Purple WiFi plots global growth with $5m investment

UK-based social login and location analytics platform is eyeing EMEA, APAC and the Americas with latest cash injection

Purple WiFi has its sights firmly set on global growth after securing a $5m (£3.3m) cash boost from a consortium of investors including former Tesco head honcho Sir Terry Leahy.

The firm’s technology – which auto translates into 18 languages – allows users to gain free access to a public WiFi network through their existing social media accounts, while the hosts are given analytic insights into the profiles and movements of customers.

It is keen to work with channel players, and currently works with number of distribution partners including Ingram Micro, Comstor, C-MI Labs and e92plus in the UK.

Purple WiFi claims the investment boost from both retail and telecoms sectors demonstrates a recognition of the value and potential for WiFi in these verticals.

Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple WiFi, said: “WiFi is something that is expected, for free, just as we expect access to heat, light and water. But the big question in recent years has been how to monetise WiFi. Purple WiFi has created an innovative low-cost solution that gives unprecedented analytics and insights, while driving true ROI for businesses.

“We have seen unimaginable interest and demand for the product, not just within the obvious sectors of retail, leisure and hospitality, but also unexpected sectors such as social housing, education and healthcare, where they want to use WiFi to communicate better and deliver services. I’m absolutely delighted with this new investment and expertise, which will help us accelerate our product feature set and further build out the team that I am already very proud of.”

In a statement, Leahy added: “Having been in the retail space for many years, I have seen how technology has and will continue to revolutionise the industry. Purple WiFi is a brilliant example of how additional value can be driven from an existing infrastructure. I’ve been incredibly impressed with what Gavin and the team have achieved to date. I very much look forward to helping them drive global expansion and adoption.”