Thingitude selected as Thames Valley tech and digital future maker in ConnectTVT’s 50 Game Changers 2020 cohort
02 March 2020: Thingitude has been selected in ConnectTVT’s 50 Game Changers 2020 cohort. It joins the Thames Valley’s breakthrough tech and digital startups and scaleups, making global impact in their industries through market-changing technologies, innovation and world-class talent.
Thingitude delivers community-focused “Internet of Things” projects, and over the last year it has been working to prevent falls among older people in West Berkshire and to help women students feel safer walking home at night in Reading.
ConnectTVT is the platform joining the tech and digital dots in the Thames Valley.
Cohort
investment rises by 33%
The 2020 cohort shows that the region’s tech and digital innovators continue to
attract investment into the Thames Valley, raising a total of £83m in investment
in the last year. This is an increase of 33% on the previous 2018-19 Game
Changers, which raised £55m.
Importantly however, ConnectTVT’s 50 Game Changer selection process takes into account selection criteria other than financial performance: indicators include impact of product or service, team and talent strategies and leadership.
Pushing new boundaries with innovation
50 Game Changer creator, Louize Clarke comments, “50 Game Changers is about capturing the true story of the tech and digital ecosystem. Thingitude is very much part of the incredible community at the heart of the startup scene here in the Thames Valley. We’re truly blown away by the talent and contribution this year’s cohort is making to the region’s tech leadership and place on the global technology stage.”
Thingitude founder Mark Stanley says “We are delighted to be counted among the 50 Game Changers in the Thames Valley region and feel proud that our work aims to improve the quality of life for certain groups of people. I am particularly happy that our plan to employ young people from Reading has paid off, and look forward to more growth this year.
50 Game Changer co-founder Matt Bovey adds, “The 50 Game Changers is all about celebrating the region’s true innovators, the exceptional leaders and teams shaping the Thames Valley’s future. While 2020 has the potential to be a brilliant year for many, our cohort still needs support from outside their own networks to reach their full potential, particularly developing sustainable talent pipelines, investment in innovation and ecosystem building.”
Now in its fourth year, the 50 Game Changers is supported by business advisory firm Deloitte UK and Henley Business School. Law firm BDB Pitmans joins the sponsor line-up as do Reading HQ’d global tech and life science recruitment specialists Austin Fraser.
The full 50 Game Changers 2020 list is available here.
Notes to editors:
About Thingitude
Thingitude delivers community-focused Internet of Things (IoT) projects, often working with Local Authorities and government agencies across the UK. We firmly believe that businesses and residents should influence how “Smart City” and IoT technology is used in their towns and cities.
Thingitude was founded in 2016 by Mark Stanley, who co-initiated The Things Network Reading with Mike Beardmore, and is UK Ambassador for The Things Network and co-organiser of The Things Conference UK.
Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkStanleyUK
About ConnectTVT
ConnectTVT is the Reading-based platform connecting and championing the Thames Valley’s expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem and tech economy. It is based at The Curious Lounge, the new concept creative and digital talent hub right in Reading town centre. The ConnectTVT family of brands includes Digital Gum, an accessible digital skills programme for returners.
ConnectTVT was founded by Louize Clarke in June 2014.
Follow us on Twitter @ConnectTVT
Follow The Curious Lounge on Instagram @curiouslounge