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About Us

our story

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.

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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”

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Robert Fryers

Founder and CEO of Spotta

Our Core Values

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We are ambitious

We set bold goals for ourselves, our company & the impact we’ll have on the world

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We are agile innovators

We make world-leading technology to solve problems that others can’t

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We are helpful experts

We provide data and insights that enable better decisions and add real value

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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

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).

Mike Payne

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.

Rob Alner

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.

Ian Hocking

Ian Hocking

Head of Sales, Hotel Sector

Having recently joined this amazing and innovative business, I’m looking forward to calling on my experience, relationships and in-depth industry knowledge to help further grow our hotel-specific solution.

A primary focus and passion of mine has always been to promote innovation within the hotels vertical and collaborate with both owners and operators to deliver market-leading solutions that address the problems inherent in this global community, whilst delivering (always) on promised outcomes.

My long standing enthusiasm for working with both operators and owning companies reflects the warmth this fantastic industry radiates to guests, investors and partners alike.

Hanting Qin

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.

Dilan Shamji

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.

Christina Norton

Christina Norton

Administrator

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.

Muge  Gibbs

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.

Neil D'Souza-Mathew

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

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.

Shoaib Oosman

Shoaib Oosman

Head of Growth (MENA)

I have a passion for building tech businesses across global territories. For the last 18 years I have operated my own consultancy and helped various tech businesses achieve double-digit growth and launch their technology into international markets.

My expertise lies in crafting strategic visions, assembling high-performing teams and orchestrating effective marketing campaigns. I have built several partner ecosystems across all key geographies and market verticals and managed/delivered $MMio revenue streams.

Outside work, I'm an advocate for continuous learning, I am also a trustee on a UK registered charity who work to address poverty and deliver community services.

Tom Sillence

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

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.

Kelvin Baggaley

Kelvin Baggaley

Bookkeeper

Varun Karkera

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.

Ed Moss

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.

Paul Anson

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.

Rohan Seery

Rohan Seery

Head of Commercial Operations & Marketing

Jordan Docker

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. Victor Kang

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

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.

Ian Clarke

Ian Clarke

Workshop and Production Technician

Zoltan Daroczi

Zoltan Daroczi

Manufacturing & Operations Engineer

I'm a business-minded engineer specialising in manufacturing, supply chain, quality management, and innovation. Since I moved to Cambridge in 2011, I've been at the forefront of transferring cutting-edge technology into production, managing quality for diverse product ranges, and overseeing teams to ensure compliance with expectations and standards. I thrive on setting up and running robust systems, solving complex problems, and collaborating effectively. I'm excited to join the brilliant team at Spotta and bring my expertise new challenges, and make a meaningful impact.

Meet the Team

Meet Our Advisors

Prof. Sonny Ramaswamy

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

Tony Kypreos

Advisory Council for the UN’s Sustainable Development Programme (Accelerate2030)

Lecturer at Cambridge Judge Business School

Peter Cowley

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

Peter Finnie

Senior partner at Potter Clarkson (a leading IP firm)

Specializes in IP strategy for start-ups

(Investor in Spotta)

Dr. Romeno Faleiro

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

David Bowles

Managing Partner at The Yield Lab, European Impact AgTech Venture Capital Investor.

(Investor in Spotta)

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