Funding boost for online business ‘dating’ platform

A ground-breaking online dating platform for small and micro businesses founded by think3 and Ask the Chameleon has secured a funding boost.

The hookup, which is based on the principle of connecting like-minded small and micro businesses together to collaborate, has secured funding from government-backed innovation agency Innovate UK.

Created by think3 and Ask the Chameleon, who were the force behind the Swap Shop business platform during the pandemic,  the hookup provides a mobile platform for entrepreneurs to initially meet online with those that share similar aspirations, establish valuable partnerships and unlock new opportunities.

By encouraging meaningful connections, the hookup tackles barriers to collaboration, enabling small and micro businesses to scale their operations with confidence.

The hookup is one of only 14 in the East Midlands to receive a share of £400,000 from Innovate UK – and one of only four businesses in Derbyshire.

The fund supports pioneering ventures driving technological advancements and economic development.

The investment from Innovate UK will fuel the hookup’s ongoing development and expansion, allowing the online platform to enhance its user experience by introducing cutting-edge matchmaking algorithms and leveraging advanced data analytics.

With these advancements, the hookup will provide its members with personalised recommendations, facilitate tailored introductions, and deliver actionable insights to foster mutually beneficial business relationships.

Lee Marples, founding partner of the hookup and owner of think3, said; “Our partnership with Innovate UK marks a pivotal moment for the hookup and the small business community as a whole, demonstrating their confidence in us to create a vibrant place for businesses to find their perfect match, unlocking endless possibilities for growth.”

Rachel Hayward, joint founder of the hookup and owner of Ask the Chameleon, said “We are delighted to receive this funding, which will help us to accelerate our goal to change the way small and micro businesses connect, collaborate, and thrive.

“Business is tough, and we aim to give our members the knowledge, tools and meaningful connections necessary grow their businesses.

“Based on our experience of running the Swap Shop during the pandemic, we know through this new platform, small businesses can find partners, suppliers, investors, and collaborators, fuelling our futures.”

To learn more about the hookup visit https://thehookup.io .