There were real light bulb moments. Getting that focus on how we can become world class and own our space – it’s helped us to identify real opportunities in the market and raise our ambitions.

— Brendan Nel, Founder & CEO

AskEddi are a growing EdTech business who specialise in school improvement platforms. Attending Mettle and Shift helped founder and CEO Brendan Nel get the clarity he needed to pivot the business at a crucial time.

Where they were at

With a number of platforms built around smart data, AskEddi have been changing the way data is accessed and interpreted by teachers and school leaders since 2014. Their product innovations help to improve performance, create impact and enhance learning.

Why Gather?

The sudden shift in the education sector threw up immediate challenges – and opportunities – for askEddi. Brendan wanted the support, and the space, to think about how to adapt and change.

When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot, and pivot fast.

How Gather helped

“Mettle helped us batten down the hatches and pivot our business, and Shift has given us everything we need to build a platform for real growth.”

Gather has helped askEddi define who they are and where they want to be. Giving them the tools they need to move the business forward and connecting them with like-minded leaders in the region.

"Just getting that different perspective from leaders in slightly different sectors, I learnt so much – and it's opened up new avenues for us. We even did an online pasta making session together which was a really fun way to connect!"

Results

Since attending the programmes askEddi have shifted the focus of their business and accelerated a new platform based around the transition from primary to secondary school. The number of schools using the SixintoSeven platform has increased three-fold over the past 12 months and continues to grow. As do askEddi, with three new hires and more recruitment on the horizon.


It's absolutely shaped our strategy and how we're going to grow the business. Breaking everything down into purpose, performance and people is brilliant, we've built this approach into all our thinking.

The Future

"We're planning for scale – expanding to more boroughs, improving the service and growing the team, so we're ready for changes and fluxes in the market."

With a renewed focus on their purpose and future direction, AskEddi are entering a period of opportunity and are primed for accelerated growth.

We've got real momentum and it's the same with the tech sector in the city. Liverpool is a city that is resilient and collaborative and can get through tough times. There's phenomenal potential here.