Digital Mission Blog
The Digital Mission series is run by Chinwag to support UK-based digital companies expand into new markets and attract overseas investment.
Digital Mission to New York 2013: What's Happening, More Companies and Deadline Approaches
Back in December we announced the first set of companies that will be joining us for the Digital Mission to New York in February this year.
We are very excited to not only let you know the next lucky group of companies coming along on the trip, but also to let you take a sneaky peak at the mission agenda.
With an investor roundtable, masterclass in doing business in the USA, a traditional British pub quiz as well as all the keynotes, showcases and presentations that are being held as part of Social Media Week NYC the mission companies are not going to be short on events to go to and people to meet. You can take a look at the full agenda for the week here.
Over the festive period we have been busily confirming the next group of companies that will be joining the mission group for this jam-packed week, you can check them out below.
There are now a very limited amount of spaces left for the trip, if you want to be one of the lucky ones that come along, you can still apply - but only for the next 2 weeks. The deadline for applications is 6pm on Friday 18th January. Also, don't forget if you are a London based firm wanting to come along, UKTI London have up to 20 grants of £500 available as a contribution towards the trip.
Anywhere.me
Paul Quelch 
www.anywhere.me/inc
Anywhere.me is a free, secure and scalable web publishing platform. Our solutions include personalised startpages, desktop dashboards and web browser toolbars. Our products are used by public libraries, universities and government agencies in the UK to produce single startpages, portals and micro-sites which promote products and services, engage with users and enhance web experiences.
Through the platforms control panel you can specify how your products look and feel. The platform is template driven with numerous different template versions to allow you to achieve the look and feel you require from both a design and branding perspective. The control panels permissions hierarchy and design tools make it possible for any member of the organisation to make updates to specific apps with no previous programming knowledge required and then publish in real time.
Audioboo
Robert Proctor 
www.audioboo.com
Audioboo is the sound of social.
Audioboo are a mobile & web platform that effortlessly allows you to record and share audio for your friends, family or the rest of the world to hear.
With nearly 3m unique users and growing by 50% per month, the Audioboo social network, is set to become the preeminent destination for audio and spoken word content on the web.
Decibel Technology Ltd
Ben Harriscynan
nerv [dot] co [dot] uk ( ) 
www.decibeltechnology.com
Decibel Analytics gives marketers unique and insightful data to improve the performance of their websites, across all devices, to generate more leads and sales. The new patent-protected software, created by a team of academics and marketers in Tech City, London, provides powerful website performance metrics that can be used by seasoned and novice marketers, without the need for any training.
Decibel also provides enterprise-level WCM (Web Content Management) that radically increases the speed and accuracy of web development, saving developers time and increasing their productivity. It is free for developers to download and learn online and gives website owners control and flexibility never seen before. Decibel is used in more than 20 countries.
FACE
Andrew Needham 
www.facegroup.com
Face is a strategic research agency. We deliver social intelligence for brands to help them create lifelong customer relationships, using a mix of qualitative research, real time social data and smart thinking.
Our aim is to make companies, organizations and brands more socially intelligent by helping them to understand and co-create with people at an individual, group and network level. Pulsar is our new research and planning platform giving brands a unique view of the customer across all of their online interactions.
The initial application is Pulsar TRAC, revolutionary social media research software that is changing the way we collect, analyze and visualize data. Pulsar TRAC searches the social web not only by keywords (tracking) but also by reach (visibility), audiences (mapping) and content (diffusion).
A series of “Visibility” algorithms estimate and weight the reach of messages, presenting a more realistic data set. Advanced filters allow unprecedented granular data mining. Pulsar UX is based on the data canvas concept: full-blown, real-time, interactive data visualizations to help data mining with your eyes and hands.
Matter Of Form
Anant Sharma 
www.matterofform.com
Matter Of Form are a digital creative agency specialising in interactive campaigns, e-commerce, web and mobile development, seo and online marketing.
They also invest in and incubate tech-startup business, equity subsidising their development solutions and enabling more attractive funding rounds.
Mixcloud
Nikhil Shahlucysyqic [dot] com ( ) 
www.mixcloud.com
Mixcloud is the home for on-demand radio online. The popular, easy to use service helps DJs, radio presenters and stations host their content and connect to a global audience. Mixcloud brings together some of the world's best radio and DJ content in one place, helping listeners discover relevant, high quality content.
