Workplace wellbeing platform founded by Derval O'Rourke secures Enterprise Ireland funding

SAOL, a new workplace wellbeing platform set up by three-time Irish Olympian Derval O’Rourke and her business partner Greg O’Gorman, has secured €200,000 funding from Enterprise Ireland.

The €200,000 investment is part of an initial seed funding round of €400,000 that will fund the cost of the business plan and internationalisation and is projecting the creation of 26 full-time jobs by the end of 2026. The Enterprise Ireland investment will also be used to expand SAOL to a global market.

The SAOL platform brings employers and employees together and creates a supportive and inclusive community. They will benefit from a range of live classes and events with expert coaches, programmes and challenges which will help them improve their wellbeing and self-confidence.

Employees can access on-demand programmes delivered across SAOL’s seven Wellbeing Values which includes all aspects of physical and mental wellbeing. SAOL has a team of experts on hand to offer advice as well as live talks and Q&As on issues such as financial wellbeing, mental wellbeing, fitness and nutrition.

Derval and Greg have been running the innovative website www.Derval.ie for five years. However, after the workplace changes brought about as a result of Covid they wanted to create something that would allow employers to offer their employees a place to better connect and to take care of their wellbeing.

They are joined by a team of experts who are on hand to offer advice as well as talks and workshops on issues such as mental health, financial wellbeing and stress management.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD said: “I am delighted to see Derval and Greg advance their innovative wellbeing platform SAOL. They have already helped hundreds of businesses and employees through Derval.ie and it’s great to see the ambition behind their new platform backed with significant funding from Enterprise Ireland.”

Speaking about the funding, Derval O’Rourke said: “SAOL is a platform to enable employers to do something really positive for their employees to help support their overall wellbeing. There is significant evidence that employee wellbeing programmes have a cascading positive effect, resulting in boosted morale, positivity, enthusiasm, increased engagement, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced problem-solving skills and even controlling chronic disease.”

For more visit www.saol-app.com