AdTech startup POCKLA has raised £1.6 million in a seed funding round led by Venrex, with participation from The Sidemen’s VC arm Upside Ventures, Love Ventures, Shuttle, and other industry leaders. The funding will accelerate POCKLA’s AI-powered content strategy and creation platform, helping brands navigate the evolving social media landscape with authentic and impactful content.

Highlights of the Funding Round

• Investment Backed by Industry Leaders

  • Investors include Rich Waterworth (formerly TikTok), Dan Cobley (ex-Google UK/Ireland), and Michael Chock and Ryan Quinn (formerly MiQ).

  • Sidemen, the UK’s biggest YouTube group, invest through Upside Ventures, aligning with POCKLA’s vision for content innovation.

• Bridging the Gap Between Brands and Authentic Content

  • POCKLA helps brands develop their "internet voice" and engage audiences authentically.

  • Focuses on AI-driven content strategy, moving beyond traditional keyword-based marketing.

  • Enables brands to create meaningful, community-driven conversations.

• Why Brands Need a New Approach to Content

  • 73% of consumers prefer short-form video when exploring products or services.

  • Social media success requires brands to be agile and authentic rather than overly promotional.

  • Many corporate brands struggle to engage effectively without appearing forced or inauthentic.

• How POCKLA is Changing Brand Engagement

  • Combines human strategy with AI-driven insights for more effective content.

  • Helps brands identify trending topics and conversations their audience cares about.

  • Transforms strategy into high-impact, engaging content quickly.

Leadership Insights on POCKLA’s Growth

• Sam Uwins (Director, Sidemen Entertainment Limited): "We invest in businesses shaping the future of marketing. POCKLA helps brands move at the speed of social media and build engaged audiences."

• Alistair Russell (Venture Investor, Venrex): "POCKLA is reinventing brand engagement, blending AI technology with creativity to help brands succeed in today’s competitive landscape."

• Rupert Boddington (Co-Founder, POCKLA): "Brands aren’t just competing with each other—they’re competing with every piece of content in a consumer’s social feed."

• Hugo Bibby (Co-Founder, POCKLA): "This funding marks a pivotal step in our journey to help brands engage authentically with their audience."

With £1.6M in new funding, POCKLA is poised to revolutionize digital marketing by empowering brands with AI-driven content strategies. By prioritizing authenticity and agility, POCKLA ensures brands can navigate the fast-changing digital landscape and build stronger, more engaged communities.