Mixcloud has attracted content from world leading DJs, festivals and radio stations - from Carl Cox, Moby and Above & Beyond to the Guardian, XFM and Channel 4. The company has also worked with some of the world's largest brands and advertisers, including Nike, BlackBerry, Diesel and Red Bull.
Reincubate Ltd
Aidan Fitzpatrickkay [dot] hammondtamba [dot] co [dot] uk ( ) 
www.reincubate.com
Reincubate is a young technology, data and media company based in London. Reincubate publishes a number of desktop and web applications, including the iPhone Backup Extractor, BlackBerry Backup Extractor, awdit and the Keep Calm-o-matic.
Reincubate have repeatedly been first to market with backup recovery technology, and our software is used in organisations including The US Department of Justice, The Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, The US Army & US Marines, The LA District Attorney's Office, GCHQ, the FSA and NASA."
Styloola Limited
Marco Ottolini 
www.styloola.com
Styloola is a gamified social fashion platform in which users challenge each other to define what is cool and become Fashion Icons. Users can discover and share clothes from stores around them, vote and get votes from our community to increase their StyleRank.
Styloola also provides a mobile solution to help shoppers navigate the streets in search of the perfect shoes or bag and for boutique owners to reach those eager shoppers who are nearby. With the information we collect we can offer Brands and Stores innovative ways to reach and interact with customers while they are shopping.
Write My Site
Emily Hill 
www.writemysite.co.uk
Write My Site is a digital copywriting company in London which helps clients publish eye-catching and exciting content on their websites, blogs and social media pages. All content is SEO-friendly and comes with a Quality Guarantee.
Write My Site also runs an Agencies Programme for digital agencies who need to supply affordable, quality content to their clients, without the hassle of dealing with freelancers or the expense of hiring in-house copywriters. Members of the programme benefit from special rates, a fast turnaround, and access to specialist copywriters for clients in sectors such as I.T., legal and financial services.
// Apply for the Digital Mission to NYC
// Check out the Mission Agenda
Photo (cc) Nick Harris1
Chinwag and SXSW Join Forces and Announce "Doing Business in the USA" Conference
We're very excited to announce our latest event in the USA, working with our friends at the amazing SXSW Interactive festival, we're announcing a one-day masterclass, "Doing Business in the USA", designed for international digital firms expanding into the US taking place on Fri 8th March 2013 in Austin, Texas.
Backed by SXSW and building on Chinwag's experience within the Digital Mission series, helping UK firms expand internationally this official SXSW event provides the essential guide for Founders, CEOs and C-level executives planning to enter or expand their business in North America.
Set in the build-up to SXSW, the conference provides a comprehensive view of industry trends, investment, legal, tax and regional opportunities with a mix of expert speakers and case studies with plenty of audience Q&A
Tickets are available for only $129 and the good news is that the event is open to everyone, you don't need to be a registered SXSW badge holder to be able to attend. Space is limited, so make sure you grab yours quickly to avoid disappointment.
What’s in The Programme
Topics will equip delegates with a thorough briefing on:
- Keynotes: leading experts’ give their take on the challenges and opportunities for international firms looking to crack the US market
- Business Development - understanding US business culture, building relationships and business, from small firms to major corporates
- Keeping legal and tax efficient - the run-down of IP, staffing, avoiding litigation, incorporation, shares and tax
- Industry Trends - taken from a new business perspective, a run-down of the digital sector in the US with a look at potential opportunities and emerging trends
- Immigration - understand the visa landscape, the options, costs, obligations and obstacles
- Case Studies - the warts’n’all reality of setting up in the US, tips, tricks and workarounds, the pitfalls and possibilities
- Geography Lessons - the US is a big place with lots of regional variation: gain insight on the digital scene in Silicon Valley, Silicon Alley and points inbetween
- Investment - get the lowdown on what makes US VCs and angels tick, discover how US investors approach overseas investment
What You Will Learn
- How to win new business
- Understanding US business culture
- Understanding and securing funding
- Building partnerships, networks and connections
- Staying legal and tax compliant
- Protecting intellectual property
- Hiring, firing and office logistics
- Understand where to open an office
- Discovering regional and state support and incentives
- Meeting fellow international SXSW delegates
- Networking with potential partners/collaborators
Register
Tickets are available for only $129. Discounts are available for groups, please francescachinwag [dot] com (contact us) for detail. And remember this event is open to everyone, you don't need to be a registered SXSW badge holder to be able to attend.
