Tootoot, the renowned anti-bullying platform, has achieved a milestone by securing over £750,000 in investment.
Demonstrating a commitment to expanding its influence beyond schools, Tootoot prepares to tackle bullying in sports and the workplace.
Expanding Horizons: Tootoot’s New Chapter
The anti-bullying platform Tootoot has recently secured a significant investment exceeding £750,000, setting the stage for a crucial evolution of its services. Initially launched in September 2015, Tootoot has made its mark by empowering students in educational settings—schools, colleges, and universities—to report incidents of bullying and cyberbullying anonymously. This substantial funding is seen as a strategic step to adapt their application for usage beyond educational environments, targeting arenas such as sports organisations and the workplace.
Founders’ Vision: Empowerment through Technology
Michael Brennan, CEO and co-founder, who once faced bullying himself, teamed up with Kieran Innes to create Tootoot. Their primary goal was to provide young individuals with a means to voice concerns and offer educational institutions the necessary tools for proactive interventions. “Our mission as a company is to furnish young people with avenues to express their issues while also equipping schools with the right mechanisms for early intervention,” shared Brennan.
They stress the necessity of schools to accurately measure well-being and its direct correlation with academic success. Brennan draws from his own experiences to emphasise how essential it is for educational institutions to address these aspects collectively.
Garnering Support: A Collaborative Endeavour
This investment round, led by notable individuals including former Great Britain rugby league player Terry Flanagan, underscores a widespread recognition of the pressing issue of bullying and harassment across different sectors.
Flanagan, chairing the Warrington firm, highlighted the increasing societal awareness regarding the impact of bullying, not only in educational settings but also within sports and various workplaces. “Supporting a platform that lends a voice to individuals and aids organisations in prioritising mental health was an obvious decision,” he asserted.
A Personal Commitment to Change
Sandy Lindsay, founder of Tangerine PR and The Juice Academy, aligns her support with her personal experiences, having been subjected to minor bullying during her school years. She recalls the stark contrast of past and present times, noting how students today cannot escape bullying due to the constant connectivity of mobile devices.
Lindsay also serves as the chair of several educational and skills groups, where she has observed the critical importance of school attendance and engagement—areas significantly affected by bullying. She points out that bullying contributes to around 18% of absenteeism, underlying the necessity of tools like Tootoot in supporting students.
Innovative Tools for a Modern Era
Tootoot’s transition into sports organisations and workplaces signifies a broadening of their impact. These new applications are geared towards reinforcing mental health and well-being for adults as well as youths.
By implementing this technology, organisations can foster environments where employees and athletes feel secure in voicing complaints, ultimately leading to improved morale and productivity.
Investor Confidence: Fueling Future Prospects
The backing of investors such as AO.com’s non-executive director Chris Hopkinson demonstrates confidence in Tootoot’s potential to disrupt traditional approaches to bullying intervention.
Investors acknowledge Tootoot’s innovative approach as both transformative and rewarding, driving the platform towards exploring untapped markets while continuing their mission of promoting well-being across all demographics.
According to those involved, this is not merely about the tool itself, but the commitment of the people behind it, making it both a personal and professional journey for all participants.
A Positive Trajectory Ahead
Tootoot exemplifies the fusion of personal dedication and technological innovation in tackling pervasive social issues. With strong backing and a clear vision, it is poised to make a meaningful impact across various fields.
With its latest investment, Tootoot stands ready to broaden its impact, addressing bullying across untapped markets.
As it embarks on this new phase, Tootoot combines its foundational ethos with forward-thinking strategies to foster mental well-being for all.
