Despite hype in the media that is focussing on gimmick-led consumer gadgetry, there is a quiet revolution happening in global business as the Internet of Things transforms the way organisations and industries think about and deliver their next-generation products and services.
At its core, the Internet of Things is the convergence of information technology with operational technology – combining the power of data with the connectivity and agility of mobile devices. The possibilities are endless - which means that the media-reported technologies that grab today’s headlines are merely the tip of the iceberg.
IoT spending predicted to increase by 15% in 2018* and conservative estimates for market value hit $772.5Bn in the same period. So IoT is set to make its presence strongly felt in every sector and industry you care to name from agriculture to energy and from smart clothing to smart cities.
As an early stage investor that specifically targets Internet of Things start-ups, Breed Reply is at the front of the curve. If you would like to enquire about funding opportunities for your IoT business .
Just as IoT technologies are set to cause major disruption in traditional markets – challenging existing business models and innovating brand new value propositions – so our own investment model disrupts the run-of-the mill approach to start-up venture capital.
We’ve labelled our approach: Active Operational Investment because Breed Reply offers a bespoke package of operational support to investee companies in addition to a substantial cash injection. This unique package of financial and operational support is designed to accelerate start-up growth via a series of practical steps, on a journey to secure next round funding.
But the real power of Breed Reply is also a little bit like the iceberg. The part that is immediately visible is only part of the story. We are part of the Reply network – comprising some 120 companies, with operations across Europe and main offices in Germany, Italy and the UK. The group is extremely strong in Consulting, Systems Integration and Digital Services and has a focus on the conception, design and implementation of solutions based on the new communication channels and digital media.
So, if connection, collaboration and the ability to combine ideas and opportunities to fuel business growth are at the heart of the co-economy, Breed Reply has excellent credentials to support the success of early stage IoT companies.
Our connected network places us close to the market to find and evaluate the very best IoT start-ups for our programme. But the model really comes into its own when our investee businesses go to market and begin to scale – as we have a ready-made community of like-minded organisations interested in partnering with or buying from each other.
The results speak for themselves. In the 4 years since Breed Reply launched our first fund, we have invested in over 20 IoT businesses. Last year alone, six of our portfolio companies secured over $50M in total of Series A funding. This year we’re looking for a new crop of start-ups with potential, passion and plenty of promise to join us on their very own 12-month journey. Will you be one of them?
*https://www.networkworld.com/article/3245604/internet-of-things/5-predictions-for-the-internet-of-things-in-2018-and-beyond.html