Innovate UK helps Sceenic turn co-viewing dreams into streaming reality
Sceenic, an award-winning leader in interactive viewing solutions based in London, has revolutionised co-viewing and watch party experiences with its cutting-edge technology. With Innovate UK’s 5G Global Business Innovation Programme in Japan and the business growth coaching that amplified its benefit, Sceenic has expanded its global footprint, targeting new markets and securing investment to drive further innovation.
Founded with a vision to enhance shared viewing experiences, Sceenic faced the challenge of breaking into international markets, where establishing key partnerships and finding investment opportunities could be difficult. Its flagship technology, “Watch Together,” had already seen significant success, being deployed by industry giants such as BT Sport, PCCW, and Telefonica. However, scaling further required new markets, more innovation and local partnerships.
Sceenic’s journey with Innovate UK began in 2019 with the Digital Catapult 5G Testbeds to help carry out research and development on its products. The company then went on to participate in Innovate UK’s 5G Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) in Japan.
This initiative, designed to support UK businesses in expanding internationally, allowed Sceenic to connect with local telecom operators and investors, further developing its P2P 5G EDGE CDN technology, which optimises video streaming and reduces costs for operators. With Innovate UK’s expert guidance, Sceenic refined its strategy, built key partnerships and secured a foothold in the Japanese market.
Shane Chester, Innovation and Growth Specialist and Jim Pickles, who led on the delivery of the 5G GBIP in Japan, supported Sceenic during its participation in the GBIP. They created a comprehensive action plan tailored to Sceenic’s needs, enabling the company to refine its market strategy and build key partnerships in Japan.
“The 5G Global Business Innovation Programme to Japan visit was a catalyst for all of this! None of this would be possible without the visit, meeting corporates such as Rakuten and NTT, which otherwise would have been close to impossible to get a meeting with,” says Paul Bojarski, CEO of Sceenic.
Establishing a foothold in Japan and driving innovation
Sceenic’s entry into the Japanese market presented both challenges and opportunities. The company sought to connect with local partners and telco operators looking to reduce streaming costs, which participating in the GBIP facilitated. This allowed Sceenic to engage with potential clients and investors in Tokyo, culminating in hiring Taka Hirano, Head of Japan Business, to spearhead sales and business development efforts locally.
“Our partnership with Innovate UK Business Growth has been transformative, opening doors we never imagined and turning potential obstacles into opportunities for success,” adds Bojarski.
Securing investment
One key element of Innovate UK’s support was helping Sceenic enhance its investment readiness. By participating in the GBIP, Sceenic gained valuable insights into the Japanese market and established a strong network of potential partners and investors. This initiative and the coaching around it have been instrumental in positioning Sceenic as a leader in the co-viewing and interactive video technology sector.
Sceenic’s strategic expansion into Japan has been bolstered by securing a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a $200,000–$300,000 investment from a Japanese broadcasting corporation. This investment will contribute to Sceenic’s current £3 million fundraising round, supporting ongoing development and operations, including expanding its team in Japan.
Impact on industry, internationalisation and jobs
The company’s innovative P2P 5G EDGE CDN solution is poised to transform video streaming for telcos, offering up to 80% savings on content delivery network (CDN) costs while maintaining high-quality streaming. As Sceenic continues to onboard new clients and expand its market presence, the company is set to create new jobs and drive further innovation in the industry.
“The connections and insights we’ve gained through our partnership with Innovate UK Business Growth have immeasurably accelerated our growth and expanded our global reach.” Bojarski concludes.
Sceenic’s innovative solutions not only contribute to the company’s growth but also have a broader impact on productivity and economic growth in the UK. By pioneering advanced co-viewing and streaming technologies, Sceenic helps to strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in the global digital economy. Furthermore, Sceenic’s international expansion, particularly into Japan, creates valuable export opportunities.
The 5G Global Business Innovation Programme to Japan visit was a catalyst for all of this! None of this would be possible without the visit, meeting corporates such as Rakuten and NTT, which otherwise would have been close to impossible to get a meeting with.
– Paul Bojarski, CEO at Sceenic