New Frontiers: working with a likeminded group was invaluable for Sonru

Edward Hendrick, founder of Sonru based in Wexford town participated in the predecessor to the New Frontiers Programme in 2007-2008, then aged 25

About the company

Sonru provides a cloud-based software for online video interviews in which recruiters can create interviews in their Sonru portal and invite candidates to the interviews via a web link.

Candidates can then complete their interview at a time and place that suits them and completed interviews are automaticallyuploaded for the recruiter to view. Replicating a phone, Skype or face-to-face interview, video interviewing eliminates scheduling and

removes the everyday headaches associated with preliminary interviews. Removing the need to schedule interviews, time zone restrictions, no shows and unsuitable candidates.

Video interviewing allows recruiters to “meet” the best candidates earlier in the process, see their fit, personality, drive and motivation, all while saving their company time and money.

Target audience: In-house recruiters for all organisations, from small SMEs to large multinational companies.

Experience of New Frontiers

When did you participate in the New Frontiers Programme?

2007 – 2008 [it was then called the South East Enterprise Platform Programme/SEEPP]

Where did your business idea come from?

I had a lot of friends travelling around the country and even the world doing job interviews at the time and was seeing people going through the motions and answering the same standard questions. It was quite difficult to be available forall these interviews and I thought this was something that could be definitely be improved upon.

I was also excited about the advancements of YouTube and Skype during 2005/2006 and could see online video becoming something to use in everyday life and business. I started thinking about how we could bring online video into the recruitment process.

How has the New Frontiers Programme helped you to get where you are today?

The New Frontiers Programme exposed me to huge amount of expertise and really allowed me to fine tune my original business idea and put together an early prototype. Working with a likeminded group within the programme was invaluable in the early days of Sonru. Through the programme I met Chris Horan who came on board as Sonru’s CTO and Joy Redmond, Sonru’s Head of Research. Both Chris and Joy have remained an integral part of Sonru’s success for the past 10 years.

What advice would you give to those considering the New Frontiers programme?

The best advice I could give to someone considering the New Frontiers Programme is to just do it. The programme is a great way to look critically at your business idea and make the necessary adjustments for success. The ideaI had when I started the programme went through a number of different iterations and we really embraced that ‘Fail Fast’ approach to entrepreneurship. What resulted at the end of the programme was a better idea, a far more holistic approach to the business and a stronger foundation for Sonru’s continued success.

What’s your vision for the business for the future?

Sonru has become synonymous with video interviewing globally which has solidified us as the leading provider of the software in the industry. In the early days, video interviewing was a disruptive new technology, however, it has now become a firm staple of the recruitment process. The phenomenal growth in the industry over the last 10 years is showing no signs of slowing down and we will continue to expand our organisation in line with this.

Website
www.sonru.com

Twitter
@sonru

Facebook
Facebook.com/Sonru

Find our more about New Frontiers at www.wit.ie/newfrontiers