A team of eight entrepreneurs and experts have joined forces to launch an innovative veterinary med-tech app, set to revolutionise the UK and global vet market.
Founded in 2017 by Leeds-based tech expert Paul Hallett and experienced vet Robert Dawson based in Salisbury, the co-founders have spent 18 months on research and development for the new business, Vet AI.
Vet AI’s flagship brand, Joii is set to bring med-tech to the homes of pet parents.
Paul Hallett started his career working on a market stall aged 12 and has had a passion for business his whole life. After graduating from The University of Leeds in 2003, Paul set up a marketing business which exceeded a turnover of £1.8 million in just 18 months.
Dedicated to improving and updating the animal health industry in-line with some of the groundbreaking innovations seen in human health, Paul approached one of the largest animal health companies in the UK and met his business partner, Robert Dawson. With 25 years’ experience in the veterinary sector, leading vet and entrepreneur Robert has treated thousands of animals.
Finding that the animal health industry is largely corporatised resulting in pet owners unable to access regular affordable pet care, the pair set out to change this.
The duo has since built a team of 20 industry experts including vets, PhD level data scientists and technology programmers. The team consists of OBE award-winning entrepreneur Jonathan Sands alongside senior data scientist Trevor Hardcastle, a renowned participate physicist, frequent presenter at international conferences with 19 published papers to his name. Also joining the company is one of the most highly regarded veterinary dermatologists in the UK, Sarah Warren, former head of AI at push doctor Josh Sephton, and FT, Monocle and Forbes-featured designer Guy Buchan.
Paul and Robert plan to employ another 30 people over the next year whilst continually developing its AI technology to automate diagnosis, improve healthcare and enhance how our pets live.
Commenting on the new venture, Paul said:
“We’re dedicated to creating a business that genuinely looks after the people it recruits, to entrust and empower them to build extraordinary technologies that improve the lives of pet parents and owners.
“We are proud to harness the talent manifested in the Leeds region from data scientists and programmers to creatives, lawyers and academic experts. It is an absolute pleasure to be working with such a credible team and I am looking forward to the future of Joii.”
The firm, set to launch in the UK in 2019, has its goals set on going global to Australia and the US next, followed by Europe and Asia.
