.gif)
TAP - the tech for good startup that's taking on homelessness...
by Startacus Admin
We have written many times before about tech for good startups, and specifically about those that help to tackle 
homelessness. Homelessness is a huge problem, and until the government deigns it worthy of their time and does something about it, it’s up to altruistic individuals and the likes of tech-for-good startups to do what they can to help.
London-based TAP is one of these startups. The idea is that TAP vendors collect money for charity - currently New Horizons and Shelter from the Storm - via a portable card swipe (or tap) machine. For £3, you buy a TAP card that features a new piece of art every week. These vendors are all people who are facing homelessness, and have been employed by TAP to help keep them off the streets. Vendors are recruited via referrals from local charities and shelters, and through a regular outreach. Currently, at least £1 of each TAP card purchase will go to the two charities, as the priority is to pay and support the vendors.
Co-founders Polly Gilbert and Katie Whitlock are an English graduate and a brand planner with two degrees, respectively, and neither really had anything under their belt that prepared them for, or suggested, charity work. But TAP was born from a simple and quite common experience, when Polly and her boyfriend were buying a couple of hotdogs in cold weather and spotted a homeless man sitting in a doorway. The man told them he had already eaten five hotdogs that evening, the money for which Polly knew could have got him a full week’s stay in a night shelter, with meals included. When she met up with soon-to-be co-founder Katie, they talked about how this kind of small-scale giving could provide longer-term help. TAP was the result.
This method of employing the very people TAP is set up to help is one of the best ideas we have seen in a tech-for-good startup for a while, and we think (and hope) their success will continue.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
SEO should be a vital element of your digital marketing strategy - here's an overview of what it is, why it matters and the potential benefits it can bring
A €40M first fund has just been launched by Lunar Ventures to support the next wave of European DeepTech Software startups
Junk Kouture opens registrations for its 2022 competition and continues its partnership with RTÉ to showcase Ireland's young creatives
Gary Styles, CEO and Founder at sustainability platform Zellar shares his insights on why sustainability matters and what small businesses can do to make a difference.
Business owners and startup founders in NI invited to take part in a survey aiming to review the inclusive nature of entrepreneurship in NI.
 and Steven Hunter (R)_Landscape 3.jpg)
Innovative Debt Capital Markets Intelligence Platform, 9fin secures major funding to support its expansion into the US market
Local musicians and bands in Northern Ireland! Here's a paid opportunity to have your video featured during the Work: In Progress hybrid event.
The lowdown on PixelMax, the Manchester-based startup that's created an innovative virtual workplace solution that enables productivity, creativity and connectivity.
Unsure what you should be looking for when choosing an insurance broker for your business? These tips will help...
Showcase your innovative workplace solution at the Work: In Progress startup pitch competition taking place during the Work: In Progress event on 10th November.
Published on: 27th December 2017
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Deeptech software startup fund launched by Lunar Ventures 15th Oct 2021 A €40M first fund has just been launched by Lunar Ventures to support the next wave of European DeepTech Software startups
- London-founded fintech 9fin Raises £8M Series A 13th Oct 2021 Innovative Debt Capital Markets Intelligence Platform, 9fin secures major funding to support its expansion into the US market
- Future of Work and Workplace Solutions sought for all-island Irish Startup Pitch Comp 8th Oct 2021 Showcase your innovative workplace solution at the Work: In Progress startup pitch competition taking place during the Work: In Progress event on 10th November.
- French startup Cala Announces €5.5M Seed Round 6th Oct 2021 Cala's mission to innovate the catering sector continues as it secures funding boost to support expansion of its fully autonomous restaurant chain
