Virtual networking tech secures funding support

Crowdfunding investors are backing the launch of a new virtual networking platform called meeow, which has been set up by two Yorkshire businessmen.

The idea for meeow – where four businesspeople are brought together online and at random – was born during the first national lockdown.

The concept for safe, sustainable and accessible networking was proved after a UK launch in May and this month a Crowdfunder has been launched with a target of £150,000.

In less than two weeks almost £60,000 has been pledged by investors keen to launch meeow to a global networking market worth billions.

Meeow hosts four-person virtual hour-long meet-ups, known as meeows. The four participants are selected at random and come from a variety of SME business backgrounds.

Co-founders Chris Rabbitt and Simon Glenn launched the concept in response to demand from networkers who still wanted to connect with like-minded businesses and take advantage of new opportunities.

Rabbitt said: “The success and enthusiasm for meeow has taken even us by surprise and now we are ready to move up a gear.

“Meeow proved so successful in the UK we quickly launched into the United States. Now we want to go global.

“The crowdfunding campaign has really taken off and we are well on the way to reaching our £150,000 target. We knew we had hit on an amazing concept and it’s great that people can’t wait to see where we can take this.”

Because meeows are virtual, people can meet from literally anywhere. They are also open and accessible to people with physical disabilities or learning difficulties, such as autism, or those who may not be able to attend traditional networking.

Since a launch on the BETA platform in July, the network has grown from four meeows a week to more than 45, including six sessions held by hosts across the United States.

The BETA platform, however, limits growth and in the New Year meeow will launch as a highly interactive video networking engine.

Glenn said: “Meeow is growing fast because it’s absolutely how people want to meet both now and in the future.

“Meeting online is better for our carbon footprint and for sustainability. It’s also open to so many more people, which is exciting too.

“Our target is 10,000 users by the end of 2021 and a share of the multi-billion pound global networking industry.”