Start-up Upgrade Pack appoints Twitter’s Chris Bell as it eyes APAC

High-growth firm has secured over £1.6m funding in less than a year

Fintech start-up Upgrade Pack has appointed Chris Bell as a board advisor.

Bell, who was described as an experienced digital strategist, will specialise in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

He has worked for some of the world’s leading digital consultancies including Publicis-owned Sapient Razorfish, and IPG Agencies, where he’s driven strategy for global portfolios of brands across general retail, finance, insurance and automotive.

As head of agency development for Twitter in southeast Asia, he’s currently driving the platform’s next phase of growth in the region, and was instrumental in augmented reality and AI start-up Blippar’s successful launch in Asia.

Chris joins Upgrade Pack as it enjoys a period of high-growth, which has seen co-founders Craig Unsworth and Urchana Moudgil secure over £1.6 million in funding in less than a year.

It recently closed its crowdfunding campaign with Seedrs having exceeded its £500,000 investment target at 118%.

Unsworth said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Chris over a number of years.

“His grasp for technology, understanding of users’ needs, and proven track record spearheading digital innovations, (particularly in AI), will be a real asset, and is what our clients, partners and users will expect as we launch, develop and grow in this important market. I’m delighted to welcome him as part of our exceptional Board.”

Bell added: “Having known Craig for a number of years I’ve consistently been impressed by his achievements and business acumen.

“Craig pitched me the idea for Upgrade Pack in Singapore mid 2018; I was instantly sold on the proposition and we’ve been speaking ever since.

“I’m excited to be part of the Board of such an exciting, innovative business spanning fintech, travel and loyalty; sectors that are seeing heavy disruption and growth across APAC markets”

Upgrade Pack’s closed marketplace platform helps banks, credit card companies and corporates to retain and reward their most valued customers and employees, with exclusive offers on flight and hotel upgrades as a unique loyalty benefit.

The Beta version of its market-first app, which is launching imminently in the UK, before launches in Asia and the US later this year, sold out in 24 hours, with registrations at one point every 55 seconds.