SMASH secures backing from Investing Women in £500k fundraise

by Startacus Admin
London-based content creation platform SMASH secures major funding boost to support future development and expansion plans
Fab news for SMASH, a disruptive platform which connects film and TV content creators with decision-makers with the announcement that it’s on its way to securing up to half a million pounds of investment to scale up its business as it targets the fast-growing global content streaming market.
The company has already secured an initial ‘six figure sum’ from an Advance Share Subscription, which included investment from Investing Women Angels (IWA) and other existing investors. It will extend the fundraise to additional investors in the new year.
SMASH has introduced innovative and disruptive technology within the ‘createch sector,’ where spending on video streamed content is forecast to top £250bn next year. It provides content creators with free-to-access digital tools to create powerful pitches aimed at commissioners and other decision-makers within the film and TV industry.
The new investment will be used to develop user acquisition and increase revenues through its Talent Discoverer platform which provides commissioners and decision-makers with unprecedented access to new and innovative projects. SMASH is also planning to expand the use of its technology into the games, web and music video sectors.
SMASH was co-founded by experienced content creators Fiona Gillies and Christine Hartland and Mahesh Ramachandra, a digital product specialist. The team has partnered with renowned film industry veteran Hilary Davis and are backed by Activate Media.
IWA was among the first to invest in SMASH with follow on investment in this latest fundraise. The business angel group has also supported SMASH extensively through its sister company AccelerateHER and SMASH co-founder Fiona Gillies has participated in a range of AccelerateHER initiatives.
Commenting on the investment campaign, Fiona Gillies said: “We’re delighted with the initial success of our fund raise, where a number of our existing investors have pledged further financial backing to help SMASH achieve its global growth ambitions. This initial investment is a real vote of confidence in our proposition which we will further develop across the TV and film industry and also roll out to other relevant sectors, bringing content creators and decision-makers together.”
Jackie Waring, founder and CEO of Investing Women Angels, said: “We’re extremely proud to follow on our original investment and support SMASH in this fundraising round. We see huge potential for this business to grow its presence within the global film and TV market and across other key content sectors. We look forward to working with the team to help bring its plans to fruition.”
Exciting times ahead for this innovative startup!
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Published on: 13th December 2021
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