Skopos Invests in App Maker HearMe

Market insight consultancy Skopos has made a 'sizeable' investment in UK tech firm HearMe Scientific (HMSL), with the two firms forming a joint venture to focus on the development of apps and platforms for digital engagement and analytics.

HMSL conceptualises and builds digital engagement and communications applications, and is the developer of digital lobbying platform HearMe MP, which enables direct citizen-to-MP contact and data collection on issues by mobile. The system also offers MPs an automated sifting and analysis feature known as 'IssueInsighter'.

Skopos says its investment in HMSL will provide the latter firm with working capital in return for a stake in the business. Skopos will share data and analysis facilities, and consulting expertise with HMSL, while working on new joint insight apps. Early stage plans for the joint venture are in place, with the name 'Apps For Insight' (A4i) already registered for this purpose.

Commenting on the news, HMSL founder Andrew Sheldon said: 'Our beta tests for HearMe MP have gone very well, with thousands of registered users and very positive MP feedback, and we plan to fully launch next year. Partnering with data and research expert Skopos gives us further impetus to explore not just engagement, but analysis and consulting. Our developers are already investigating new apps for insight, and with their expertise and global reach, we'll explore more with Skopos'.

Web sites: www.skopos.agency and www.hearmemp.co.uk .