A Newcastle-based American football website has received a £200,000 investment.
The site, created by Shaun Lowrie five years ago, brings analytics about the NFL online and allows users to view experts’ picks for upcoming games.
Pickwatch was initially set up as a hobby for Lowrie as he struggled to find the same data online, but is now based at Clavering House in the city centre with five staff members and attracts millions of users.
The business has secured the fund from the North East Innovation Fund, which is managed by Northstar Ventures and Supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
“I’ve been a huge American football fan since I was little, I developed the site as it’s something that as a fan I really wanted and when I started sharing it, it really took off,” said Lowrie.
“I’m keen to bring analytics to the average person, making it accessible and easy to understand.
“Interest in NFL is increasing, and this investment will help us take the business to the next level.”
Pickwatch works by tracking American football experts at organisations such as ESPN, CBS and Profootballfocus, and compares them for accuracy.
Lowrie intends to use the cash to develop the website and grow his team further.
Rick Charnley, investment manager at Northstar Ventures, added: “Pickwatch has created a substantial user base and with that an opportunity to create a significant business.
“The potential and market timing of a predictive, personalised data analytics platform for the US market, as well as Shaun’s ability to attract experienced angels, means we’re very happy to be involved in the next stage of Pickwatch’s journey.”