Data firm Wrky hoping numbers add up as it eyes US expansion

Wrky, a science-based employee engagement program, is targeting success in the US market this year.

Founded in 2022 by Brian Slattery, Brian Gordon and Paddy Doyle, the company currently services clients on four continents across 15 countries.

“‘Data driven’ is the phrase of the 21st century, I want to replace it with ‘meaningfully data driven’. The wrong data can have serious consequences for a business,” Slattery said.

Slattery is a lecturer and researcher in behavioural science and said that his research in this area inspired him to bring this type of analysis to the business world.

“In the world of behavioural science, data, facts, and evidence-based conclusions move our understanding forward. When I looked at the commercial world, I could see there was a need and an appetite to bring that level of systematic methodology to business practice.

“To survive and thrive, enterprises recognise that any return on investment must be based on robust insights and repeatable, evidence-based practices. That realisation was when Wrky was born.”

The company is expanding domestically with the aim of expanding in the US. The company recently made an experienced key hire in the US to lead its team and drive growth. Slattery is excited about the next chapter but is aware of the challenge it creates for his team, he said.

“We have just hired a former head of HR and people analytics with 20 years’ experience in Silicon Valley with some of the biggest companies in the world. He has run global operations ... he will lead our product and customer team in the US.

“That will require a significant amount of more travel for the sales team, but it also brings technical challenges where the product must be able to support customers in multiple areas. As we grow, all areas of the business need to keep pace.”

Slattery said that the company has plans to increase its staff over the next two years to strengthen the team for their expansion. After initially developing the idea with the Dublin City University (DCU) Invent programme, Slattery told the Business Post that Enterprise Ireland (EI) had been an important supporter as they began operating commercially.

“EI stepped in and has supported us as a HPSU from the outset with initial funding, planning, seminars, and opportunities to both investigate and visit new markets. They are always willing to help overcome the challenges that inevitably come in the early stages of developing a compelling offer.

“Enterprise Ireland has been fantastic to work with and we owe a lot of gratitude to their support,” he said.