Sports technology companies in Northern Ireland are scoring major financial wins, as the region becomes a hub for global investment and innovation in this high-growth sector.

This event presents a great opportunity to gain valuable insights from a lively panel discussion, interactive Q&A session, and networking opportunities. Join company founders as they discuss navigating issues around raising venture capital, valuing their business, and positioning themselves for acquisition and/or investment.

Both established and emerging companies at different stages in the business lifecycle will be showcased, and panel members will share their stories and the challenges they’ve faced from a business and financial perspective.

The four panellists are Andrew Trimble, Dr Brian Smith, Mark Shields and Naomi McGregor and the discussions will be chaired by Eoin McMullan.

Don't miss out on this engaging event with refreshments, a dynamic panel discussion, interactive Q&A sessions, and ample networking opportunities!

While this event is open to all we are particularly encouraging Queen's Business School graduates from Accounting and Finance pathways to come along to meet some familiar faces and strengthen their networks.

Whether you’re an accountant, entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or simply passionate about the intersection of sports and technology, this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the conversation and stay connected with Queen’s global network.

The event has been organised in association with Covocation - the voice of graduates at Queen's.

Bios of Panel Members

Panel Chair – Eoin McMullan – Chartered Accountant and a prominent figure in the academic and business communities of Northern Ireland. He is a Partner at Hill Vellacott, a leading professional services firm, based in Belfast, where he specialises in deal advisory. Eoin is also deeply involved with Queen’s University, where he serves as a member of the Senate and Chair of Convocation. Eoin is also a non-executive director at QUBIS Ltd, where he chairs both the Audit & Risk and Sustainability committees.

Andrew Trimble – Senior Director of Athlete Performance, Teamworks, a leading software platform trusted by over 6000 organisations including sports and public safety. Former Professional Irish Rugby International with over 70 caps , and co-Founder of Kairos, a software platform focused on scheduling and communication for elite sports teams, working with top-flight teams in the Premier League, MLB, and NBA. Teamworks acquired Kairos in 2023, and Trimble now drives the company’s strategic vision of advancing performance technology and supporting athlete development.

Dr Brian Smith – Head of International Growth, NBC Sports Next. Computer Science graduate and co-founder of BRS golf, who introduced the first online tee-time management platform to the golf market in Ireland and the UK in 2003. A Belfast based company which was sold to US global organisation, NBS Sports Group, a division of Comcast in 2013.

Rachel Okungbowa - Marketing Manager at Equitas and Co-Founder of recent start up company Flexio, a platform designed to provide physiotherapists with greater control over their work by offering flexible booking management and freelance opportunities. The app aims to connect physios with clients, such as sports teams and educational institutions. 

Mark Shields – Founder and CEO, Taka, a sports tech company who recreates content in the form of short personalised content for fans, athletes, coaches and scouts. Taka provides consulting solutions to international sports teams – primarily professional football teams in the UK and US, and is looking forward to a Business to Consumer release and partnership with Sky Sports in 2025.