Vidivet is redefining TeleHealth. Their app combines the ease of an internet search with the value of veterinary expertise. Founder and vet Ben Sweeney was riding the start-up roller coaster and Gather helped him to find support, advice, and community.
Where they were at
Working as a vet Ben had seen a gap in the market to better align digital expertise to help those working in veterinary practice and the pet owners that they serve. Vidivet secured their first funding in 2020 as the pandemic began and they successfully developed the app , but as a founder with no previous experience or network in tech, Ben found the experience isolating.
Why Gather?
“People we trusted spoke really highly about the programmes and how they helped them to grow.”
As they looked to the future, Ben wanted to meet others on the startup journey and get advice about the next steps for Vidivet. Peer Network was an opportunity to connect with fellow founders, share challenges, and learn from each other.
“I didn't really have any expectations of Peer Network, but it was fab, I met some fantastic people doing incredible things. To share space with people who have that creative mentality and are going through the same things was amazing.”
How Gather helped
“There are certain things you can't share with your company directors, your team, or your family, and to share it with a group of people who will listen and offer frank, honest, but caring support, was the best decision I could have made.”
Ben joined Peer Networks in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. Using the group as a sounding board he explored the challenges VidiVet were facing and their growth plans for the future. As well as holding a mirror up to the business, it allowed Ben to develop a support network of like-minded people on similar journeys.
The VidiVet leadership team have recently embarked on the Beyond programme. Working with growth consultant Amanda they will be looking at how they work, plan, and deliver together. Putting in place a robust infrastructure so they will have the solid roots and principles in place to scale sustainably and ensure the talent they bring in can settle in quickly and will stay for the long term.
Results
“We’re backed by the right investors, we’ve tripled our revenues, got a great team, great product, solid client base, and we’re ready to reach more people.”
Since joining Peer Networks VidiVet have secured a six-figure investment, were crowned a Tech Nation Rising Star, and their platform now has more than 50,000 users.
The future
“We've proven a model, it's now about putting fuel into the model. Looking at trajectory and strategy for long term growth, while staying true to our north star of always doing the right thing.”
VidiVet have come a long way, but Ben and the team are just getting started. With a goal to get the platform in every vet practice in the UK they are working with their Beyond consultant to chart the path to this growth.
“I hope we’re part of the next wave that encourages more startups to get support. Ultimately it feeds into the growing Liverpool ecosystem and it's such an exciting time to be a startup here.”