R/GA Ventures Announces IoT Venture Studio UK

LONDON, September 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

R/GA's first London-based Venture Studio program for startups creating connected products and services

Today R/GA Ventures opens the application process for its first ever UK-based venture program, the R/GA IoT Venture Studio UK, focused on startups looking to develop connected products and services on a global scale. Launched in collaboration with InnovateUK, the UK Government's innovation agency, the program will be based at R/GA London's new connected headquarters. Applications are open to the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups that are leading the development of new and emerging technologies in all areas of IoT.

Up to ten IoT startups will be selected to participate in the UK Venture Studio program. Growth-stage startups are specifically invited to apply, as are early-stage startups. As with all R/GA Ventures programs, R/GA will provide the selected startups with direct access to its award-winning business transformation, strategic marketing, branding, design and technology services, as well as access to its network of clients, industry partners, global brand leaders, mentors and investors. Matt Webb, founder and former CEO of Berg Cloud, will lead the program as Managing Director.

"This is our third IoT program globally, and we are delighted to extend our unique R/GA Ventures approach to the UK as we look to support companies from around the world that want to bring their technologies to the UK market" said Stephen Plumlee, Managing Partner, R/GA Ventures and Global Chief Operating Officer, R/GA. "We are also extremely excited that Matt Webb will lead the program as Managing Director. Matt's experience and leadership in IoT and in the UK's connected hardware tech community will ensure a program of exceptional quality and value."

Program areas of interest include:

• Connected Hardware
• Data & AI
• Connected Cities
• Connected Finance
• Connected Enterprise

Other areas of interest for the program will also include OOH, Augmented Reality, Robotics, Smart Farming, Environmental Sensing, Urban Surveillance and Security, Mobility and Smart Cars, Off-Grid Mesh Networks and Solar Charging.

While the program is particularly interested in the above categories, it remains open to applications from any company with the potential to impact the future of IoT on a global scale. Startups from around the world are encouraged to apply, and can submit their applications beginning on 1^st September 2016, through to November 14^th.

The program will conclude in May 2017 with a Demo Event, at which each company will have the opportunity to present to an invited audience of investors, industry leaders and press. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.RGAIoT.com and follow @rgaventures.

About R/GA  

R/GA, the company for the Connected Age, develops products, services and communications to grow our clients' brands and businesses. Founded in 1977, the agency has been a pioneer at the intersection of technology, design and marketing with work spanning web, mobile, social communications, retail and e-commerce, product innovation, brand development and business consulting. R/GA has more than 2,000 employees globally with offices across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific and is part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations. R/GA Ventures was founded in 2013 and is a member of the GAN (gan.co), a network of the world's most respected accelerators and organizations in support of the startup ecosystem. For more information about R/GA Ventures, please visit @rgaventures, http://www.RGAIoT.com and http://www.rga.com