About Us
Where it all started
Robert Fryers and Neil D’Souza-Mathew spent the first decade of their careers developing some of the world’s most advanced sensing technologies for challenging applications like medical implants and F1. In 2017, Neil persuaded Robert to take a look at the relatively unglamorous world of insect pests, where the tools available to the industry hadn’t significantly changed for decades.
They found a world dominated by the inefficient practice of going to a farm, forest, or a warehouse with a pen and a pad to look for damages caused by pests. By the time insect problems were identified it was already too late, the damage was done and the infestation had spread.
They realised that an early warning system, based on modern technology, could transform outcomes by reducing losses and business disruption. Gareth Funk joined the team and Spotta was formed in 2018.
The founders shared the vision for a cost effective, automated and real-time monitoring platform that could be applied to any insect. Powered by proprietary IoT hardware and advanced algorithms, this vision has been realised and Spotta is now deploying it around the world.
Our Mission
“Insect pests are a massive and largely unrecognised challenge, costing $0.5Tn every year. High intensity insecticide pesticide use can’t carry on. We’re bringing advanced technology to make a step change in the sustainability and cost effectiveness of how the world manage insect pests”
Robert Fryers
Founder and CEO of Spotta
Our Core Values
We are ambitious
We set bold goals for ourselves, our company & the impact we’ll have on the world
We are agile innovators
We make world-leading technology to solve problems that others can’t
We are helpful experts
We provide data and insights that enable better decisions and add real value
We deliver & follow-through
Our service, processes and teams are robust, scalable and sustainable.
Meet Our Team
From Spotta’s base in Cambridge, UK our energetic team brings together world leading entomologists, engineers and sector specialists to build a high growth business based on advanced technology and sustainability.
Robert Fryers
Founder & CEO
I love to build stuff and at Spotta I'm really proud to be building an amazing team to make us the world leader in sustainable insect management, through our unique technology. Outside work, I’m (re)building a house. (And a boat, and an awesome electric go-kart for my son).
Ekansh Mittal
Head of New Initiatives
I joined Spotta in 2020 to help the team enter new markets, building on my experience at Kent RO Systems where I was involved in taking over 20 new products to market. I enjoy building value propositions, establishing distribution channels and selling across multiple countries. I have an MBA from Cambridge, where I conducted a detailed investigation into the damage to businesses caused by insects- the perfect step into working with Spotta! I also hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering from NIT (Surat), India.
Rob Alner
Head of Manufacturing
I joined Spotta in 2021 to manage our supply chain and production facilities. Prior to joining Spotta, I spent 5 years at Jaguar Land Rover, building innovative teams to identify and implement new manufacturing technologies and processes. I have a first class degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Cambridge and am a chartered engineer with the IMechE.
Hanting Qin
Design Engineer
I joined in 2020 to work on product design, including design for manufacture and assembly - both of which are key to developing robust, reliable products.
I hold a 2.1 in Integrated Design Engineering from the University of Bath, and have experience in designing experiments and developing liquid handling systems such as those used in our lure- dispensing technologies.
William Blakesley-Herbert
Science and Engineering Support, In-house Photographer
I joined in January 2022 to provide technical support for our R&D team. My role is supporting production of each of our unique products, aiding in prototype testing using skills I have learnt from other members of the R&D team and utilizing my first class degree in Zoology to take care of our resident insect colonies. Whilst my time is spent supporting all departments across R&D, I have worked to further develop our laboratory facilities.
I am an avid photographer outside of the office and so I also act as Spotta’s in house cameraman, creating visual material for our commercial team.
Neil D'Souza-Mathew
Founder & CTO
I direct our brilliant R&D team at Spotta to create new technologies and turn them into the products we deliver. I've spent 14 years working in technology and product development across a range of industries, after a 1st class Engineering degree from Cambridge. I enjoy bouldering and critiquing Indian food.
Helen Snook
Head of People
I joined Spotta in 2020 to support the expansion and growth of the business.
I have a background in operational administration and have worked for a number of Cambridge technology start-ups assisting them in their various stages of growth and investment, including a successful IPO.
Jordan Docker
Firmware Lead
An Oxford graduate (1st class in Engineering Science) amongst the Cambridge alumni, I joined Spotta in 2020 from Cirrus Logic, a specialist low power semiconductor company.
I enjoy working with low power data processing algorithms, including embedded image recognition.
Part of my role is to conduct robust, test-driven development for the embedded platforms we use in our smart pest monitors.
Dr. Emem Kingsley-Umana
Entomologist
I joined Spotta in 2021 as an entomologist. I have a background in the management of insect pests using pheromones. My role involves designing and executing experiments in order to develop effective insect trap designs.
I am concluding a PhD in Agriculture from the University of Reading, United Kingdom.
Kurt Morgan
Electronics Engineer
Having known the founders for many years, I joined the team part-time in 2022. I was attracted by the chance to work with some really smart people on some fascinating low power RF products - it is a good place to work. I designed our solar powered outdoor gateways & assist in software and electronic developments. I’m a Chartered Engineer with the IET & have a 1st class engineering degree from Cambridge.
Gareth Funk
Co-Founder & Head of Customer Success
My job is all about delivering our fantastic technology to our amazing customers. This means I’m in charge of all our customer-facing operations: logistics, account management, customer support, and field servicing & installation. When I’m not working you’ll find me cooking, gardening, or playing video games.
Dr. Victor Kang
Lead Scientist
I joined Spotta in 2022 and bring expertise in entomology, insect-plant interaction, biochemistry, and modelling. I currently lead our scientific efforts, including work on lure selection, trap design, and experimental design and analysis. Before joining Spotta, I was a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Dept. of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, where I investigated insect behaviour and biomechanics. I hold a BSc in Biochemistry & Biophysics from Yale University and a PhD in Insect Biomechanics from the University of Cambridge. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, taking photos, and listening to music.
Tianah Adifagberu
Operations coordinator
I joined in June 2022, I coordinate operations. My role cuts across all the departments in Spotta, I am responsible for ensuring that all departments are running smoothly, assisting with human resource allocation, organizing company events, arranging and assisting with employee training, managing budgets, and in charge of shipping and prompt/excellent service delivery. Before Joining Spotta I have worked in the Operations and Planning Unit of Government Ministry in Nigeria. I have a Masters degree in Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation
Meet Our Advisors
Prof. Sonny Ramaswamy
Director of the US
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(2012-2018)
One of the world’s preeminent agricultural entomologists
Tony Kypreos
Advisory Council for the UN’s Sustainable Development Programme (Accelerate2030)
Lecturer at Cambridge Judge Business School
David Bowles
Managing Partner at The Yield Lab, European Impact AgTech Venture Capital Investor.
(Investor in Spotta)
Peter Cowley
Chairman of Cambridge Angels
President of the European Business Angel Network
14 times a founder + 76 startup investments
(Investor in Spotta)
Peter Finnie
Senior partner at Potter Clarkson (a leading IP firm)
Specializes in IP strategy for start-ups
(Investor in Spotta)
Krishna Gupta
Founder CEO, REMUS Capital
Strategic VC, led several companies to billion dollar exits
MIT grad, Ex-McKinsey, Ex-JP Morgan
(Investor in Spotta)
Dr. Romeno Faleiro
World’s leading researcher in Red Palm Weevil
Awarded the prestigious 'Khalifa International Date Palm Award' by UAE
Advisor to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
Paul Anson
Board member at Cambridge Angels, a well known investor supporting early stage tech startups.
Co-founded and led Inca Digital Printers to a successful exit in 2005.
(Investor in Spotta)