Nine Bright Start-ups Join Y&R’s SparkPlug
Y&R continues to invest and incubate start-up companies through its SparkPlug programme that offers young start-ups the chance to flourish.
Nine international growth-stage startups have been welcomed through Y&R New York’s incubator programme, SparkPlug.
Spanning a range of industries such as music distribution; comedy; and cryptocurrency, the companies will greatly benefit from the scheme launched in 2011. Not only will they reside in the agency’s New York office for six months, but they will also be able to access branding, design and strategic marketing resources and explore business opportunities with Y&R’s account teams.
Since its inception, SparkPlug has helped to develop Eko (formerly Interlude) and Hyperactive into the established companies they are today. And it has since been set up in the agency’s Singapore office too.
““SparkPlug is rooted in the exchange of knowledge, technologies and consumer understanding between Y&R and today’s cutting edge companies,” says the agency’s Global director of innovation, Akia Mitchell. “We are excited to welcome a new group of companies to be part of the largest and most diverse group we’ve had yet in the SparkPlug program. With the exciting solutions each of these startups bring to the table, we expect this year’s dynamic eco-system to deliver creative, relevant and innovative collaborations within Y&R and with our clients.”
This year’s class includes:
Headliner Labs; A messaging and chatbot platform for top media, luxury and retail companies.
LoweKey; A mobile startup studio that provides advertising opportunities and in-app purchasing for users.
NationLab; A data visualization installation inspired by Y&R’s BAV and U.S. News’ Best Countries report.
OmniVirt ; A VR, AR and 360-degree video advertising platform for brands and publishers.
Plus 1; A social media content house that drives innovative content, influencer marketing and event programming.
Skitish Media; A digital agency transforming stand-up comedians into a creative army.
Steereo; A music distribution network that utilizes rideshare vehicles to help emerging artists gain new fans.
StormX; A gamified micro-task platform that rewards engagement with a new cryptocurrency.
Wolox; An innovation studio with Internet of Things, mobile, UX/UI and AI capabilities.
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powered by- Agency Y&R New York
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