Young start-up given $115k kick-start

Dentsu Aegis Network has announced the victor of its idea incubator program, Brainbox 2016, and winner of A$115,000 worth of financial investment and advertising.

RingAround, an innovative technology and mobile app to facilitate last-minute retail shift-filling, has taken out the crown of the 2016 Brainbox innovation program. The team is made up of some of the brightest young minds within Dentsu Aegis Network; Peter Boledziuk, Performance Executive at Columbus, Kristen Le, Communications Design Executive at Dentsu Mitchell and Tom Wilson, Senior Mobile Developer at Isobar.

CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network, Simon Ryan, says, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch this competition ramp up from launch-phase, to shortlisting to pitch night, and I’m so proud of all that our teams have accomplished.”

“Seeing this team, comprising members from three of Dentsu Aegis Network’s agencies, perform so well before an audience of over 250 people, highlights the expertise that exists across our brands, and the collaboration we encourage throughout our network.”

Brainbox is one of several programs launched this year by Dentsu Aegis Network’s Innovation Council to generate initiatives that drive innovative behaviour and thinking across the business. The Innovation Council is chaired by Konrad Spilva, CEO of Isobar, supported by an experienced and dedicated cross-section of senior leaders from across the Dentsu Aegis Network.

Speaking of the event, Konrad Spilva, who is also Head of Innovation at Dentsu Aegis Network Australia and New Zealand, says, “To see this idea presented with such professionalism was inspiring. The RingAround team and their mentor have already completely extensive research, have tested some working prototypes and validated the business model with customers. With the Network’s support, we think it has every chance to succeed as a startup.”

In addition to A$100,000 in funding from Dentsu Aegis Network, team-RingAround will also receive: 

• Facebook media spend valued at A$15,000; 
• a weekly time allowance to work on the idea; and a
• partnership with the RMIT Fastrack Innovation Program to bring the idea to life.

Head of Facebook and Instagram, Melbourne, Melissa Green, who was also a member of the judging panel said, “RingAround’s idea was practical, well-researched and it looks like it could also be profitable. I look forward to watching the team progress to a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to take to market.”

Speaking of the win, Kristen Le of RingAround said, “There were some excellent ideas put forward at Pitch Night so taking out the prize is extremely humbling. I’m thrilled we have won and recommend anyone who’s interested to give Brainbox a punt next time, as it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Peter Boledziuk of RingAround said, “Never really thought it would happen, but I’m super excited to bring our idea to life. The next 6 months are going to be tough, but worth it.”

Tom Wilson of RingAround said, “I still can’t believe we won – now we begin the next chapter! I feelextremely grateful for this opportunity.”

Over the next six months, RingAround will work towards an MVP, working offsite on the idea for one day per week at the York Butter Factory, a key partner of Dentsu Aegis Network.

Dentsu Aegis Network looks forward to providing updates on RingAround’s progress and the next iteration of Brainbox over the coming months.