CLOSE COMMS
The Company has developed unique technology, which integrates mobile phone applications (“apps”) with public Wi-Fi by requiring a user to download an app before the end user can gain access to Wi-Fi over a public network. The Company’s products and services have a wide application across a number of industries and are now installed in pubs, restaurants, coffee shops and sports venues.
Close Comms products include:
• The QSR app – targeted at the Quick Service Restaurant industry.
• VenueNow – designed for fans at sports clubs and arenas.
• Classroom Buddy – a communication tool for schools.
• Insite – targeted at SMEs such as restaurants and independent businesses.
We tailor each app to the requirements of the customer and each comprises many different features. All of the apps provide Merchant services including ordering of goods through the app, full analytics of app usage, demographics, in-app sales and advertising opportunities through a “dashboard” that is hosted on Close Comms’ servers and accessed by the merchant through the internet.
The platform is an enabler which incentivises consumers to download and retain ordering apps on their phones in the Quick Service Restaurant sector and at sports venues. Increases in sales have been proven when customers download Merchant apps. This provides Merchants with the opportunity to turn their Wi-Fi into a tool for further customer engagement and revenue generation (e.g. in match betting at sports grounds), rather than just being a business expense.
Close Comms’ technology and approach seamlessly enables and encourages more app downloads, thereby boosting Merchant sales. It is estimated that order-ahead apps generate 30% higher average order values than traditional in-store order
Close Comms charge a monthly service fee per outlet for use of a Quick Service Restaurant app and analytic dashboard, typically $40 to $50 per month. At sports stadiums, there is a charge for each order of beverages or merchandise made through the app (typically £0.45 per order) and in addition Close Comms earns a share of betting and advertising revenues accessed through the app (typically a 25% share).
We envisage a trade sale as the most likely exit. Two US companies have already expressed interest. One provides a wifi service to enterprises (including those in the QSR sector) and the other manufactures hardware such as access points used to connect to wifi.