Degree 53 founder sets up new Sharp Gaming technology platform

Manchester-based front-end development agency Degree 53 has named Richard Wagstaff as managing director to replace founder Andrew Daniels, who has secured a £25m investment to launch a new sports betting and gaming platform.

Daniels has stepped away from his day-to-day responsibilities at Degree 53 after nearly seven years in charge to establish Sharp Gaming, which has been created from Degree 53’s existing gaming division and backed with over £25m investment from Betfred-owner Fred Done to launch digital and retail products to operators.

Daniels will remain as a director and shareholder of Degree 53, with operations director Richard Wagstaff promoted to managing director.

“The online gambling industry works on various legacy technology and white label platforms that lack flexibility for operators when they’re ready to scale up,” said Daniels, who will serve as CEO of Sharp Gaming. “This is why I created Sharp Gaming to help leading brands to improve their processes, and provide products that not only offer a great experience to their customers, but the end users in the business too.

“Despite the current situation, I’m very excited to be launching Sharp Gaming and developing it into an industry-leading platform. The team’s effort to bring it to life and continue working on it remotely has been phenomenal. There are many more projects ahead and it’s only the beginning for us. I am also very happy to be leaving Degree 53 in the capable hands of Rich Wagstaff, who has been successfully running the business while I’ve been focusing on the platform.”

Sharp Gaming will operate as a separate business, moving its employees over from Degree 53, including some of the directors. Both businesses will continue to operate from the same office and will work together across common projects.

“I am delighted to be stepping up to lead Degree 53,” said Wagstaff. “We have a talented team who are delivering amazing work for our clients. Our reputation for delivering complex, secure digital solutions in a way that delights end users has enabled us to produce high-quality work across a range of sectors.

“My focus will be on growing our reach, strengthening client relationships, and helping to improve their products and services through our expertise.”