WYSPR raises £375k in equity investment from Anglia Capital Group members to expand its team and technology.
Anglia Capital Group members backed the Essex-based start-up after an oversubscribed pitch event.
Share allotment filed at Companies House
Essex-based WYSPR operates a platform that connects brands with everyday consumers to run social media marketing campaigns.
Essex-based marketing start-up WYSPR has secured £375k in equity investment following a pitch to the Anglia Capital Group. The company initially targeted £275k but became overfunded during the process, bringing its total round to £450k.
Founded by University of Essex students Oliver Bourne and Eliot Wood, the company aims to open up influencer marketing by enabling brands to utilise their own customers for promotion on social media. The fresh capital will be directed towards expanding the team and advancing its technology platform.
Anglia Capital Group members participated in the round, backing the student founders after a competitive pitch event in March. The business operates as a spin-out from the University of Essex.
From the founder
"WYSPR’s purpose is to connect brands to their consumers in the most authentic way possible. People are more aware of advertising than ever, communicating through genuine connections allows both a consumers and brands to benefit and build a mutually symbiotic relationship. The investors and connections we have made through ACG are of exceptional quality and have allowed us to build what we can only describe as a ‘dream team’ of investors all from the East of England which is important to us as an Essex University spin out. We’re so thankful for ACG’s continuing support and we’re thrilled to have our investors alongside us for our journey to come."
Oliver Bourne
Co-founder at WYSPR
Investor perspective
"Our members were so impressed with the enthusiasm displayed by Oliver and Eliot in the pitch. They have put so much hard work into the business and the technology already. Their strategy seems sound, and our members really believe that this company could revolutionise the digital marketing industry."
Hannah Smith
Managing Director, Anglia Capital Group
Use of funds
- 01Grow the team
- 02Continue product development