From Covid-19 research to global expansions: a look back at the portfolio in 2020.
2020 was, without doubt, a challenging year for many people on many levels. For our portfolio companies – frankly all companies – the uncertain macroeconomics brought by the global pandemic resulted in a tough operating climate and a fundamental change to the way in which they work. Despite these challenges, the portfolio made some significant progress.
Here’s our round up of some their key highlights and achievements during 2020…
In light of the global pandemic, Innoture focused its attention on potential Covid-19 applications for its next-generation microneedle technology, receiving funding from Innovate UK and the Welsh Government to initiate research into the use of its patches. These have the potential to significantly reduce the burden on the NHS and other healthcare systems, while significantly improving the patient experience.
Microneedles were also named as one of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2020 by The World Economic Forum.
MOGOPLUS launched a new technology solution to help lenders provide support to borrowers struggling to pay their mortgages or other financial commitments due to the pandemic. The ‘Hardship Management Solution’ was launched successfully in the UK and Australia.
After merging with Smart Resourcing Solutions (SRS) and acquiring Kaampus Gradtouch launched the Careerpass Network group. The group will offer a fully-integrated service to its clients across media placement, branding, campus engagement and talent processing.
Property Detective released a new Predictive Data Product, which offers insight into which homeowners in a specific area are likely to put their houses on the market, based on data such as spending habits.
The Money Cloud is looking to expand to the US and selected AFEX, the largest US FX broker, as its exclusive launch partner. It also signed a contract with a mobile wallet aggregator, Mobile Media Info Tech, which provides access to over 450m mobile wallets in Africa.
Wazoku focused on its global expansion and, following the acquisition of US open innovation firm Innocentive, now operates in North America. It has also expanded into Latin America, Spain and Portugal through partnerships with innovation consultancies, Transforme and Schumpit.
Its software will be used for the recently launched £Billion Challenge – a government scheme to encourage the sharing and development of innovation and income generation ideas to save £1bn and make money in local government by 2022.