Program seeks early and growth stage companies innovating in the Internet of Things.
LONDON, 12 October, 2017 – Today R/GA officially opens the application process for its second R/GA IoT Venture Studio UK www.rgaiot.com. Following on from the success of R/GA’s first ever UK Venture program, the IoT Venture Studio UK will focus on early and growth stage companies looking to develop connected products and services on a global scale, and is again launched in collaboration with Innovate UK, the UK Government’s innovation agency. The program will be based at R/GA London’s connected headquarters in Shoreditch and will focus on the overarching areas of IoT and Connected Spaces. Specific themes of interest will include: Enterprise IoT, Plug and Play Workplace, Buildings-as-a-platform, Connected Built Environment, Smart Infrastructure, Retail and Last Mile, Smart Home 2.0, AI and Advanced Analytics, Voice and Augmented Reality, Blockchain, Robotics and Actuation, Security and Circular Economy. This program is open to UK based companies – putting an emphasis on uncovering local innovation and calling out to UK startups and the Internet of Things ecosystem to start the conversation.
While the program is open to startups of all stages, it is also designed to be able to support growth-stage startups. These are, for example, startups that potentially already have an existing customer base. As with all R/GA Ventures programs, the selected companies will have the opportunity to work directly with R/GA’s award-winning strategic marketing, consulting, branding, design, and technology teams, and will have access to its network of clients, industry partners, global brand leaders, mentors, and investors. Matt Webb will lead the program as Managing Director.
“The expansion of digital into the physical world has created an explosion of investment and innovation. Digital technology, such as A.I., blockchain, A.R, and voice, is more vibrant than ever and has taken another step up in last twelve months,” said Matt Webb, Managing Director of R/GA IoT Venture Studio UK. “Based on now mature IoT technology, digital disruption is entered the real world faster than ever. The next generation of IoT startups is creating meaningful value through products and services that touch the world outside the screen.”
“We’re very excited to kick off our second R/GA Venture Studio program in the UK. There is a wealth of opportunity in the IoT space, especially as the UK has a unique blend of deep technology and engineering, creative product and marketing skills, and capital,” said Stephen Plumlee, Managing Partner, R/GA Ventures and Global Chief Operating Officer, R/GA. “We are also delighted to have Matt Webb on board for another program, I’m sure his support and guidance will help our next cohort to accelerate their growth.”
UK-based startups are encouraged to apply, and can submit their applications from 12 October 2017, through to 4 December 2017. The program will conclude in spring 2017 with a Demo Event, at which each company will have the opportunity to present to an audience of investors, industry leaders, and press. For more information or to apply, please visit www.rgaiot.com and follow @rgaventures.
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About R/GA
R/GA is connected by design. An innovation leader for more than 40 years, R/GA has expanded to offer consulting, ventures, technology, marketing, architecture, and IP development services in addition to its award-winning design practice. Its work spans web, mobile, and social communications, retail and e-commerce, product innovation, brand development, and business transformation. The company has more than 2,000 employees globally with 19 offices across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific. R/GA Ventures was founded in 2013 and has equity stakes in 60 startups that have graduated from its Accelerator and Venture Studio programs. R/GA Ventures is also member of the GAN (gan.co), a network of the world’s most respected accelerators and organizations in support of the startup ecosystem. R/GA is part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing services organizations. For more information about R/GA, please visit www.rga.com and @rgaventures.