Ireland and Leinster rugby outhalf Ross Byrne will in early 2022 launch a "star personality platform" intended to help businesses and consumers to connect with influencers, sports stars and other celebrities.
Named Starfolio, the technology platform wants to become an operator in the branding, marketing, promotions and influencer business. It has signed up more than 200 Irish stars across GAA, soccer and rugby, including Luke McGrath (Ireland and Leinster rugby) and Megan Campbell (Ireland and Liverpool FC).
Outside sport, it has signed actor Jason O'Mara and chef Mike Tweedie.
Mr Byrne has joined forces with Michael Rogers and Mark Lyttleton of app and web development agency Mosaic for the venture, which this week has started a €300,000 fundraising, co-ordinated by Spark Crowdfunding.
Spark’s involvement means it is accessible to small- to medium-sized investors.
Revenues
The company said it expected to be recording revenues of €2.3 million after three years and a net profit of €770,000.
“As a player I have often been approached by people in business and organisations looking for talented people to help launch a product, deliver a message or be a brand ambassador,” Mr Byrne said. Starfolio would make sourcing talent easy, he added.
“As we are not an agency and do not represent any stars, we see the platform benefitting stars currently not represented and agencies looking to drive new revenue for their clients.”
