.A Glasgow based company is expanding into the USA after securing a deal with one of the worlds biggest internet providers, AOL.
Originally set up in Glasgow, Scotland by 2 founders with a loan of US$400,000 from Richard Emanuel, one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs. Launched six years ago by entrepreneurs Mike Kinsella and John McGuire, Wee World has already enjoyed tremendous success in the European market with the creation of the ‘Wee Mee’ -a ‘digital identity’ that allows users to put a friendly face on the internet by giving them a graphic alter-ego while online and through their mobile phone.
The idea for the Wee Mee came about in 2001 when it became clear that allowing people to create a graphical representation of themselves was far preferable – and more fun – than asking them to fill in numerous boxes, drop-down menus or options.
The Wee Mee gives the user an identity that reflects not only their looks, clothing and interests, but everything they have an interest in their real and digital lives, from music and sports, through to pets and even favorite beverage.
Already boasting global partnerships with organizations such as MSN, Motorola and Skype, Wee World’s deal with AOL has helped the company expand from an original office of three people to an organization with over 40 staff and offices in Glasgow, London and their recently-opened office in Boston.
The expansion into the USA was made possible thanks to Wee World’s recently secured funding of over £8 million through venture capitalists Accel Partners and the European fund of Benchmark Capital.
General Manager of North America Wee World, Lauren Bigelow, said: “Expanding Wee World into the US market is a tremendous step forward in our ongoing efforts. We are committed to innovation and are motivated by the opportunities ahead as offline realities and online experiences continue to converge.”
The Wee Mee craze is sweeping the world, with The New York Times reporting that creating a Wee Mee is the next best thing to a personal appearance in The Simpsons.
Wee World is already in talks with a number of other leading online and mobile companies about new deals. To help cope with the predicted demand for WeeMees, all three offices will shortly be recruiting new staff members to help with the company’s further expansion.
