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”
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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. 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.
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.
