Frog Systems has been crowned the overall winner in this year’s Startup Summit competition following a live pitch to a panel of judges in front of an audience of over 1000 online delegates.
The competition, organised annually by FutureX, provides the winner with a fully funded place on the 2021 Silicon Valley Scale programme, where they are given the opportunity to connect with tech global players and pitch to potential investors, plus a business support package worth over £60k from organisations such as Johnston Carmichael, STV and AAI.
Given the constrainsts posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s competition was held on line, with the finalists – Frog Systems, SocialGood Connect and CyberShell – pitching to a specialist judging panel – Hugh Ligthbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway, Richard Williams, Managing Director, Digital, STV & Elizabeth Fairley, COO & Co-founder, Talking Medicines – watched by over 1,000 conference delegates.
Startup competition judge Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at Business Gateway National Unit said: “It was inspirational to hear from the finalists in the competition and the incredible ideas they have and, once again, it was difficult to choose between them.
“However, it is evident that tackling the health and economic crisis that Covid-19 has wrought is taking its toll on mental health and wellbeing.
“Phil Worms highlighted the massive economic cost of absenteeism and lost productivity and the judges felt that Frog Systems approach to supporting this huge issue made the greatest contribution to wellbeing and the economy.
Commenting on the achievement, Phil Worms, CEO stated: “If we truly want to create a compassionate and empathetic society, we must break down the stigma of discussing our health and wellbeing problems. We’ve always believed that there is a need for a video platform that enables people to hear and share stories of hope and support, and we’re delighted that this concept has been recognised by the judges of the Startup Summit.”
“The UK faces a mental health crisis as Coronavirus brings a “perfect storm” of problems, with increased social isolation, health anxiety and stress over an economic downturn cited as factors that could spark a protracted crisis. Support will be needed for people of all ages to help them develop the coping & resilience strategies needed to survive and thrive post Covid. For those struggling with life, it is vital that they know that they are not alone, that local help is available and that others who have experienced similar journeys have come through them. Our mission at Frog is to ensure that everyone has access to stories of hope and relevant support.”
“Being recognised as the Startup Summit winner offers us an exciting platform on which to build our profile as we look to market and scale the business, and to promote Scotland’s thriving Tech4Good community of which we are proud to be a part.”
The £60K business support package won by Frog Systems includes:
- Fully funded place on the FutureX Silicon Valley Scale programme (worth £4K+)
- Initial business consultancy support from Johnston Carmichael
- 1 year membership to FutureX Plus
- £50,000 from the STV Growth Fund for marketing on STV
- Inclusive recruitment support package (worth £2100) with AAI Employability
- HR consultancy support package (£800) with Purpose HR
