative and smart technology products designed to benefit beekeeping businesses.
One of these projects under development is an integrated hive monitoring system that transmits valuable data and information on the state of a beehive into the online operations management software. The hardware and software products work together as a complete business intelligence ecosystem which provides beekeepers a rich and comprehensive decision making tool. The development project has recently gained a $100,000 grant from Agricultural Marketing Research and Development Trust (Agmardt) and sees a number of senior members of the beekeeping community collaborating to develop the product.
"We are so pleased to have such experienced and supportive investors involved in our business", comments Darren. "This is an exciting time to be working in the apiculture industry in New Zealand. The growth is staggering and while there are many innovations occurring, the need for an integrated smart-business solution is huge. Our investors see this vision also which has been a real boost. In working with our industry partners, we've confident that these tools will create a step change in the way beekeepers operate and manage their businesses".
Formed several years ago,MyApiarywas born out of a passion to help transform the way beekeepers made decisions through technology. "I have always been passionate about bees and it was while I was working as a product design engineer in another start-up company that I started having ideas about the different ways technology could make big differences to current beekeeping practices. Since then I've left my job in Auckland, got married and moved to Hamilton to focus on the future ofMyApiary. It has been an exciting journey!".