Wayra UK unveils latest start-up accelerator cohort $31.4m raised by businesses on 2014 programme with $61m investment secured since launch of Telefónica scheme Written by Megan Dunsby Published on 26 November 2015 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. Written and reviewed by: Megan Dunsby 16 digital start-ups, including a ‘TripAdvisor for kids’ and a smart thermostat, have been chosen to join Wayra UK’s 2015 accelerator programme.The 2015 cohort, announced at a demoDay yesterday, will now receive $50,000 direct funding and $50,000 in acceleration services such as access to co-working space, mentoring and training in entrepreneurship – in exchange for an equity stake.Launched in 2011 and backed by Telefónica, Wayra has already helped over 500 businesses across more than 20 digital industries. The estimated valuation of all the companies in its portfolio is said to be over €500m.The programme’s 2014 UK cohort have already raised over $31.4m in investment over the last 12 months, with $61m investment raised by all UK businesses involved in the scheme to date.The 16 new Wayra UK members are:CovergePixoneyeCyberlyticCodecPalletechSwitcheePowrofyouMotefeNotfyedInkpact1248IncuappsXanviewKIDRATEDBaby2bodySilent SecretGary Stewart, director of Wayra UK & Wayra UnLtd, commented: “Across many verticals and sectors, corporates that want to avoid being disrupted are eagerlyseeking new innovation models.“Telefónica was at the forefront of this movement, and it’s great to see that the results are now beginning to speak for themselves.” Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Written by: Megan Dunsby