Partner Article

Gateshead firm looking to Google its way to a fairer future

ONE of the region’s software companies has secured £100,000 worth of funding to help revolutionise the way dyslexic and visually-impaired users access the internet.

Recite Me Ltd’s software offers internet users with reading difficulties a unique range of features including the ability to view websites in more legible fonts, with heightened colour contrast or text-to-speech conversion.

What makes the product different from others currently available, is the freedom to access these tools from any location and from any internet-enabled device such as a PDA, smartphone or tablet computer – without installing software.

Dr Stephen Price of Northstar Ventures, who provide investment from the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund, said: “This is a very innovative product which is truly a Game Changer and which could make a significant difference to millions of people worldwide.”

The Gateshaed based firm has also been drawing the attention of major search engines including Google, who are excited about the prospect of improving internet usage.

Recite Me will use the investment to support the commercialisation of its corporate product and further develop its consumer offering – with compatibility for increasingly popular products such as Apple’s iPad expected within weeks.

Ross Linnett, Director of Recite Me, added: “Northstar’s investment is a very important step for us and signifies a vote of confidence in the potential of creating a universal solution for people who struggle to read websites such as those with dyslexia and visual impairments.

“We aim to use the funding to help accelerate our product to a global market.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .