A start-up based in Newcastle has had a string of early successes with their out of home (OOH) advertising technology, including running a real-time advertising campaign during the Brit Awards.
Flux, which has developed a digital advertising platform that allows businesses to run real-time campaigns on OOH ad screens, has established a partnership with international media company Bauer Media and digital OOH media owner, Kong Outdoor.
The partnership saw Flux run a live campaign for KISS FM to promote its ‘Live At The Brits’ show strand, across Kong’s 12 digital portrait sites in London. Flux’s technology meant passers-by received ‘to-the minute’ updates on nominations, winners and stories from the Brit Awards 2016.
Other campaigns the start-up has secured include 12-month campaigns for both Hallam FM in Sheffield and Radio Aire in Leeds. The campaigns will feature up-to-date, intelligent messages including event and feature news, listener shout outs and traffic updates.
Flux has been supported in developing its advertising platform by a £100k investment from venture capital firm Northstar Ventures, along with several angel investors. The investment, from the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund, allowed the start-up to develop the services it offers further and grow its team.
James Foster, Investment Manager at Northstar Ventures, said: “Flux has continued to impress us with its determination to disrupt and innovate the out-of-home advertising space. The team has created a pioneering platform which enhances brands advertising by incorporating real-time updates. The campaigns Flux has been running with Bauer Media stand out for their original and creative approach to audience engagement.”
Flux has been founded by two Newcastle University graduates. CEO Liam Rushforth and CTO Aubrey Chiduku met whilst studying before taking part, as graduates, in the University’s inaugural Founderships pre-accelerator. They then went on to take part in the Ignite 100 accelerator programme in early 2015.
Liam Rushforth said: ““Our technology allows advertisers to be reactive, disruptive and creative with digital out-of-home. Brands need no longer rely on carpet coverage; they simply advertise when it makes sense to them.
“The support we have received since we founded Flux, and the investment from Northstar Ventures and our Angel investors, has been invaluable in allowing us to develop our technology further and build partnerships with industry leaders.”
Katie Wray, Founderships Programme Manager said “Liam and Aubrey have maintained an opportunity-led approach to developing their ideas. Drawing on their wealth of skills, together with the support they have received from across the north east they have built a strong and very exciting business in Flux. On behalf of the Rise Up Team at Newcastle University, we congratulate them and wish them every success”.
Looks familiar? You might have read about Flux over at:
Chronicle Live: £100,000 investment helps Newcastle startup launch Brit Awards ad campaign