OptiMe eyes expansion after funding boost

A Teesside-based workplace wellbeing software firm is expanding and creating jobs after securing more than £100,000 of grant funding.

OptiMe, founded by award-winning entrepreneur Bethany Ainsley in 2019, has been supported by the Tees Valley Combined Authority as part of Tees Valley Labs’ The Forge programme. 

During the 12-week accelerator Forge programme, delivered by Middlesbrough-based business consultancy Alt Labs, OptiMe secured £50,000 in investment capital from NEL Fund Managers, developed initial artificial intelligence prototypes for OptiMe 3.0 and won a contract with a leading North East educational institution.   

OptiMe, which helps businesses enhance employee wellbeing through its platform and app, says the funding will enable the company to continue to develop its artificial intelligence prototypes, win new contracts and create ten jobs.

Bethany said: “We are incredibly grateful for the combined investment from NEL Fund Managers and the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

“This backing will help us enhance our services and accelerate growth, making our workplace wellbeing solutions more accessible to organisations of all sizes.

“Our goal is to support every employee’s wellbeing through personalised, innovative methods that truly transform workplace culture.”

Imran Anwar, Tees Valley business board lead for the digital economy, and chief executive and founder of Alt Labs, added: “We are delighted to have supported OptiMe through the Forge accelerator programme.

“It is inspiring to see HealthTech businesses in the region being supported through the programme, and with the mentorship and funding they have received, we look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success."

Support for the Tees Valley Labs programme is fully funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To find out more about OptiMe and Bethany’s success, read her interview in our sister publication, N, here.

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