'Instagram for the skies' secures six-figure investment
Summary
A new image sharing platform catering to astronomers and astrophotographers has been launched by an Ayrshire entrepreneur following a six-figure investment.Having raised initial start-up funding from Interface, Tom McCrorie has now secured funding from a Middle Eastern investor with interests in astronomical observatories, and is already talking to other potential investors around the world.He is also exploring partnerships with camera and telescope companies about how the Picastro platform can be integrated into new equipment.The latest capital will be used to develop the app and grow a small team of community managers.McCrorie is targeting more than 500,000 subscribers in the first year and believes there is a global audience for the platform running into the tens of millions, comprised of three types of member: early users with smartphone cameras, those using entry-level smart telescopes, and experienced astrophotographers.The inspiration for the image-sharing platform came after McCrorie received a telescope for his birthday. Combining his new-found passion with a creative design background, he published a book of his lunar images, which was well-received by the astronomical community and quickly sold out from its first print run.Recognising the commercial opportunity, and further applying his design skills, McCrorie wanted to create a social media platform which would allow other astronomers and astrophotographers to share high resolution versions of their images.He tested the platform for 18 months and believes there is a global market for image-sharing without the advertising or algorithm-fed content. Members instead pay an annual subscription, which allows them to view high-quality images and engage with other users.McCrorie said: Having extensively tested the platform with the community, Picastro combines everything that is good about the well-known social platforms, but is tailored for those with an interest in astronomy and astrophotography and a range of skill levels.Social media has changed the world in terms of sharing information and allowing communities to come together, but there is a lot not to be liked, such as the constant bombardment of advertising and what the platforms think youll like.Picastro has been created very much for the community, and will be curated by its members.Paula Skinner, partner and head of the firms entrepreneurial team, said: Tom has combined some of the best bits of social media with his love and skill for astrophotography, to create a new platform which has truly global appeal.He is also drawing on Scotlands growing international standing in the space sector, harnessing the experience of an established network to reach global investors and subscribers.Dont miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.