52. Tech Essence

Founder: Ken Leren
Founded: July 2014
Website: tech-essence.com

Believing the industry to be “highly fragmented” in Europe and the United States, marketing technology-focused Tech Essence seeks to help businesses make informed decisions on measuring and optimising their multi-channel marketing campaigns.

Founded by Ken Leren, the 31-year-old has worked across various multi-channel marketing campaigns over the past decade, before being bitten by the entrepreneurial bug.

Taking out a personal loan, before later receiving investment, the entrepreneur admits to being a “one man show” at the beginning and oversaw all aspects of the business including technical development, marketing, sales, finance, and contract agreements.

Tech Essence’s main product, Marketing Town, which has been billed as “the next generation of campaign management, tracking and analytics technology” helps advertisers and agencies improve their campaigns by use of state of the art reporting.

Achieving rapid growth, the London-based start-up has already increased its headcount to seven and currently serves 32 clients – including the likes of Amazon, Dennis Publishing, Financial Times and Play Tech, while its exclusive network has grown to just under 1,000 leading marketing partners.

Implementing a three-fold revenue model, Tech Essence charges clients a pre-determined fee per month, while also offering support services and payment management.

Having raised £255,000 in finance via angel investors since inception, Tech Essence expects to turn over an equally impressive £2.5m in 2017.

So, what’s next for Tech Essence? Well, the next 12 months will see the start-up focusing on expanding overseas, improving Marketing Town’s interface as well as the introduction of new features.