Aug22136 59. Leading Pioneers in Social Entertainment 2026 The way people are spending their money is changing. The experience economy is on the rise as consumers shift away from materialism and instead gravitate towards memorable, lived experiences. In the midst of this evolution, one pioneering company has emerged to take centre stage. 9 Darter is a rising social entertainment company that has earned a name for offering interactive darts games within various partner venues across Ireland. Director Ben Beardsley told us more, as 9 Darter receives recognition in the Irish Enterprise Awards 2026. “We want to revolutionise the way people enjoy their nights out.” 9 Darter exists for those who are bored of the typical night out. Since its inception in 2024, the company has been on a mission to reimagine social entertainment by delivering immersive experiences that are perfect for parties, corporate events, or anyone seeking an alternative activity. It serves as an interactive darts company, with upcoming plans to diversify into mini-golf and shuffleboard. Functioning as a unique hybrid of supplier, installer, marketing company, and operator, 9 Darter serves both the B2B and B2C markets. The company partners with existing hospitality venues, transforming unused or underutilised spaces into high-value, competitive socialising areas. It undertakes every aspect of the transformation, spanning design, fitout, equipment supply, technology, software, installation, operation, and maintenance, leaving no areas of pain or concern for its partner business. In the B2C market, 9 Darter offers a comprehensive suite of services that support its venues in building a client base, including outbound marketing, booking systems, and more. Customers are attracted by 9 Darter’s marketing, book to play through the company’s booking systems, and utilise its technology, all whilst ordering food and beverages from the venue. As a result, venues receive dwell-time, higher spendper-head, and F&B sales, while customers have an engaging and memorable time. The social entertainment sector is certainly expanding, but 9 Darter’s operational model enables it to stand out from the crowd. Many of the company’s competitors merely sell the technology to the venues, before leaving them to manage their digital presence, booking systems, training, fitouts, and installations alone. These are all crucial aspects of service and can be detrimental if not appropriately considered in today’s fast-paced world. Instead, 9 Darter remains present at every stage of the process: managing all complex digital infrastructure, training employees, supplying equipment, installing fitouts, and overseeing marketing endeavours, including engagement with influencers to raise awareness, traction, and footfall. The company’s partner model means that venues do not pay for installation, and its technology allows venues to generate ongoing revenue, even from demographics who may not have otherwise visited the venue. 9 Darter has undertaken four successful partnerships to date, bringing competition and atmosphere to venues across Dublin. The company has installed its interactive darts games in The Camden, Dublin 2; Buskers On The Ball in Temple Bar, Dublin 2; the Clonsilla Inn, Dublin 15; and The Loft at Finbarrs, Dublin 7. The results of these partnerships have been remarkable, as Ben told us: “We have had over 5,000 people play in The Camden alone since mid-August, more than 7,000 in Temple Bar, and over 2,200 people play in the Clonsilla Inn.” In the wake of such a successful year, the 9 Darter team looks to the future with great ambition. The company plans to diversify from 9 Darter to Ninez, which will mean that every activity is defined by the same “9-style” logo and naming structure. For example, 9 Darter is joined by 9th Green, a mini golf putting system and the first of its kind in Ireland, as well as 9 Slides, an interactive shuffleboard game that will be launching soon. The company has also partnered with Childhood Cancer Ireland, due to a personal connection within its founding team. In addition to displaying the gold ribbon across its installations, 9 Darter allows for donations through its booking system and matches all donations made. Looking ahead, 9 Darter is looking at avenues to further support and raise awareness for the charity, with plans in the works to host larger events in the future. In the longer-term, 9 Darter is focused on national expansion. “By the end of 2026, we hope to have an amazing partner venue location in each of Ireland’s cities and major towns,” Ben told us. “We want to bring the big city experience to everyone, no matter where they live. Experience, fun, and memories with friends, family, and colleagues are to be created everywhere – not just if you happen to live a taxi away from the capital. This is our long-term goal and why we do what we do: creating brilliant experiences for everyone.” Contact: Ben Beardsley Company: 9 Darter Web Address: www.9darter.ie Jan26056
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