Member News
A workplace wellbeing software firm improving the lives of staff at global companies has supercharged its growth on the back of an innovative programme.
Teesside-based OptiMe has been backed by the Combined Authority as part of The Forge programme to boost high-growth companies across the Tees Valley.
And the workplace wellbeing technology business is creating 10 new jobs and growing its business on the back of more than £100,000 of grant funding and a raft of support secured during the Tees Valley Labs programme.
OptiMe focusses on workplace wellbeing through its platform and app. The idea is it empowers HR professionals to enhance employee engagement, health and productivity while also offering personalised support and data-driven insights for staff and employers.
Its ultimate aim is to help organisations have happier and healthier teams – and OptiMe has done this with prominent clients including Domino’s, Costa, Wilton Universal Group, Recovery Connections, and the Newcastle College Group.
Award-winning entrepreneur Bethany Ainsley founded OptiMe in 2019 following successful wellbeing ventures Nuvo Wellbeing and ActivCare.
She thanked both the Combined Authority and NEL Fund Managers – which has also backed OptiMe with a grant – for their support.
Bethany said: “We are incredibly grateful for the combined investment from NEL Fund Managers and the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
“This backing will help us enhance our services and accelerate growth, making our workplace wellbeing solutions more accessible to organisations of all sizes.
“Our goal is to support every employee’s wellbeing through personalised, innovative methods that truly transform workplace culture.”
During the Forge programme, OptiMe secured £50,000 in investment capital from NEL Fund Managers, developed its initial AI prototypes for OptiMe 3.0, and won a contract with a leading North East educational institution.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The success of OptiMe shows exactly what we want these support programmes to be doing for our fast-growing businesses.
“Bethany is one of our shining lights in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and her work has made an impact on a global stage.
“Getting investment capital and meaningful support to OptiMe and other firms on the rise is crucial if we want our companies, born and nurtured here, to grow and thrive.
“OptiMe has done just that – and it’s fantastic to hear it’s expanding and supporting more good well-paid jobs for local people.”
The Forge programme through Tees Valley Labs was a 12-week accelerator delivered by Teesside business consultancy Alt Labs, on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, which has helped companies primed to scale up and attract significant investment.
Imran Anwar, Tees Valley Business Board lead for the Digital Economy and CEO and Founder of Alt Labs, added: “We are delighted to have supported Optime through the Forge accelerator programme.
“It is inspiring to see HealthTech businesses in the region being supported through the programme, and with the mentorship and funding they have received, we look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success."
Support for the Tees Valley Labs programme is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
