Team First

Team First operates as a digital conduit between university sports teams, societies, and local businesses, creating a symbiotic fundraising and marketing ecosystem. The company was co-founded by Harry Milburn and Louis Gabaldoni, who identified an opportunity to streamline the support for community-level sports and societies. Their platform facilitates partnerships where businesses can sponsor or offer deals to university groups, in turn gaining access to a targeted and engaged student demographic. This model addresses the persistent fundraising challenges faced by student organizations while offering businesses a direct channel to enhance brand loyalty among a key consumer segment.

The core of Team First's offering is a mobile-first platform that connects these two parties. For university teams and societies, it provides a structured and straightforward tool to secure much-needed funding. For businesses, it serves as a specialized marketing platform to generate footfall and build lasting customer relationships. Revenue is likely generated through a commission on the funds raised or a subscription fee for businesses to access the network of university groups. The platform aims to simplify the entire process, from initial connection to the execution of fundraising campaigns and promotional offers, thereby making community-level support more accessible and efficient for both sides of the marketplace.

The founders' backgrounds appear rooted in recognizing and building community-centric ventures. This is reflected in the company's mission to make doing good easier by allowing brands to support people's passions. The business operates in the intersection of community tech, marketing technology (MarTech), and fundraising. Its clients are twofold: university-affiliated groups in need of financial support and local or national businesses seeking to engage with the student population. The benefit for students is direct financial support for their activities, while businesses receive targeted marketing exposure and the goodwill associated with supporting local university life. Keywords: university fundraising, student societies, local business marketing, sponsorship platform, community engagement, brand loyalty, student marketing, fundraising app, sports team funding, university partnerships, local sponsorship, customer acquisition, MarTech, community-level sports, student engagement, corporate sponsorship, deals platform, society funding, alumni engagement, hyper-local marketing