AppsWorld, the leading global multi-platform event for the app industry, was held at London’s ExCeL centre last November, organised by Bristol’s own Six Degrees.
The two-day event attracted over 300 exhibitors and 12,000 attendees including app developers, mobile marketers, mobile operators, device manufacturers and platform owners.
A packed programme of keynote speakers and experts reported on the latest industry trends and developments, from mobile strategy and marketing to TV apps, multiscreen, gaming, wearable technology, cloud apps and the connected car.
Collaborating with Unilever brands
Jeremy Basset, Global Marketing Strategy and Ventures Director at Unilever (pictured left), was one of the speakers in the Mobile Strategy & Marketing Zone where he presented The Unilever Foundry, an initiative that aims to create an entry point for innovative technology companies looking to connect with the corporate’s 400+ global household brands.
The Foundry offers several opportunities for collaboration, including access to pitched projects, a mentoring scheme and venture capital investment.
The Foundry Project
The Unilever Foundry Project lists new opportunities and challenges on its website every 2-6 weeks, inviting technology companies to submit innovative solutions. If your online submission is accepted then you’ll be invited along to a pitch day, and if your proposal is successful you’ll be given funding and the opportunity to create a pilot as part of Unilever’s ongoing marketing activities.
You can see an intro to the Foundry Project in the video below:
Fifty different pilots have been launched around the world so far, including a mobile web app for Magnum ice cream developed by Karmarama, and text app Chef Wendy developed by DigitalGenius for the South African market.
The Foundry Mentoring Programme
The Foundry Academy gives startups access to Unilever’s extensive marketing, branding and creative expertise with the aim of helping to develop the next generation of marketing partners and creatives.
Foundry Mentors work one-to-one with you to craft your brand vision and develop your marketing strategy and product roadmap, with successful applicants meeting their mentor for an hour every two to three weeks over a three month period.
The mentorship scheme is aimed at innovative technology companies who are looking to build their brand and market their product. Specialist mentor skills include digital marketing and strategy, brand development, mobile and e-commerce, innovation and brand communication.
Investment Programme
Unilever Ventures offers investment to ambitious innovative technology companies through startup capital, development capital or buyout. Applicants need to show they have a clearly defined business model and an idea that demonstrates growth potential in a sizeable market.
The investment programme is aimed at technology companies seeking funding but who are beyond the need for pilot or mentoring support.
The Unilever Foundry Project is especially interested in supporting companies in the areas of digital marketing, mobile, content, ecommerce, analytics and data.
To find out more or to make an application, visit http://www.foundry.unilever.com or follow them on Twitter @unileverfoundry
The next AppsWorld event will be held in Berlin on 22-23 April 2015. The event will attract developers, mobile marketers, mobile operators, device manufacturers, platform owners and industry professionals and will bring together over 150 exhibitors and 6,000+ attendees from across the app ecosystem in Europe and beyond.
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