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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.
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”
Our Core Values
We are agile innovators
We make world-leading technology to solve problems that others can’t
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).
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.
Paul Anson
Chairman
I am an angel investor in tech and life sciences and support early-stage businesses and scale-ups through mentoring, board roles and coaching. Having held Chair, CEO, COO and technical leadership roles, I have particular expertise in scaling teams and operations, commercial channels, partnerships and fundraising.
I studied Engineering at Bristol University, and I've worked in various senior management positions including Team Leader at Cambridge Consultants. I co-founded Inca Digital Printers which dominated the large format flatbed market. After successful scaling and trade sale, I joined Cambridge Angels and went on to invest in over 25 tech and healthcare start-ups where we have enjoyed a number of positive exits.
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Mike Payne
Finance Director
With over 20 years of CFO experience across a wide range of industries, both large and small, joining a company like Spotta was an easy decision. Having previously Co-founded start-up Inca Digital Printers that was recognised by the Times Tech Track as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK, I recognise a company with fantastic potential and great aspirations for growth. I thoroughly enjoyed my previous start-up experience so more than happy to get another chance to get stuck in to make it happen all over again.
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Rohan Seery
Head of Commercial
I’ve worked in both big companies and start-ups, helping teams grow in B2B data, analytics and content companies. I love the energy of start-ups, where small teams move fast and put customers at the centre of everything. At Spotta, my role is to bring sales, marketing and sector together to help us grow in a sustainable way. What motivates me most is building collaboration across teams and finding simple ways to overcome challenges as we scale and keeping humour alongside the hard work.
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.
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.
Tom Sillence
Software Lead
Having founded my own successful tech business I know what a startup needs, and at Spotta I'm back doing what I love - solving problems with ones and zeros!
I have a 1st-class degree in Computer Science from Cambridge University, and I joined Spotta in 2022, bringing 20 years experience developing software for businesses large and small, serving some of the most demanding customers in the world.
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.
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.
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.
Dilan Shamji
Prototyping and Test Engineer
I joined Spotta in 2022 to support the R&D group with testing and prototyping. I graduated from Sheffield University with an MEng in Aerospace Engineering. After graduation I joined an aerospace company working in a design engineering role.
I enjoy the daily challenges at Spotta, working with cross-functional engineers in the development of our smart monitoring systems. I also support product deployments at customer sites, giving me first hand experience of our products in the field.
I am a keen climber and enjoy bouldering at our local centre. I also like producing music and playing piano in my spare time.
Kelvin Baggaley
Bookkeeper
Ian Clarke
Workshop and Production Technician
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Christina Norton
Office Manager
I joined the team in November 2023 after working for over 10 years in an administrative capacity for other Cambridge technology companies.
My role is to support the everyday needs of the growing team. Each day is different and I rise to the challenges that a busy start-up experiences.
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Varun Karkera
Firmware Engineer
I graduated with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering (first class honours) from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, since then I've been working in the medical device industry as a firmware engineer. I enjoy the day to day problem solving and seeing my code do things in real life. I joined Spotta in 2024 to work on the firmware for our smart pest monitoring.
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Muge Gibbs
Customer Success Manager
I joined Spotta in 2024, where I specialize in managing customer relationships, driven by a passion for facilitating client success and fostering
long-term partnerships.
With a degree in Communications, my professional journey has been deeply rooted in business development and client
relations, focusing on delivering outstanding service and strategic advice. My attraction to Spotta stemmed from its commitment to innovative,
environmentally sustainable technologies, led by exceptionally smart people.
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Ed Moss
Business Development Manager, Hotel Sector
I joined Spotta in March 2024 as a Business Development Manager for global sales. I have worked in the luxury hospitality market both in North America and the UK and have a passion for the industry. I'm always on the lookout for new initiatives, hence why Spotta's innovation solution for the industry was of real interest to me.
Meet Our Advisors
Peter Finnie
Senior partner at Potter Clarkson (a leading IP firm)
Specializes in IP strategy for start-ups
(Investor in Spotta)
Prof. Sonny Ramaswamy
Director of the US
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(2012-2018)
One of the world’s preeminent agricultural entomologists
Peter Cowley
Chairman of Cambridge Angels
President of the European Business Angel Network
14 times a founder + 76 startup investments
(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
David Bowles
Managing Partner at The Yield Lab, European Impact AgTech Venture Capital Investor.
(Investor in Spotta)
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