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Entrepreneur branches out

A YOUNG entrepreneur is proving that his business idea has real growth potential, after sealing a deal to turn his virtual educational tool into an iPhone gaming application.

Andy Stephenson, who started up his business Raise A Tree when he was only 18, is setting his sights on growing a successful enterprise, after computer giant Apple approved an iPhone and iPad application that has made his online teaching facility available for download as an interactive game.

The new application works in a similar way to the online version of Raise A Tree, which is designed to help young people to learn about the environment by giving them a virtual tree to nurture and grow, however the iPhone and iPad app’ is designed as a game.

Little over a month since its launch, the iPhone version of the game has already been downloaded over 3000 times from over 50 different countries around the world.

Andy, who is studying at Durham University for a degree in software engineering, managed to secure the agreement with Apple after receiving support from regional software development initiative, Sunderland Software City (SSC).

The 22-year old has also been assisted with setting up a pilot scheme that has seen a number of schools across Sunderland sign up to use the educational version of the web-based tool, to help educate students about the environment and climate change.

Andy, who is originally from Essex, said: “I developed the idea of Raise A Tree before I moved to the North East. However, since coming to the region, it has really started to take off as a business venture, and this is largely thanks to the fantastic support services available here.

“The introduction of the iPhone and iPad application should allow me to really push the Raise A Tree concept forward, and offer an easily accessible interactive tool that will appeal, as a game, to a whole new audience. I am sure that, with the help of SSC, I can grow Raise A Tree, and hopefully build a profitable and successful business.”

Raise A Tree was launched in 2007, and through word-of-mouth the web-based application had attracted users from 14 countries around the world within a matter of weeks. After realising its potential as an educational device, Andy started to develop the concept further. However, concentrating on his college and university studies meant

that the business could not be properly developed again until recently. It was at this point that Andy sought support from SSC.

David Dunn, chief operating officer at SSC, who has worked closely with Andy in developing his idea into a business, said: “Andy is a very bright and articulate individual, and it was clear from the offset that, not only does he have a strong business idea, but the drive, determination and commitment to turn Raise A Tree into a viable enterprise.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Andy, as he begins to unlock the potential in Raise A Tree, and turns this into, what I am sure will be, a really successful business.”

Andy plans to develop Raise A Tree further, exploring ways in which he could roll out the application using Twitter and Facebook. He believes that the support he has had from SSC in signposting the appropriate assistance channels, and putting him in touch with people who could help him drive the business forward, has set Raise A Tree in good stead, as it prepares to launch commercially to schools across the country.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .