SimSage: Search Less; Find More

AI-based intelligent information management platform that provides internal search functionality
SimSage graphic
 
With companies accumulating and storing vast quantities of data every single day, finding a specific piece of information or a particular document when it’s needed can sometimes be challenging. That’s where SimSage comes in…
SimSage is an AI-based intelligent information management platform that provides internal search functionality from a single box. Able to locate electronic company information or specific documents whether in-house or cloud-based, the company offers radical improvement in productivity, customer engagement, and legislative compliance, as well as reducing operating costs. The service has proven value within a multitude of industries, including accountancy, consulting, and legal. SimSage engaged with EPIC to assess the potential for expanding into the healthcare market.
 

Background

SimSage is the second iteration of a search company that co-founder Sean Wilson and his business partner sold in New Zealand in 2014. After taking a four-year break, they added AI functionality to their original product, making it much more powerful and with market potential across multiple industries. A connection with Cornwall Development Company and the Chamber of Commerce brought them to the South West in 2018, where they began development based on solid previous experience and extensive knowledge about data:
  • 90% of the information companies store is ‘dark data’ – information that the company is unaware it possesses and is therefore unable to use.
  • Staff spend up to 30% of their day simply trying to find information (IDC)​.
  • 40% of corporate users reported that they cannot find the information they need to do their jobs on their intranets (IDC)​.
  • 84% of CEOs worry about the quality of the data within their organisations (KPMG)​.
  • For every 10 employees, £19,200 is wasted every year simply trying to find the right information (IDC).
The enterprise search function – the ability to search the entirety of a company’s systems from a single box – can save businesses from expensive legal ramifications.
“You might say, ‘Well, what’s the risk if you don’t find it? We’ve talked to a large construction company who’ve said it’s cost them half a million pounds to bring in teams to find the information they needed."
SimSage co-founder, Sean Wilson
With strict GDPR regulations and privacy compliance requirements, the ability to quickly locate and identify metadata and redact customers’ personal information is becoming increasingly important. Additionally, the environmental impact of storing large quantities of data is extensive – being able to remove or archive dark data can reduce power usage in data centres.
One of SimSage’s other key strengths is the ability to adapt to the jargon used within specific industries and factor in possible synonyms to assist with search functionality. Sean cites a case in which a legal firm was searching for documents related to red shoes.
“They printed 20,000 documents from the case on the floor and they had students manually going through them looking for ‘red shoes’ and they couldn’t find it. We plugged our technology in and we said ‘It’s nothing to do with red shoes. What you’re looking for is ‘burgundy boots.’ That’s the power of our search engine.”
 

How has EPIC supported SimSage?

SimSage reached out to EPIC in 2021 for advice about how to position themselves in the healthcare market and help with testing the usability of their software. A small Challenge Fund grant enabled them to test and adjust their front-end design for workers in healthcare settings. Members of the EPIC team facilitated an introduction with Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) to discuss a trial of the software, evaluating its use within the NHS trust for enhancing search functionality and improving staff satisfaction and productivity.
EPIC researcher Samantha Prime compiled a detailed pilot study plan, including trial methodology, ethics reviews, and user recruitment. Progress was delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which put RCHT under too much economic pressure to participate in the study. SimSage is hoping to re-engage with them in the near future to complete the pilot.
“We’ve had a lot of support from EPIC. They can see the value. And from conversations we’ve had with people in the health sector they all agree that it’s really interesting - it’s waiting to find that first opportunity.”
In addition to academic support, EPIC facilitated the company to attend the Slush startup event in Helsinki in November 2022, which they found extremely beneficial.
“That generated quite a bit of interest, particularly from funders. We had a couple of busy days talking to people who are looking for exciting things to invest in. Those conversations are ongoing at the moment; there’s a lot of interest in our technology.”
Sean has been impressed with the expert advice SimSage has received from the EPIC team.
“They’re a really good bunch of people going out of their way to try to help people like us engage with the market. It’s not just about trying to sell people our technology, it’s about trying to understand what the needs in the health system are for information because that will help us ensure that future versions of our technology specifically address those needs.”
 

What’s next for SimSage?

SimSage recently won a contract with a large US multinational firm and is undergoing discussions with four major consultancy firms. They have also received interest from large companies across Australasia and North America. Having gone through a number of small capital raises, SimSage is now working with advisors and planning on a larger fundraising round in 2023. Their progress earned them a place in Tech South West’s ‘Ones to Watch’ company showcase, shortlisted from a long list of nominations. Sean credits the company’s success with its bespoke customer service solutions and after care.
With a second office in Cambridge, SimSage has grown to a team of 18 people around the UK and in New Zealand. They are supporting Cornish industry by using accountancy and PR services within the county and are planning on expanding their support infrastructure in Cornwall to bring additional jobs to the area.

We work really closely with our customers to find out not only what they want to do with their information but how they work with their information. So they get a solution that works really well for them.

SimSage co-founder, Sean Wilson.