BBC Worldwide picks six startups for 2014 Labs scheme

The BBC’s commercial arm has selected six new start-ups to take part in its BBC Worldwide Labs project, covering business areas including audience research, video search and advertising.

BBCWW kicked off its Labs scheme in 2012 to offer new companies guidance from industry experts and mentors from around the business, securing commercial partnerships without taking an equity state in the companies.

The six startups chosen this year include: Seenit, an app that lets brands launch video-filming campaigns; Rezonence, an ad format that allows publishers to monetise digital content by asking consumers to engage; and CrowdEmotion, a software firm that analyses facial expressions to measure emotions.

The other three start-ups are: video and audio search firm OP3NVoice; real-time ad and e-commerce system Verticly; and Buddy Bounce, a platform designed to let celebrities and brands better connect with their fans.

BBCWW said that this year’s new start-ups have been selected based on their “natural alignment” with Worldwide’s existing business units and international brands, and their potential global reach.