Taking a business from idea to commercial reality is always a challenge. Thanks to a package of support gained by winning the Startup Summit Competition in 2020, Frog Systems did this quickly and effectively.
The technology startup’s innovative software impressed the judges, who recognised the role it could play in offering post-pandemic support for employees and citizens whose lives had been turned upside down by COVID-19.
Frog Systems builds mental health and wellbeing platforms that combine the power of video with signposting of support organisations and resources to help companies and communities care for their people. They work with their clients to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, share positive wellbeing messages and, thanks to the anonymised data generated, guide future wellbeing strategies.
The recognition received from presenting their technology to Startup Summit, and ultimately winning the competition, gave the company additional momentum to increase headcount and plan for commercial launch. Frog Systems are now a team of 23, up from the seven employees they had when they sent in their entry.
“Entering and winning the Startup Summit competition was really valuable to us as we prepared to launch our wellbeing software to the market. It brought us to the attention of a wider audience through media exposure, as well as connecting us with expert business support to grow our team.” - Phil Worms, CEO, Frog Systems
Frog Systems’ prize included a place on FutureX’s Silicon Valley Scale programme, £50,000 worth of airtime on STV, plus a business support package from recruitment specialists AAI Employability and Rekall Consulting.
Working with both consultancies helped the startup navigate the process of finding the right talent, while AAI Employability untangled the complexities of getting accepted onto the government’s Kickstart Scheme.
A television advert is not usually a priority for a startup or even an established business, but Frog Systems saw the opportunity to utilise the free airtime. They set aside a small amount of additional budget to fund an animated advert, working with the creative and commercial teams at STV to broadcast a successful two-and-a-half-week campaign to the population of central Scotland.
"The impact was immediate. There was a 148% increase in visitors to our website and friends, business connections and organisations we want to work with were also getting in touch to say they’d seen the advert on STV and wanted to know more about what we do." - Jane Robertson, Director of Communications for Frog Systems:
As a result of lockdown, the Silicon Valley Scale part of the prize was delivered virtually, which meant CEO Phil Worms had to network online from his office in Glasgow rather than the sun-kissed shores of northern California, however, there was still plenty of useful learning to be had.
“The Silicon Valley Scale programme was a real opportunity to get up close and personal with founders, leaders and funders, to understand their experiences, failures and successes. Just as we believe in the power of the lived experience, hearing from others who are at similar stages in their journey was incredibly valuable. The insight gained from taking part in the programme will enable us to maximise our potential and drive our business forward.” - Phil Worms
Frog Systems continues to grow and win new clients and plans to apply for Series A funding early in 2022.
Find out more about Frog Systems by visiting www.frogsystems.co.uk