SMASH wins AI accolade as fundraiser nears £500K

My SMASH Media, a disruptive AI matchmaking platform for the creative industries, is nearing half a million pounds of investment as it targets the fast-growing global content streaming market.

My SMASH Media matches content creators like script writers with buyers like the streaming services, production companies and broadcasters, using sophisticated sector knowledge combined with AI matchmaking, to anticipate industry trends.

The company has secured over £370K investment from Scottish-based Equity Gap angel syndicate, Scottish Enterprise and a Future Economy Innovate UK grant.

Equity Gap also facilitated the involvement of several investors from Investing Women Angels. The company will extend the fundraiser to additional investors for a further 6 weeks.

The company this week won the AI for Good category in Edinburgh University’s AI accelerator programme, which helps young companies with potential to grow.

My SMASH Media has introduced innovative and disruptive technology within the film and TV sector and has tapped into this explosive growth market by providing creators with free-to-access digital tools to create powerful pitches.

The company will use the investment to develop sophisticated AI matchmaking called AI SMASHCupid. This will help grow user numbers and revenues by enabling buyers to reach beyond their existing networks and provide unprecedented access to new, innovative projects.

With its current focus on the film and TV industry, SMASH is also aiming to expand the use of its technology into the games, podcast and video sectors.

My SMASH Media was co-founded by Scottish actor turned producer Fiona Gillies and indie producer Christine Hartland who joined forces with Mahesh Ramachandra, digital product expert. The team has partnered with renowned film industry veteran Hilary Davis and are backed by London-based Activate Media, a digital accelerator.

SMASH showcased at the European Film Market and won a Gold Award for tech innovation in Cannes. It was selected for the Creative Catalyst SXSW Programme in Austin, Texas.

Fiona Gillies said: “We’re delighted with the initial success of our fundraiser, where a number of our existing investors, alongside our new lead investor Equity Gap, and Scottish Enterprise have pledged significant financial backing to help SMASH achieve its global growth ambitions.

This initial investment is a real vote of confidence in our proposition, which we will further develop across the TV and film industry and also roll out to other relevant sectors, bringing content creators and discoverers together.

We would like to acknowledge the support of Investing Women Angels, which has not only been a key early investor, but has also supported and mentored us through its AccelerateHER programme.”

Fraser Lusty, MD of Equity Gap said “We are very excited to be working with Fiona and Christine as they look to bring their disruptive new platform to the creative sector at a crucial time for the future of media.

Their sector knowledge, strong industry networks and ambition for SMASH impressed our investor base. We look forward to the launch of the platform and see it being a strong catalyst for new talent enabling film and TV companies to work in a novel way.”

Kerry Sharp, Director of Entrepreneurship and Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “My SMASH Media is utilising AI technology in a unique way to enhance the creative sector and broaden access to creators.

This shows how AI can provide economic opportunities and I look forward to witnessing the company’s progress as it expands into a range of sectors that might benefit from its technology.”