Imagine this: a small drone that swats that annoying mosquito, so you can sleep undisturbed. In 2017, Bram, Kevin, and Sjoerd also found this a pretty bizarre idea, but they decided to explore what might be possible. This was the beginning of PATS Indoor Drone Solutions. After extensive research, it turned out that the real match for their technology wasn’t in the bedroom, but in horticulture. In early 2018, the idea was further developed, and in 2020, PATS welcomed their first customer.
The Start of the Start-Up
From a start-up with three founders, PATS has grown to over 14 employees in six years. How do you achieve such rapid growth? Bram Tijmons, CEO and co-founder, gives us a behind-the-scenes look.
“Developing technology takes time and money,” Bram explains. “Especially when you don’t have paying customers yet. That’s why we made use of programs like the NWO Take-off program and the UNIIQ investment fund.” In PATS’ early years, they carried out several (paid) pilots, allowing them to demonstrate interest in their technology and that there was a market for their solution. These pilots not only provided PATS with the necessary funding but also the confidence that they were on the right path. “We saw an opportunity to make a sustainable impact with our technology in the transition from chemical to biological pest control.”
The Challenge of Financial Administration
PATS started using Exact for their financial administration. “At first, I thought, ‘I can easily keep track of this myself. It’s straightforward, and I have everything under control.’ But as we grew, it quickly became more complex and took up more and more time,” says Bram.
A valuable tip led Bram to Enbition, and he quickly decided to outsource the financial administration. “Enbition not only took work off our hands but also brought structure and insights. Thanks to them, we were able to get a detailed view of our cost flows and justify our business operations.”
Continuous Innovation and Scaling
As a tech company, innovation is at the core of PATS. While scaling up, they continue to work intensively on developing their technology. “For example, we received the EIC Accelerator, a European subsidy that helps us continue our innovation,” says Bram. “To qualify for such subsidies and properly account for them, transparency and well-organized financial administration are absolutely essential.”
Bram Tijmons, CEO van PATS
The Role of Enbition
“Enbition plays a crucial role in accounting for subsidies and maintaining an organized administration,” Bram continues. “Thanks to Bart from Enbition, we can view our finances in detail with just the push of a button. He has streamlined everything. I don’t know if he ever takes a vacation because he seems to always be available. I can call or text him anytime for advice. His hands-on approach and extensive knowledge are incredibly valuable. It’s fantastic to have such a personal collaboration!
Tip
Bram is now focused on attracting new financing and closely monitors PATS’ recurring revenue. “Looking back, there is one thing I would definitely have done differently,” Bram reflects. “I would have started working with Enbition much earlier. It has given us so much insight and peace of mind. My advice to other start-ups? As soon as you notice you’re spending more than a few hours a week on invoicing and other administrative tasks, seriously consider outsourcing them. This allows you to focus on the growth and core activities of your business, and gives you a clear view of your financial position.”