Enterprise Nation member named best tech entrepreneur in the west
Posted: Fri 30th Jun 2017
Diane Douglas, who overcame cancer to build a fire safety training app, has been crowned founder of the year at theSPARKies, an award scheme which recognises tech business talent in the west of England.
The Enterprise Nation member founded Vigiles Group and builds augmented reality training apps to help students to better understand the importance of fire safety, 18 months ago.
Halfway through taking part in a business accelerator programme in Bristol, Douglas was diagnosed with cancer but carried on building the app and is now about to launch with major student accommodation providers.
Woohoo!! Massive congratulations to Enterprise Nation member @DidleyDiane for winning entrepreneur of the year #theSPARKies pic.twitter.com/q0D1usTFNy
— Enterprise Nation (@e_nation) June 29, 2017
The judges said:
"Starting and growing a business is challenging even in the most supportive conditions, and to do so while being treated for cancer demonstrates determination beyond belief. Coupled with knocking down public speaking fears and ultimately growing the business globally, this was a hard one to rival."
theSPARKies has been held for the past five years and shines a light on the best people, products and companies that make up the tech sector in Bristol, Bath and the wider west of England region.
Judges in 2017 included Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones.
Among the other winners were Keymailer, which connects YouTube channels to games publishers, as best start-up; Wriggle, which shares deals from independent restaurants, as best app and VR World Congress, which has grown from a local event to a global conference in three years, winning the 'totally killing it' prize.
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