Floe

Tech startup Floe connects workers with a network of engaging, flexible and creative coworking hubs around the North East of England. Tapping into new trends of hybrid working, Floe seeks to help users find a variety of contract-free workspaces to suit their creative moods.

Floe’s founder, Hamish, started Floe with a strong background in sales and operations. However, he needed support to develop the technical side of things. Hamish initially reached out to developers to learn more about how much it would cost to outsource platform development. The first few quotes he received were £100,000 which left him with questions on how to develop an initial proof of concept without having to take out a loan.

The support

Sunderland Software City helped Hamish develop a full roadmap to building the technology product gradually, with the focus on testing the market first to derisk investment.  

The team worked with Floe to work on an initial prototype that could be tested with initial users and spaces. A report was then created which outlined how to approach funders and tech suppliers to expand toward a final product.  

“I have real clarity now,” said Hamish. “My mind was racing with so many different ideas. Digital Pathfinders helped me to gain that clarity on what the problem is, what my solution is and how to go about making it a digital reality.  

In 9-10 months of research and going on wild tangents, DP has given me the clarity to execute. “

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