Tech startup TAPP secures 50 pilot projects and targets international expansion with support from Go Succeed
A Holywood-based tech startup is targeting international growth ahead of a planned official launch later this year, after securing more than 50 pilot projects for its ‘tap’ technology platform, with support from the Go Succeed business support service.
TAPP, founded by entrepreneurs Callan Peden and Dermot McAteer, is a hardware and software solution that allows customers to instantly access a business’s digital content with a simple tap - removing the need for QR codes or printed materials.
The company provides a range of NFC-enabled hardware, including stands, tags, business cards and wristbands, which when tapped with a compatible smartphone, instantly direct the user to a digital experience that has been tailored and fully customised by the business. The solution is designed to improve key customer touchpoints, particularly within the hospitality and events sectors.
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The idea for the business was born from Callan’s passion for software development and background in events and hospitality, where he identified recurring challenges in how businesses communicate with customers.
TAPP Co-Founder Callan Peden said:
“I’ve always been passionate about the consumer experience, especially in hospitality after many years owning my own events company. Simple touchpoints like menus, special offers or general information are often inefficient or outdated, and tend to involve an awkward QR code to scan. TAPP was created to make those interactions seamless.”
Dermot McAteer, TAPP Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer added:
“While hospitality provides an immediate commercial launchpad, the core platform is being designed to scale far beyond consumer interactions. Our longer-term ambition is to develop TAPP into secure digital infrastructure capable of tracking, verifying and maintaining an auditable record of high-value physical assets across logistics and regulated supply chains.”
Despite being at an early stage, TAPP has already delivered more than 50 pilot projects across the hospitality, accommodation, and events sector, working with well known venues such as The Dirty Duck Alehouse in Holywood, where customers can now instantly access menus from the beer garden; Ballyness Resort, where guests can order drinks directly from their hot tubs; and Three Sheets in Belfast, where the platform is helping reduce the cost and waste associated with repeatedly printing menus.
Reflecting on TAPP’s successful pilot projects, Callan said:
“With my background in events, I really enjoyed working with the Cocktail Keg Company at AVA Festival, helping them to boost customer feedback using TAPP. Their Google reviews actually increased fivefold in two days, which is something we’re incredibly proud of and demonstrates the power of our technology.”
The company is also investing in local talent, with five interns from Queen’s University Belfast. TAPP also recently collaborated with the South Eastern Regional College (SERC), developing a live industry project focused on researching loyalty schemes, testing existing technologies and exploring potential alternative solutions. The project now directly supports 35 students across SERC’s Bangor, Downpatrick and Lisburn campuses.
The company is now seeking to raise £800,000 in a pre-seed funding round ahead of its official launch later this year, with plans to scale internationally into markets including Great Britain, Dubai and Southeast Asia.
TAPP’s growth has been supported by Go Succeed, Northern Ireland’s business support service, which has provided mentorship and access to grant funding.
Callan added:
“Go Succeed has been a huge support for us at this critical stage. The mentorship was invaluable, particularly around pitching, which is incredibly important for a start-up. Kevin O’Reilly from Bangor, a multi-award-winning public speaking and presentation coach and TEDx speaker, was a tremendous help. He helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, reframe how I approached presenting, and communicate more confidently in high-pressure situations.
“The wider Go Succeed programme also gave us access to practical workshops across a range of business areas, including sales, marketing, accounting and business planning. These sessions helped us strengthen the foundations of the company while developing the skills needed to grow.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
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Councillor Craig Blaney, Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council said:
“Ambitious and innovative businesses like TAPP are exactly the kind of enterprises driving growth and innovation across Ards and North Down and the wider region. Through Go Succeed, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, providing the guidance, mentorship and financial support needed to help them realise their ambitions. As TAPP prepares to officially launch later this year, we wish them every success and look forward to seeing their solution used across hospitality, tourism and events locally and as they expand into new markets.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey. Participants also have exclusive access to the Go Succeed Members Area which provides business templates, bitesize business tutorials, and more.
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