Wearable tech startup, PlayerData, has secured £750,000 in funding to support market entry and its next phase of growth.

The investment round, which saw Sir Terry Leahy among a group of prominent private investors to participate, will enable the startup to fast-track the launch of its sports team and individual athlete products.

PlayerData was co-founded by University of Edinburgh computer science graduates, Hayden ball and Roy Hotrabhvanon, in 2017.

The latter is a former international archer who narrowly missed out on selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics, and began developing wearable tech prototypes with Ball during their time studying in Edinburgh.

PlayerData’s EDGE product is a dual hardware and software platform that allows teams and individuals to access performance data and monitor their training – providing insights into distances covered, positioning on a pitch and tracking speed.

The app was originally trialled at the Homeless World Cup in Mexico, 2018, and has been gaining traction with sports team including Clydebank FC.

Hotrabhvanon, who is chief executive at PlayerData, commented: “We went to market with EDGE six months ago and have already signed up a series of sports teams including football clubs from grassroots to professional level across the UK.

“The response has been phenomenal, with coaches praising the ease of use and feedback that enables a unique insight into how players are performing.

“The next twelve months will see the team expanding our reach in football with some exciting announcements in the pipeline as we bridge the technology gap for amateur and elite athletes alike.”

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The Edinburgh firm said it plans to launch the second version of EDGE later this year, and it will include additional applications for use in more technique-based individual sports.