Amazon launches platform for start-ups in the UK

startup

Amazon has launched a new platform for start-ups in the UK, which will help develop companies, grow their customer reach and market their products.

The platform, dubbed Amazon Launchpad, will give participating start-ups access to a comprehensive marketing package, streamlined onboarding experience, custom product pages, and Amazon's global fulfillment network. Through this, Launchpad will help to develop each company's brand and consumer reach.

The scheme began in the US back in July, and will now be available to British start-ups wishing to reach a wider customer base and grow their company. In exchange for its assistance, Amazon gets a cut of the revenue, though how much has not been disclosed.

Christopher North, managing director at Amazon.co.uk, said: "British inventors are responsible for some of the most innovative consumer products in the world, from the lawnmower to the electrical vacuum cleaner to the collapsible baby buggy.

"Now we are introducing a dedicated store on Amazon.co.uk where our customers can find a range of cutting-edge items from today's generation of British inventors that we're helping to cultivate."

Products that will be available through Launchpad include the Kano children's computer kit, the Wileyfox 4G Smartphone and Smarter's wi-fi-enabled iKettle.

When launching the platform in the US, Jim Adkins, vice president at Amazon, said: "As the pace of innovation continues to increase within the start-up community, we want to help customers discover these unique products and learn the inspiration behind them. We also know from talking to start-ups that bringing a new product to market successfully can be just as challenging as building it.

"Amazon Launchpad gives customers access to a dedicated storefront featuring a variety of innovative new products from emerging brands. For start-ups, we handle inventory management, order fulfillment, customer service, and more, allowing them to focus their efforts on the innovation that results in more cool products."

Caroline Preece

Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.

You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.