Innovate UK smashes barriers to growth for digital tech firm unleashing UK creativity

My SMASH Media provides a seamless way for film and TV creators to present their work to industry decision-makers. By curating and filtering projects based on specific briefs, the platform ensures that both creators and decision-makers find the right match, making the project discovery process more efficient.

Fiona Gillies, CEO at My SMASH Media, says: “Our platform is helping creators navigate the complexities of protecting their intellectual property while connecting them to meaningful industry opportunities. By making the pitching process more efficient, we are helping drive creative projects forward and developing new possibilities for talent across the industry.

“We have successfully connected decision-makers with early-stage IP, generating real potential for revenue growth. At the same time, we’ve opened doors for promising new talent that would have otherwise remained closed.”

Expanding into the US with industry-leading partnerships

My SMASH Media first connected with Innovate UK Business Growth to explore opportunities for internationalisation. Recognising its ambition to break into the US market, Innovation and Growth Specialist, Richard Foxall, worked closely with the company to develop a market entry strategy.

Accessing the US market and forming high-value partnerships were key challenges. To support this, Innovate UK Business Growth recommended that My SMASH Media apply for Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) and participate in the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Equipped with the right tools, My SMASH Media secured a place in the programme, gaining access to workshops on navigating the US market and refining its value proposition. Strategic insights helped the company establish valuable industry connections, while expert advice on communications and web presence ensured it met US market expectations

Attending SXSW provided My SMASH Media with direct exposure to major industry players, leading to high-profile discussions with US leaders in film, TV and music. One of the most significant outcomes was a strategic partnership with Universal Music, granting SMASH users six months of access to its music library.

Fiona says: “Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme was an invaluable resource. It gave us direct access to key stakeholders in the US and helped us establish industry relationships that are already paying off.

“South by Southwest helped us get an insight into the US market and gain additional US users.  We’re a small media tech start up but already 6% of our users are US-based, it’s going to be an important market for us, so it’s been useful to discuss strategy and marketing and has enabled us to focus on developing our business goals.”

Securing funding to drive innovation and growth

Beyond international expansion, My SMASH Media has secured vital funding to scale its platform. The company received an Innovate UK Grant of £74,434 to support platform development and innovation. It also secured a £174,674 Innovate UK Investor Partnerships grant, alongside Scotland Angel syndicate Equity Gap, strengthening industry collaborations and attracting further investment.

The Innovate UK Investor Partnerships grant has specifically enabled the development and launch of SMASHPro, a premium service designed for creators. SMASHPro offers AI tools to enhance pitching strategies, helping content creators refine their presentations and increase engagement with investors and industry professionals.

Fiona adds: “Both the grants have been valuable. Support from Innovate UK Business Growth has played a pivotal role in our success to date, and engagement with equity investors has increased. It has enabled us to develop the platform further and reach more users. Investors can see that competition in the market is offering incredible opportunities for innovative tech platforms like SMASH.”

Strengthening the UK’s creative economy

Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has helped My SMASH Media refine its international strategy, secure funding and build credibility within the competitive film and TV industry. Through the GBIP at SXSW 2024, the company gained direct access to key US industry leaders, establishing partnerships and strengthening its global presence.

Fiona concludes: “The support from Innovate UK Business Growth has been instrumental in our growth trajectory. Richard helped us refine our messaging and value proposition for an international audience, making sure we made the most of our SXSW experience.”

The upcoming launch of SMASHPro marks a major step forward, providing advanced tools for content creators to develop, pitch and safeguard their intellectual property. By improving efficiency in project discovery and funding access, My SMASH Media’s is helping UK-based creators secure more opportunities and expand their reach.

Beyond the creative sector, My SMASH Media’s innovations are contributing to economic growth by helping independent filmmakers, scriptwriters and production companies secure deals faster. By reducing barriers to entry and increasing UK-based content production, the company is generating jobs—both directly through its expansion and indirectly through the projects funded via its platform.

As a UK-based business with global ambitions, My SMASH Media is emerging as a leader in creative technology, while maintaining key operations in the UK. By empowering storytellers and increasing the commercial viability of independent projects, it is reinforcing the UK’s status as a hub for creative innovation.

Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme was an invaluable resource. It gave us direct access to key stakeholders in the US and helped us establish industry relationships that are already paying off.

– Fiona Gillies, CEO at My SMASH Media