Exeter graduate launches paddle board tracking app

David Walker, who graduated from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, launched Paddle Logger in the final year of his undergraduate degree.

Shortly after completing a Masters by Research (also at Penryn) he decided to take what was initially the Stand Up Paddleboarding brand to a wider audience while continuing to work with the University as a research technician.

David has continued to develop Paddle Logger by making use of the wide range of start-up support that is on offer through the University of Exeter and its partners.

Through meeting with Jim Williams and Michael Hanley of the University’s Innovation, Impact and Business team, he has been helped with accessing multiple development courses, start-up funds and networks.

Through the Marine-i project, David has received business support from Ben Grigg, which has aided in product development, giving it a new direction with greater market potential.

With the team at SuperFast Business Cornwall a digital audit has been carried out which has enabled improvements to be made to the brands online presence and customer retention.

Further support has been provided through the joint SETsquared / South West Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications SpaceTech Incubation programme at the Goonhilly Earth Station – in which Paddle Logger was put through its paces by business and academic experts.

This has been particularly useful in developing the core of the brand as well as a business and marketing strategy that will be sustainable moving forward.

David said: "As a direct result of these opportunities Paddle Logger has moved from a side project, to a rapidly developing brand which now requires a small team to run efficiently.

“Through multiple products the brand will continue to enhance the experience of paddlers globally and in the future will change the way water sports businesses operate."

Jim Williams and Michael Hanley are currently running drop-in sessions 2-4pm on Thursdays every week in the Career Zone at the Penryn Campus for students and graduates to discuss their entrepreneurial ideas, whether they are social, commercial or charitable enterprises.