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iris extends offering with launch of innovation and ventures division 'The Nursery'

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By Natalie Mortimer, N/A

February 27, 2014 | 2 min read

iris, the global creative innovation network, has today (27 February) opened its new innovations and ventures division, The Nursery, which will help bring start-up style ideas to life for global brands.

John Grant, Dan Thwaites and David Caygill

Author John Grant and former Karmarama managing partner, Dan Thwaites have joined iris to head up the division, alongside regional innovation lead and creative technology director David Caygill.

The duo have been tasked with bringing more start-up style ideas to big brands, creating new business concepts and helping clients to accelerate their own innovation process.

The Nursery is also investing £250,000 in startup and innovative businesses, through its own investment fund and in collaboration with VC partners.

Ian Millner, joint global CEO and founder of Iris said at launch: “We have a strong heritage of creative innovation that extends way beyond communication – from creating iconic mascots Mandeville & Wenlock for the London 2012 Olympics to our recent work with Domino’s, MINI, Philips and adidas.

“We know that innovation is vital to modern day business success. Quick, breakthrough ideas need a different process, different people, different funding models. The Nursery has been designed to do just this. The Nursery will help us find, develop and launch innovation wherever we find it. It will also invest in and incubate interesting start-ups. It's time for adland to put its money where its mouth is.”

John Grant is the best-selling author of The Brand Innovation Manifesto, and the award-winning Green Marketing Manifesto, while Dan Thwaites’ history lies in technology, creativity and start-ups, as well as experience working with global brands including BT, Diageo, Honda and Vodafone.

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