With approximately 20% of the UK population experiencing ‘winter blues’ a finalist at London Accelerator ‘Hotbed Expand’ aims to make hearts sing across the UK this January by making it easy for people to turn songs into virtual hugs.
Award-winning Huggnote is a web app, created by two sisters to make it easier to be there for loved ones in the instant it’s needed. And with people across the UK experiencing ‘January Blues’ feelings of low mood and decreased energy – the app sees a surge in users at this time of year.
“There are so many reasons people feel a little down in January – but research shows that feeling more connected to loved ones is a great antidote. That’s what Huggnote does. Users can select our ‘January Joy’ theme and choose a really uplifting song to combine with their message to form a heartwarming Huggnote free to send to anyone, anywhere instantly. Our unique user experience means it’s very emotional to receive – often moving people to tears because the right song at the right time is a powerful re-kindler of memories and proven to release the same hormones as a physical hug,” says Jacqui Meskell, founder and CEO of Huggnote.
With users in 204 countries, Huggnote is a finalist at London Accelerator ‘Hotbed Expand’ – a 6-week intensive growth programme for fast-scaling start-ups. Of the 45 start-ups on the programme, Huggnote is one of 5 to be selected to demo at the Hotbed Expand Showcase on January 30th at Lewis Silkin in Blackfriars in London. Chosen for their rapid execution and traction during the programme the event is open to self-certified investors, founders and ecosystem contributors.
Huggnote, which has won numerous awards, including for its social and sustainable impact, transforms heartfelt messages into unique, personalised experiences by pairing them with the perfect song. It has become a go-to platform in 204 countries for people celebrating milestones or simply letting someone know they care. The app is especially popular this time of year due to its ease of use and eco-friendly credentials: “Every Huggnote sent instead of a paper card saves 140g CO2e, so we like to think we’re hugging the planet too,” says Jacqui.
· To send a ‘January Joy’ Huggnote, go to www.huggnote.com – click ‘send huggs’ and after signing up simply select your theme, song, add a message and send via WhatsApp, Text or any other channel you choose.
· To attend the Hotbed Expand Showcase at Lewis Silkin in Blackfriars in London on January 30th visit www.hotbed.co for more info.