Company: needi
Founders: Louise Doyle and Steph Scholes
Website: https://needi.co.uk/
About needi
needi was founded by Louise Doyle and Steph Scholes in 2020, inspired by their experience managing a largely remote global workforce. They saw firsthand how meaningful, well-chosen gifts could enhance employee morale and client retention. Identifying a gap in the market for thoughtful and timely corporate gifting, they launched needi as an online marketplace, aiming to bring ease, sustainability, and personalisation to the process.
Louise and Stephs journey began with a deep understanding of the power of gifting to foster authentic connections. While at their previous enterprise, they sourced gifts for staff and clients. These efforts boosted retention but also exposed inefficiencies in the process, such as delivery delays and the dominance of platforms like Amazon, which didnt prioritise sustainability or independent businesses. Combining this insight with Louises personal experience of receiving thoughtful, useful gifts during maternity, they envisioned a platform that offered gifts people truly want and need while supporting small, local vendors.
Starting as a marketplace, needi faced the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: onboarding merchants without guaranteed sales while attracting clients with limited offerings. The solution lay in trust and transparency. Louise and Steph personally reached out to merchants, sharing their vision and building relationships. They also ensured early clients received an exceptional experience, even with a limited product range. This dual focus established a foundation of trust, proving needis value to both sides.
Another challenge was securing funding, especially as female founders in a landscape where less than 2% of VC funding goes to women. Through relentless networking, and consistent communication with potential investors, they demonstrated their dedication and market fit. Their efforts paid off, raising £1,4 million in funding.
needi has revolutionised corporate gifting by merging psychology and AI to deliver a truly personalised experience. Its innovative gift-matching algorithm ensures that gifts resonate with recipients while aligning with the eco-conscious values of modern businesses. By connecting companies with local independent businesses, needi has driven over £1 million in sales for small vendors, bolstering community economies and promoting sustainable practices.
Their focus on meaningful gifts has transformed gifting occasions such as employee onboarding, anniversaries, and client appreciation into opportunities for connection and impact. Major companies such as Microsoft, Spotify, and DPD have adopted needis services, validating its position as a leader in the corporate gifting sector.
Louise and Steph stay motivated by celebrating every win, surrounding themselves with supportive people, and maintaining a focus on their mission to create positive change through gifting. They also highlight the value of resilience, a supportive network, and genuine passion for your business.
Looking ahead, needi aims to continue scaling, with a target of £5 million in sales for small businesses by 2024, proving that thoughtful gifting can be a force for good.
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