Welcome to our series, ‘Meet the Entrepreneur’, where we meet entrepreneurs and start-ups from the Channel Islands. We find out what they are doing, what ‘drives’ them and what advice they would give anyone starting out in business.
If there is a personification of a serial entrepreneur, it is Jersey-based Dan Cattermole.
In 2005, after spotting a need of small to medium businesses to have bespoke and supported IT services, he founded iConsult, to provide cloud-based hosted desktop solutions to clients in the UK, Europe and offshore jurisdictions. iConsult was acquired by a global technology provider in 2013.
Dan then went on to setup Yozobi, which helps ‘power’ organisations through their digital transformation, improving their business operations and customer journeys through software, APIs and automation.
As well as Yozobi, Dan set-up Immersiv, a cloud-based service provider specialising in the marketing of physical spaces using cutting-edge 3D virtual tours. The service allows digital visitors to experience physical spaces as if they were there in person, on any device. It was from the experience with Immersiv, that a new idea emerged, which is now the business AgentRelay.
Today, we catch-up with Dan to understand his new venture, which is proving very successful globally.
“AgentRelay is a platform built to modernise customer engagement in real estate. We are starting with transforming property viewings by allowing agents and guests to co-attend virtual property viewings but we also want to extend this by centralising communication across a range of digital channels into one platform.
“This includes business related WhatsApp messages, instant video calls launched from the agency’s website and many other tools to facilitate a better, faster and more convenient customer journey.”
Tell us about your ‘journey’ and how you got to this point
I’ve helped build businesses for the last fifteen years but this is the first one that has real international reach. We are at the beginning of the journey but I enjoy every moment.
Can you talk us through a typical working day?
My most important job is daddy duties before going to the office. I’m then pretty much on Zoom calls all day, either with our development team, clients or prospects.
Video conferencing technology has transformed the possibilities for modern working, dispersed teams and the potential reach to engage with new clients. Pre-Covid, I would travel to London for work regularly but I much prefer the convenience this modern technology brings.
Have you had support from Jersey Business or Digital Jersey?
To be honest we have been focusing on our core execution strategy but when we feel reaching out to these organisations will help, we will of course do so.
Can you share your experience with banks?
We no longer deal with traditional banks. They are too inflexible and overly bureaucratic. Additionally we deal with an international client base, so platforms such as Revolut for Business are more appropriate for our needs.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business?
COVID has brought forward adaption and normalised technologies that are key to our product, the main one being video conferencing. We are all used to Zoom/Teams/WhatsApp calls so video conferencing within our AgentRelay platform does not feel alien or awkward to anyone now.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
There are numerous challenges every day. Getting the confidence of large potential clients that you will be around for the long term is always an issue when you are in start-up phase, as is the ability to get to the decision-makers in those organisations.
It also goes without saying that revenue and particularly cashflow are big headaches at the start of the journey.
Can you share any pleasant surprises or experiences?
There are both pleasant surprises and unpleasant lows in a start-up journey. To get responses to my cold-call emails from CEOs of listed companies in the US has been a nice surprise recently.
What advice would you give to someone who has a start-up idea?
Don’t procrastinate, just do it. What’s the worst that can happen? It will be worse to think back if you don’t do it with regret and the “what if” question.
Persistence, consistency and clarity of execution are so important, and the first three years are always the hardest!
What would you like the States of Jersey to do in order to help entrepreneurs and start-ups?
It’s a difficult question. Government has been burned by commitments they have made to start-ups in the past. My feeling is if you want it enough, you can do it yourself. Don’t rely on others.
Which leaders do you admire and why?
On the world stage Elon Musk. A true risk taker who has revolutionised two sectors he had no previous experience in – the car and space industries.
Locally. the Managing Director during my time at Minerva Trust, William Kay – a gentleman with great people skills and empathy for his staff.
Aside from ChannelEye.Media, what are the last three accounts you followed on social media?
I’m afraid I don’t follow accounts on social media. I force myself onto LinkedIn but I don’t really engage with any other social media.
What do you do in your downtime?
Spend time with my family, and when I have time, running, cycling and reading.
What’s your favourite film?
Probably the Shawshank Redemption.
What music do you listen to?
Motown, Funk, 90s Hip-Hop and RnB.
What book are you reading at the moment?
The Constant gardener by John Le Carre. A novel on corruption and murder set in Africa as the sun was setting on the British Empire.
What is your favourite gadget and why?
My iPad for work, TV and music!
Are you a Channel Islands entrepreneur/startup who would like to be featured in Channel Eye? If so, please drop an email to [email protected]
