12 Start‑ups on a Mission: 10 Million Customers by 2019
Picture this; 12 trail‑blazing tech founders, together, are tackling the UK’s most pressing urban headaches—think smart lighting, efficient grids, and city‑wide Wi‑Fi—while gearing up to serve over 10 million people by the end of 2019. They’re the inaugural batch to graduate from the ScaleUp Hub, a programme that’s been the launchpad for the next generation of “smart city” innovators.
Who’s in the Mix?
- Wayra UK – the cool accelerators that love to give startups a lift.
- innogy Innovation Hub – the German energy group behind the scenes, packed with tech-savvy resources.
- Transport Systems Catapult – the brains that keep traffic and mobility humming.
Since launching in November 2018, these partners have been fast‑tracking the cohort’s progress. Within a single quarter, the collective customer base expanded from 2.5 million to a jaw‑dropping 6.1 million, thanks to direct UK market links and real‑world collaborations.
The Numbers That Make You Nod
- Raised €2.5 million during the Wayra UK programme (Omniflow CEO Pedro Ruao gushing about the benefits).
- £6 million in third‑party investment already secured.
- Another £52 million looms in the pipeline—yes, that’s the money flow.
- Trial deployments: 18 across Telefónica, top corporates, and key government bodies.
- Projected revenue quadrupling by year‑end for the cohort—talk about growth!
Why the UK is the Playground
According to Annemie Ress, Managing Director at innogy Innovation Hub, the UK’s open, dynamic business and investor community offers the perfect environment for innovation to thrive. “It’s the ideal mix of innovation, collaboration, and a huge market potential,” she says.
Quotes with a Twist
P. Ruao (Omniflow) – “Wayra UK helped us pull in €2.5 m and connect with strategic partners that might very well be lifelong allies. I’d give this program a strong thumbs‑up for any up‑and‑coming enterprise.”
G. Stewart (Wayra UK & Telefónica Open Future) – “ScaleUp Hub shows what open innovation can achieve. The partnership has helped build a new generation of market leaders who’ll improve the lives of over 10 M people worldwide.”
Takeaway: The Future Is Bright (and Funny)
These young companies are proving that with the right allies, a sprinkle of daring, and a dash of humor, you can turn a 2.5‑million‑customer dream into a 10‑million‑customer reality—all while generating over £13 million in revenue to date. The sky’s the limit, and the city lights might just be the next big thing.
