UMi supports new tech platform, Gig Lab, bring their product to market through meaningful connections
For those working behind the scenes in the UK’s live music scene, booking an independent venue is still surprisingly old school - email threads, answerphones, and days of back-and-forth just to secure a date.
But a new platform from Sunderland-based Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events is set to change that – and thanks to support from the North East Digital Technologies Launchpad, funded by Innovate UK, they’re turning their bold vision into a commercial reality.
“The Launchpad gave us the connections, support and confidence to take Gig Lab from a great idea to a real, scalable business.”
– Victoria Smith, Co-founder, Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events and Gig Lab
Introducing Gig Lab – like Airbnb, but for grassroots venues
Grassroots music venues contribute £500,000 to the UK economy annually, providing employment for £28,000 people. In 2023, 125 venues closed, with 350 more at risk – along with 12,000 jobs.
Co-founded by a team of industry insiders, Gig Lab is a tech platform designed to simplify the way promoters discover, book, and work with independent music venues. It's a smart, searchable system that aims to protect the UK’s vital grassroots scene by making it easier to fill rooms, manage bookings, and build long-term relationships between artists, promoters, and venues.
“Our team has lived the problems we’re solving,” says Victoria Smith, co-founder of Ghostwriter and a recent Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award winner. “Gig Lab is about supporting the spaces that give emerging artists their first chance – and giving venues the tools to thrive.”
The power of the Launchpad
Ghostwriter’s tech ambitions found a natural home in the Innovate UK North East Digital Technologies Launchpad, delivered by Innovation SuperNetwork, powered by UMi, experts in supporting innovation-led businesses across the region.
Through the Launchpad, Victoria and her team accessed targeted 1-2-1 support and joined a growing cluster of likeminded digital disruptors. They also participated in VentureFest North East, pitching Gig Lab live to a panel of investors and exhibited their idea as part of the Innovation Showcase. They even took centre stage at the Tech Services Showcase, in a fireside chat alongside their local development partners Layers Studio – another Launchpad-supported business.
“It wasn’t just the practical support – it was the connections, the confidence, and being part of a community that really understood what we were trying to do,” says Victoria. “The Launchpad helped us shape our thinking, build the right partnerships, and prepare for growth.”
Backed by the industry – and building fast
Gig Lab is gathering momentum. Developed in collaboration with Layers Studio and supported by Music Venue Trust, the platform is being shaped to reflect the real needs and priorities of the grassroots live sector.
With Gig Lab set to launch later this year, Ghostwriter is firmly on the map as one of the North East’s most exciting female-led tech startups.
Why it matters – and how to get involved
The North East Digital Technologies Launchpad is here to help ambitious tech businesses – just like Ghostwriter – collaborate, commercialise, and attract the finance they need to grow. Whether you're launching a new tech product, scaling up a digital service, or just starting your innovation journey, the Launchpad offers expert guidance to innovative digital businesses, alongside access to finance support, and connections to a network of innovators across edtech, healthtech, and tech services.
Victoria’s advice to others thinking about applying? “Do it. You’ll find support that’s tailored, personal, and rooted in a deep understanding of the region’s digital economy.”
Watch the video below to hear more about Gig Lab's experience working with UMi and the North East Digital Technologies Launchpad:
Ready to launch something new?
If your North East-based business is adopting digital systems or creating innovative tech, get in touch with the Innovation SuperNetwork team today and join a growing community that’s helping shape the future of digital in the region.