Unilever launches new platform for collaborations with start-ups

Unilever has announced the launch of a new platform through which it will organise future partnerships with start-up companies.

The Unilever Foundry will provide a single entry point for innovative small firms that are seeking to partner with Unilever, making it easier for them to receive funding, access mentoring services and work on global projects.

Marketing professionals from the company will work with start-ups and entrepreneurs to craft their brand vision, marketing strategy and product roadmap through the mentorship scheme, while at other times Unilever's brands and functional teams will post briefs where they are actively seeking innovative technology solutions.

The launch of the Unilever Foundry will help the organisation to experiment with and pilot new technologies more efficiently, effectively and speedily.

Keith Weed, Unilever chief marketing and communications officer, said: "Although we have been working with start-ups for years, we now want to scale up our efforts and, ultimately, embed this as a way of working throughout our organisation."

This comes after the firm also recently partnered with seven up-and-coming digital businesses as part of its innovative digital marketing initiative Go Global.