A Belfast sports tech firm co-founded by ex-Irish rugby international Andrew Trimble has been acquired by a US company.
North Carolina-based Teamworks said the takeover of the Ormeau Baths-based software business Kairos represented a significant investment in the professional sports market.
Set up in 2018 by the former Ulster rugby star and Belfast-based entrepreneur, Gareth Quinn, Kairos’ platform helps teams manage schedules and provides reliable communication channels.
Its customer roster includes around 100 organisations, mostly across soccer and rugby.
The new parent owner operates in a similar market, serving 91% of the NFL and 85% of Premier League clubs.
Twenty staff from Kairos will move into the US organisation as part of the deal, including its two founders.
The acquisition by Teamworks comes almost three years after the Belfast software firm launched its first office in the US.
Teamworks said it will incorporate “the best of Kairos” into its hub product known as ‘The Operating System for Sports’, to create a unified and enhanced experience for clients.
“The decision to join Teamworks is a strategic move to align ourselves with the leader in sports technology, and one that shares our vision,” said Andrew Trimble.
“Teamworks’ comprehensive operating system allows us to continue building and innovating for our pro sports customers on a solid and integrated foundation.
“It also allows our customers to adopt new purpose-built products faster within a unified platform.”
The founder and CEO of Teamworks, Zach Maurides said: “When we set out to revolutionise sport through technology, we knew we couldn’t do it alone.
“We’ve acquired companies with visionary leaders and like-minded individuals to help us build the future of sports. Kairos is the next great company to join us on this mission.”
