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Coull amongst top 20 UK companies to visit Silicon Valley
Posted by: Caroline | 12.03.08
Web Mission 08, backed by UK Trade Invest, Heller Ehrmann, BT and HSBC are to take 20 UK tech startups out to network in Silicon Valley in April. After months of judging hundreds of entries, the lucky twenty startups have been announced and amongst them is Bristol’s own Coull TV. Organised by UK entrepreneur Oli Barrett and Polecat, the project had an overwhelming response with over 100 companies applying.
The competition was judged by TechCrunch UK who were asked to contribute thoughts on the applicants (TCUK is also the official media partner), as was well known tech entreprenuer, investor and former Dragon Doug Richard, along with UK Trade Invest, Oli Barrett and Polecat.
Doug Richard said: “some of these companies are as good as anything coming out of the Valley”. And sponsors Heller Ehrmann said: “The sheer volume of applicants provides convincing evidence of the depth and breadth of emerging growth technology companies in the UK. The shortlist of companies selected demonstrates that the UK is able to produce credible web businesses.”
The judges were looking for companies who could do meaningful business in the US; from setting up an office, to finding funding, extending their network, and developing sustainable cross-pond relationships. They also assessed the companies based on their business viability and the strength of the management team. They were also looking for a mix of companies that showed the breadth of what the UK has to offer in this space. The aim is for the companies “to explore new opportunities for growth with key people in Silicon Valley.”
Coull’s CEO Irfon Watkins said: “Being invited to webmisson will accelerate the growth of Coull in the US and provide us with an opportunity to showcase our video platform to clients and partners. We already work with Global brands and agencies such as Renault, Nivea, Mediacom and Universal Music. I also believe it will help in promoting Bristol as city of innovation in the digital sector.”
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