Want to Get Involved
If you’re interested in speaking or exhibiting at the Doing Business in the USA event, please francescachinwag [dot] com (drop us a line )with a little bio information and what topic you’d cover. Media partnerships are most welcome, please francescachinwag [dot] com (contact us )for more information.
francescachinwag [dot] com (// Contact us about being involved )
Digital Mission to New York, Feb 2013 - First Group of Companies Announced
We recently announced the exciting news that the Digital Mission will be returning with its fourth expedition to New York next Spring, from 18th - 22nd February 2013. The trip is coinciding with Social Media Week New York in order to allow companies to explore the 150+ events, covering extensive topics along the vein of social media throughout the week.
We are very thrilled to announce that the first set of companies have been chosen for the mission and are all set to venture out to NYC in Feb. See below for information on the companies as well as their contact details in case you want to get in touch prior to the trip.
We still have some spaces left for the mission, and you can still apply to come along. Also, don't forget if you are a London based firm wanting to come along, UKTI London have up to 20 grants of £500 available as a contribution towards the trip.
We are going to be announcing the companies attending the mission in small groups, so check out the first set of awesome peeps that will be coming along on the trip.
ether books ltd
maureen [dot] scottetherbooks [dot] co [dot] uk (Maureen Scott )
www.etherbooks.com
Ether monetises content for Writers, and solves the huge problem for Writers of where to get published and paid when writing something short. Ether delights mobile consumers with original content that is the PERFECT length for reading on the go.
Less Rain
vassilioslessrain [dot] com (Vassilios Alexiou) 
www.lessrain.co.uk
Less Rain is a creative digital production house, delivering innovative projects for forward-thinking clients.
Less Rain is not a full service digital agency – we focus on digital creativity and innovation. We use a diverse range of technologies to deliver the innovative digital solutions that sit at the heart of a campaign, as well as interactive products across platforms and devices.
Less Rain works directly with brands as well as ad agencies, start-ups and publishers with particular experience with consumer Brands (luxury, automotive, sports, FMCG, technology) and entertainment / education (Edutainment).
Less Rain has recently delivered work for Red Bull, Burberry, Adobe, 20th Century Fox, Land Rover, Victorinox, Intel, Reckitt Benckiser, Puma, O2, Stella Artois, Alfa Romeo, Pearson Education and the London MET Police.
nerv
cynannerv [dot] co [dot] uk (Cynan Clucas )
www.nerv.co.uk
As a creative digital agency, nerv's job is to make sure that companies stays connected to their customers, wherever they are, and however they want to engage with you.
nerv work with start-ups and blue chips to deliver experiences, products and campaigns that engage audiences across multiple channels in a socially intelligent way.
By focussing on how and where digital helps people interact with brands and businesses, nerv build lasting connections and success.
Sensum
gawainsensum [dot] co (Gawain Morrison)
www.sensum.co
Sensum is a secure, cloud-based platform for measuring audience emotional and cognitive responses to any media, anytime, anywhere.
Combining traditional audience analysis with wearable technology (Galvanic Skin Response sensors), the Sensum mobile platform enables clients to get a fuller picture of people's engagement with a range of audiovisual experiences and content.
The Sensum dashboard allows clients to filter by demographic data, giving unique insights into the effectiveness of their content - from gaming to commercials, film to TV. This uniquely in-depth audience testing tool enables users to create truly engaging content, thus increasing their return on investment and competitive advantage.
StickyWorld
michaelstickyworld [dot] com (Michael Kohn)
www.stickyworld.com
StickyWorld enables business to host a clearer conversation on pictures, presentations and panoramics. Users place virtual sticky notes directly on the presented image to leave their comments or questions. This results in visually engaging conversations where everyone can see the context of discussion.
