The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has backed the launch of a community app to help people locate lost property.
Developed by Bristol based tech start-up Found, the mobile app and website platform allows users to record lost property, while people or businesses that find lost items can use the app to register them.
It uses AI to match lost and found items and links losers and finders to arrange their safe return.
The company will also be partnering with local charities – the first being Caring in Bristol – to stop unclaimed lost property going to landfill.
Need for solution
Its founder, Lance Plunkett, said: “Over 50 million items are lost a year in the UK, with a value of over £1 billion. Join this to the fact that police forces are no longer taking lost property at their stations, then you can see that there is a real need for a new innovative solution to this problem.
“As the coverage of the Found partner network increases, so does the chance of finding the lost valuables which are registered on the app. If your item is discovered, we’ll connect you with the person or organisation that found it, so that you can arrange to be reunited with your item.
“In this respect we’re trying to create a community network that helps each other and promotes social good.”
Found was supported to set up in the region by WECA’s inward investment arm, Invest Bristol & Bath.
Image: The Found team - Claire-Sharpe, marketing manager; Lance Plunkett, CEO and founder; Andrew Ogier, CTO; Harry Felton, business partnerships manager
