A CHESTER-BASED technology start-up which provides a safe, child-friendly social media experience has obtained a £300k funding boost.

EdTech brand GoBubble has announced that a successful round of fundraising, supported by a select group of prominent investors, has raised the sum, which will be put towards future growth and development.

The news comes ahead of 2019 Anti-Bullying Week (November 11-15), which will see the business showcase a programme of online activities to enhance kindness and thankfulness.

GoBubble offers children a safer, healthier and kinder social media experience. Following a successful beta, GoBubble currently has users across 24 countries and in 26 of the US states.

Founded by award-winning e-safety pioneer Henry Platten, the GoBubble global community gives children, educators and families the opportunity to create and communicate in a safe digital space; with market leading moderation securing the platform and ensuring that any unwanted content is removed before it appears.

To boost the platform and enable it to be accessed by a greater audience, GoBubble has raised more than £300,000 from a variety of named and angel investors across the UK.

The round was led by investment from digital identity app founder, Robin Tombs of Yoti.

Mr Tombs said: “I first became aware of GoBubble when they approached Yoti to work together enhancing the parent consent flow.

"I was very impressed by the innovation shown in the creation of the GoBubble platform, particularly the security of the cutting-edge video content moderation.

"After speaking with Henry, I knew I wanted to be part of his journey and support the ongoing formation of a safe online space for thousands of GoBubble users.”

Other named investors include Dr David Pearce, Peter Laithwaite, Chris Jones, Juan Santana Medina and Rich Hannam, Angel Investors at NorthInvest.

Mr Pearce said: “GoBubble is a real-time solution to a problem which many children, schools and families are experiencing on a daily basis.

"As a global presence, the platform has immense potential to make a positive difference to so many kids’ lives and I am excited to be part of it.”

Founder of NorthInvest and CEO of Aql, Professor Adam Beaumont, added: "We’re delighted that NorthInvest has helped facilitate GoBubble’s fundraising efforts.

"GoBubble’s impressive organic growth is testament to their success so far in utilising their experience to address the online safety challenges facing schools, parents, and children, combined with a robust commercial model."

The funds raised by this investment round will go towards further development of the platform to enhance the functionality, adaptability and continued expansion.

Mr Platten, CEO of GoBubble, concluded: “We are incredibly excited to welcome our new investors. They bring with them

the highest calibre of business experience and share our drive to make the internet a safer place for children and young people.

“We are extremely proud of the organic growth that we have achieved so far and eager to use the investment to help us take GoBubble to the next level.”

For further information, visit: www.gobubble.school.