Writers’ platform Quill backed by Spotify investor; Quill, a former naval officer’s start-up, is attempting to build a “worldwide platform for web writers”.
May 31, 2013 Leave a comment
Writers’ platform backed by Spotify investor
Entrepreneurs and investors behind companies including Spotify, Songkick and Mr & Mrs Smith have backed Quill, a former naval officer’s start-up which is attempting to build a “worldwide platform for web writers”.
Quill already uses 1,000 writers working in 17 countries and covers 30 languages Photo: ALAMY
By James Hurley
11:50AM BST 29 May 2013
Quill, which produces online content for large businesses, has secured £1m from a group of investors including Spotify backer Shakil Khan. Founder Ed Bussey said his business is building a network of writers around the world to produce online content in various languages for companies including retailer Shop Direct Group, insurer AXA and advertising giant WPP. Quill already uses 1,000 writers working in 17 countries and covers 30 languages, Mr Bussey said.Andrew Grahame, co-founder of boutique hotel booking business Mr & Mrs Smith, and Songkick investor Peter Read also joined the investment round, as did Karen Hanton, founder of restaurant booking site Toptable.
Mr Bussey was formerly part of the start-up team at underwear retailer Figleaves.com in 2000, which was sold to home shopping group N Brown for £11.5m in 2010.
He said the backing will help Quill develop sales and marketing, open a base overseas and develop its technology so it can be licensed to brands and agencies.
He said the company’s technology automatically analyses writers’ work to make sure it complies with metrics set by the brands the company works with.
“That releases our editors to focus on the critical thing – have we got the tone right?”
The investment was led by venture firm Ariadne Capital.
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