Young entrepreneur and Bristol alum thriving in tech repairs

A young entrepreneur who started out fixing school friends’ and teachers’ smashed screens now runs a sustainable tech company that employs 17 people.

By the time Casey Sather was studying astrophysics at the University of Bristol, he was already fixing so many devices that he needed to employ fellow students to help.

After university, he formalised the business into FixMyTek, which now repairs hundreds of devices a month.

It also helps businesses recycle their e-waste, provides them with refurbished devices to reduce costs and help them meet their green targets, and offers other eco-friendly IT solutions.

Part of its profits are used to run free community workshops on extending the lifespan of devices.

Casey, now 27, said: “I started this business to learn about running a company and to offer quality repairs to my friends and fellow students.

“It was a chance for us to work together and grow along the way.

“Now that the business has expanded, I’m excited to move into the business-to-business space.

“Tech has a big environmental impact, and I’m eager to offer businesses more sustainable solutions that help them save money and be eco-friendly.

“My passion for entrepreneurship has always been about growth, and it’s been amazing to show that you can run a business with the right use of modern software and marketing while being a student.”

Nowdays, the FixMyTek team comprises seven full-time and ten part-time staff.

The company runs repair hubs at the University of Bristol, UWE Bristol and the sustainable department store Sparks Bristol.

Casey added: “I was shocked to learn that the UK is the second-biggest producer of e-waste per capita in the world.

“To address this, we started working with local businesses to tackle their e-waste, refurbishing laptops and responsibly recycling those beyond repair.

“A lot of organisations have ambitious green targets, and we’re proud to help them achieve those goals.”

Casey’s journey began with funding from the University of Bristol’s startup competition.

Stuart Johnson, director of careers and skills at the university, said: “When Casey first presented his business idea to us, we saw its huge potential.

“It’s fantastic to see FixMyTek thriving while also championing a sustainable business model that nurtures young talent.”