Saturday, April 27, 2024
BusinessDisruptive AI matchmaking platform secures over £370k investment

Disruptive AI matchmaking platform secures over £370k investment

A DISRUPTIVE AI matchmaking platform has secured over £370k in investments from Scottish-based Equity Gap angel syndicate, Scottish Enterprise and an Innovate UK grant.

My SMASH Media targets the global content streaming market and matches content creators like script writers with buyers using sector knowledge combined with AI matchmaking to anticipate industry trends.

Following its six-figure success, the company will now extend the fundraising sweep to additional investors for a further six weeks.

This week it won the AI for Good category in Edinburgh University’s AI accelerator programme which helps young companies with potential to grow.

My SMASH Media was co-founded by Scottish actor turned producer Fiona Gillies and indie producer Christine Hartland who joined forces with Mahesh Ramachandra, digital product expert.

My SMASH Media has introduced innovative technology within the film and TV sector and has tapped into this growth market by providing creators with free-to-access digital tools to create pitches.

The company will use the investment to develop AI matchmaking called AI SMASHCupid.

This will help grow user numbers and revenues by enabling buyers to reach beyond their existing networks and provide access to new, innovative projects.

With its current focus on the film and TV industry, SMASH is also aiming to expand the use of its technology into the games, podcast and video sectors.

The team has partnered with renowned film industry veteran Hilary Davis and are backed by London-based Activate Media, a digital accelerator.

SMASH showcased at the European Film Market and won a Gold Award for tech innovation in Cannes.

It was selected for the Creative Catalyst SXSW Programme in Austin, Texas.

Fiona Gillies said: “We’re delighted with the initial success of our fund raise, where a number of our existing investors, alongside our new lead investor Equity Gap, and Scottish Enterprise have pledged significant financial backing to help SMASH achieve its global growth ambitions.

“This initial investment is a real vote of confidence in our proposition, which we will further develop across the TV and film industry and also roll out to other relevant sectors, bringing content creators and discoverers together.

“We would like to acknowledge the support of Investing Women Angels, which has not only been a key early investor, but has also supported and mentored us through its AccelerateHER programme.”

Fraser Lusty, MD of Equity Gap, said: “We are very excited to be working with Fiona and Christine as they look to bring their disruptive new platform to the creative sector at a crucial time for the future of media.

“Their sector knowledge, strong industry networks and ambition for SMASH impressed our investor base.

“We look forward to the launch of the platform and see it being a strong catalyst for new talent enabling film and TV companies to work in a novel way.”

Related Stories