Edinburgh software firm launches, aiming to have 50-plus staff by 2021

An Edinburgh software-as-a-service business has launched, aiming to expand to more than 50 staff in 2021 and become a global leader in its field.

The firm aims to become a global leader in AI-driven project management software. Picture: contributed.

Sharktower AI has spun out of Mudano’s consulting business after five years of development, testing and proving of its project-management software in numerous top-level client projects and enterprise change portfolios.

The team aims to expand to 50-plus next year, with further investment plans to support channel and global expansion towards becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven project management software. Sharktower chief executive Craig Mackay said: “I am hugely proud to have been a part of Mudano’s leadership over the last 3.5 years, reaching this pivotal opportunity for both businesses to accelerate.

Sharktower AI has spun out of Mudanos consulting business. Picture: contributed.

“It is with even greater pride that I can lead the new Sharktower business as CEO during the next phase of growth.

“It is an exciting time to be able to headquarter and grow a technology company with global ambitions from Edinburgh – continuing to benefit from the amazing ecosystem that has been created here and the continued support of Scottish Enterprise.

“We hope to play our own part in making Edinburgh the number one destination of tech and data companies and talent in Europe.”

The company aims to accelerate its research and development into AI-driven project management services, as well as speeding up the growth of its product offerings and partnerships.

Lynsey Taylor of Sharktower said: “This is absolutely the right time for us to stand alone, accelerate our vision and diversify our opportunities… I can’t wait to continue to help our customers remove the waste and failures in project delivery.”

Mudano - is now part of Accenture Applied Intelligence - and in 2018 was given a £2.6 million research and development grant amid its bid to create the world’s first AI project-management software at what was then its new division in the capital.