StickyWorld's software as a service can be used in the context of content marketing, community engagement, project collaboration, or e-learning. We also offer a 360 panoramic photography service to help customers build immersive virtual environments on our platform. Customers include The Wallace Collection, The Design Museum, Wandsworth Council, University of East London and the Woodland Trust.
SyQic
lucysyqic [dot] com (Jamal Hassim)lucysyqic [dot] com ( ) 
www.syqic.com
SyQic essentially provides clients with a content processing, management and streaming service delivered to multiple devices, as required by the client, over the internet to any part of the world as a cloud based multi-platform TV service.
SyQic is the owner and operator of YOONIC™, an OTT IPTV platform capable of delivering live streaming programmes, Video-On-Demand and interactive media through any broadband/internet infrastructure. The advantage of the YOONIC platform is its ability to stream to multiple devices across different operating systems. The platform is attractive to a diaspora market, with subscribers able to enjoy the vast array of home content.
TAMBA
kay [dot] hammondtamba [dot] co [dot] uk (Kay Hammond )
www.tamba.co.uk
TAMBA were awarded Social Media Agency of the Year 2011 at the COGS Awards and produce social media campaigns for clients including Reckitt Benckiser, Mercury Records and UKTV. TAMBA are one of the most followed agencies on Twitter and the account has won a number of awards.
// Apply for the Digital Mission to NYC
Photo (cc) Sunfox
£500 Grants Available for London's Digital Firms on the Digital Mission to NYC
We have some rather good news for digital firms based in London who need a helping-hand to take part in the upcoming Digital Mission to New York, taking place from the 18th-22nd February 2013 to coincide with Social Media Week NYC.
The marvellous people at UK Trade & Investment London have secured 15 grants of up to £500 available for digital companies based inside the M25. This contribution can be used towards the mission costs as well as the travel and accommodation expenses of taking part.
This grant funding is discretionary and companies will need to secure a place on the Digital Mission to NYC. You'll be required to meet with a UKTI London representative to discuss your interest in the US and other markets in order to identify additional assistance. Successful firms will receive a grant, with the money being paid in arrears.
If you are interested in getting your hands on one of these UKTI London grants, in the first instance please get in touch by dropping us an email to missionchinwag [dot] com.
Please note: You'll need to apply for the Digital Mission to NYC first - if you are yet to apply, you can do so by filling out this simple application form, but don't hang around as the spaces are going quck!
// More information on the Digital Mission to New York
// Apply for the Digital Mission to New York, Feb 2012
Photo (cc) davidburden
Galvanising the University Population Around Tech Startups
It’s no surprise that tech startups are fast approaching a level of popularity previously ascribed to Katy Perry. The Social Network - a look at the meteoric rise of the now-ubiquitous Facebook - has helped fuel this growth and encourage university students to consider a path through the startup world.
Eschewing banks and briefcases for mockups and moleskins, many university students are keen on the idea of joining a startup, but are largely unaware of just how to go about doing such a thing (though some, like the university-aged founders of GoSquared - a real-time web analytics service - are a few steps ahead).
It’s no surprise that startups are intrinsically connected to the notion of economic growth - positive or negative - and in a world that is marred by the failure of big banks and the like, these companies are increasingly seen as drivers of such growth. London is ranked as the 8th largest startup ecosystem in the world, and the largest in Europe, as reported by the Startup Genome. As a mecca that also attracts a similarly large number of university students, the city is positioned to continue this growth well into the future.
The thriving startup community in the city is already doing its part in supporting the energy students are showing about getting involved. Matthew Stafford’s Student Upstarts is an investment organisation focused on making investments in student-run startups. In exchange for 8% equity, Student Upstarts will invest up to £15k. The group is holding a business hackathon for interested students. An organisation that supports student ventures financially is just one effort in a larger wave of galvanising the student population around startups.
A recent transplant to London, General Assembly, is also super keen on getting students engaged in the ecosystem. Aside from offering a slew of courses on any number of topics related to startups, they are hosting a brunch for university student entrepreneurs in early December.
This city has a real opportunity to engage the future entrepreneurial leaders of the world, and is making real strides towards doing so. But there is still much to be done. The startup community here needs to continue to offer meaningful experiences that challenge, encourage, and develop the smart university population here.
Photo (cc) Christopher Bowns
