Bristol-based social media platform developer 3radical has signalled further growth and is to enter new markets after completing a £3m funding round.
The firm’s core product Voco is an engagement platform that enables brands to connect with audiences in a new way with real-time, interactive digital experiences and games across multiple channels. 
3radical was founded by Bristol tech entrepreneurs David Eldridge and Mike Talbot – the team behind pioneering city-based database marketing software Alterian, which was sold to software developer SDL for £68.4m in 2012.
Following its commercial launch in South East Asia in 2014, and in the UK and Australia in 2015, 3radical has gone from strength to strength, winning major brands and awards for its ability to create true engagement with audiences.
3radical has won significant new business with a number of top brands including Zizzi, Matalan, BWIN (Foxy Bingo), Temasek, Hallmark Hotels and National Australia Bank.
Late last year, the minister for education for Singapore also announced the nationwide rollout of POSB Smart Buddy, a 3radical Voco-powered app combining cashless payments with interactive content teaching schoolchildren the value of savings and healthy living.
In the latest funding round, 3radical has received the support of a range of private investors from the UK.
To support this next stage of growth, it has recruited accomplished technology CMO David Newberry as chief marketing officer. David has held the role at number of companies including marketing software company Portrait Software and Pitney Bowes following its acquisition of Portrait.
As well as being the author of two books – Marketing Undressed and Startup Ignition – David has been recently recognised by Brand Quarterly as one of the Top Marketers over 50 and also listed by Executive Rank in its top 250 CMOs globally.
Other key new hires include Rachel Swann, who has been brought on board as European commercial director, joining from a senior commercial role at HIVE. In South East Asia, Samantha Baker has joined to lead the customer success team, underpinned by her experience as a senior marketer at UK agency Jaywing before moving to Singapore.
CEO David Eldridge, pictured, said he was excited to be building another leading UK-headquartered technology player.
“We’re delighted with both the support from our investors and the continually growing appetite of brands around the world for our innovative audience engagement platform,” he said.
“The future holds exciting opportunities for us to continue our rapid growth in the UK, Asia Pacific and – in time – the US. We look forward to driving continued innovation with both our existing and new customers, supported by this recent funding round and a hugely strengthened leadership team.
“Our company vision is to bring the kind of exciting engagement and emotional connection we get when communicating with our friends using day to day social media platforms – to business.
“Our award-winning Voco software platform enables brands to create interactive, rewarding digital content and deliver it via the right channels to individuals – whether they be consumers, employees or citizens. Our technology is enabling brands to change the way their messages are communicated to motivate response and build true ongoing engagement.
“From flat emails, short-lived apps and one size fits all websites to relevant, interactive, online experiences which further build connection and brand affinity across the engagement journey and most importantly, on the audiences’ terms.”
