71. Wazoku

Founder: Simon Hill
Founded: February 2011 (launched September 2011) 
Website: www.wazoku.com 

Looking for a business idea that excited him and that utilised his B2B knowledge and experience, Simon Hill was on a mission to create a business unlike any other that focused on scalable technology and innovation. With a strong entrepreneurial background after previous roles such as development director at Huddle, Hill was well equipped with the tools to get Wazoku – an ‘ideas management’ service – off the ground. Using the software-as-a-service model, the business enables its clients to capture and collate their employees’, partners’ and customers’ best ideas.  Ideas can then be shared, tested and analysed via the collaborative business’ ‘Idea Spotlight’ tool or a bespoke solution. With an impressive and extensive client list spanning the private and public sectors globally, including the BBC, Hackney Borough Council, Faber & Faber and the Metropolitan Police Service to name a few, Wazoku’s unique concept seems to have struck a chord. Having recently secured a £500,000 seed funding round – and claiming no other UK competition – this start-up is definitely one to watch.