Droplet launches mobile payment platform on London market

BIRMINGHAM-based tech company Droplet is expanding its mobile payments platform into the London market.

The move follows a successful Beta trial of the app in Birmingham.

Droplet is a mobile payments app that allows users to load money onto their smartphone and send payments for free.  The Birmingham trial saw 60 merchants and 2,500 users sign up to the platform.

The move to the capital marks a significant step-change for the business, which was founded in 2012 by a team of young tech entrepreneurs over an informal coffee-shop discussion.

Steffan Aquarone, Droplet CEO, said: “We’ve been thrilled with the response to our initial Beta trial. Birmingham is a tremendous city and a great place to try something new with a receptive audience and a vibrant independent retail scene. We knew if we could prove the concept, we’d have a successful model we could roll out across the UK.”  

Droplet’s puts its initial success down to the simplicity of the app and the attraction of choosing an alternative to banking and credit card systems.

The London launch, which takes place on March 20, will see the introduction of some new features.

Through the use of Droplet Tools the platform developers have been able to build customised features for merchants so they can offer extra things to people who pay with the app, from mobile loyalty to pre-order options.

Will Grant, co-founder and Chief Technical Officer, said: “We are opening up the platform to let other developers build the things they know about.”

The app will enable people to dispatch virtual goods and allow customers to order without leaving their seats.

The Droplet team has been negotiating with large, national retailers and the first of these will be announced at the London launch, along with their specific needs so developers have live, paid projects to start building on the platform.

Brand Director Karen Hughes added: “A lot of Droplet’s success is down to the satisfaction you get when you choose something completely outside of the traditional banking and card sector.  It’s a way for people to make an active choice in a part of their lives that’s usually heavily prescribed.”  

Future plans include the roll-out of the app to other major cities across the UK, including Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.