Performance marketing company TradeDoubler has launched The Zoo Project, a UK Affiliate Marketing incubator designed to foster grass roots growth and help drive innovation in the Affiliate Marketing arena.
With applications now open until 6 January 2012, up to 20 Affiliate Marketing start-up companies will be admitted into the Zoo for one year, provided they meet the approval of a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel of judges.
Winning companies will benefit from more than £1 million worth of business resources, including rent free and rates free office space at TradeDoubler’s UK headquarters in Victoria; hands-on mentoring from TradeDoubler’s affiliate marketing industry experts; unique access to major brand advertisers and partners; and networking opportunities with other companies and entrepreneurs.
“Affiliate Marketing is inherently entrepreneurial as an industry sector, and we want to mentor and help support grass roots affiliate growth in the UK,” said Rob Wilson, Market Unit Leader North West for TradeDoubler. “We believe the UK is still one of the world’s biggest gateways for new ideas. Every day we help our clients reach thousands of customers through Affiliate Marketing campaigns, and want to see more affiliates come to market and achieve similar levels of success. We believe the difficult economic climate brings unique opportunities for affiliates as consumers search for better deals online. The Zoo Project will help start-up affiliate businesses harness these opportunities, enabling them to grow into major sustainable companies.”
Interested affiliates can download an application form at www.thezooproject.co.uk or send an email to apply@thezooproject.co.uk. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to meet with one or more of The Zoo’s panel of ‘Dragons’.
The project is being supported by several industry experts and thought leaders in the market with the final panel being announced in the coming weeks. Key experts include:
• Rob Wilson, Market Unit Leader North West, TradeDoubler
• Mary Keane Dawson, Strategic Advisor and Digital Agency Mentor
• Paul Bongers, Head of Paid Search at BT / clickbuyclick
• Matthew Wood, Founder of A4U
TradeDoubler will announce the list of successful incubator companies at the end of January 2012, followed by a launch party to celebrate the new incubator residents.
Entry requirements and further information can be found online at www.thezooproject.co.uk
www.TradeDoubler.com