CITIES.
Working on demand-responsive train ticketing to revolutionary fiber optic internet, I have helped a range of forward-thinking ventures reimagine how our cities look, work, talk, travel, and prepare for the future.
AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT.
CHALLENGE
London, a global hub of business and culture, faced limitations in internet speeds due to a single underlying fiber network managed by BTOpenReach. Following the passage of new legislation (PIA - Passive Internet Access) allowing for independent network construction, Vorboss seized the opportunity. They covertly installed 500km of state-of-the-art fiber beneath the streets of London, delivering a minimum speed of 10Gbps — a starting point where most internet service providers max out. Vorboss approached West to build and launch their brand in London, aiming to stand out in a mature, commoditized market as a newcomer in a mission-critical service sector.
PROCESS
To address the challenges of being a new entrant in this critical service industry, we developed a brand strategy designed to differentiate Vorboss from conventional ISPs. We began by creating a futuristic, high-fidelity visual and verbal brand identity that conveyed innovation and reliability.
This was propelled out into the world through a comprehensive, city-wide ad campaign that included various out-of-home executions, animations, and podcast ads targeting businesses across London. The brand voice and identity were crafted to emphasize Vorboss' commitment to delivering exceptional service, accessible employment opportunities, and cutting-edge technology.
IMPACT
Vorboss launched its campaign publicly across London in September 2022, culminating in a high-profile event at Somerset House attended by business leaders, partners, and press. A fireside chat featuring CEO Tim Creswick and David Rowan, Founding UK Editor-in-Chief of WIRED, unveiled the company's groundbreaking 10Gbps minimum product.
The campaign's visibility extended to major transport hubs like Waterloo and Liverpool Station and news outlets such as The Economist, announcing Vorboss' arrival as a must-watch player in London's internet infrastructure landscape.
Work Done
Competitor Analysis
Market Research & Insights
Brand Strategy
Verbal and Visual Identity
Tagline Copy
Campaign Development
OOH Executions & Print Ads
Client
Vorboss
Status
£250M+ raised
FIRST CLASS FOR ALL.
CHALLENGE
Seatfrog, a successful seat upgrade tool for British railways, faced a pivotal moment post-COVID. Having developed new tools and ticketing services during the pandemic, they needed to redefine their category and position in the market. Seatfrog approached us to create a powerful brand that could re-inspire excitement around rail travel, while differentiating themselves in a commodified market with a £39BN total addressable market (TAM).
PROCESS
We began by analyzing the competitive landscape to identify differentiation opportunities. Our focus was on addressing the unmet needs of key consumer segments while creating an inspiring brand experience. A crucial aspect of our strategy was integrating Seatfrog's environmental mission into the brand's core, emphasizing trains as the greenest long-distance travel option.
We developed a unique brand identity that contrasted with legacy players, crafting a narrative that connected with Seatfrog's products. The design emphasized stickiness, virality, and word-of-mouth potential, ensuring that users felt compelled to share their experiences. Additionally, we created a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for each product and designed a referral and loyalty program based on the number of cars taken off the road, all while balancing charm with functionality.
IMPACT
Our strategy was implemented in Seatfrog's 2022 full brand relaunch, which was visible across their website, out-of-home advertising, social marketing, and mobile app. We provided ongoing support for real-time visual and verbal needs, including crafting a conference deck that won "Best Presentation" and attracted potential partners and train operating companies.
The new brand positioning and identity successfully re-established Seatfrog in the market, setting the stage for their expanded suite of rail travel services and a potential acquisition by a large-scale transportation company.
Client
Seatfrog
Status
Series B
$23.1M raised
Work Done
Stakeholder Interviews
Market Research & Insights
Brand Positioning
Verbal Guidelines
Product Suite Naming
Go-To-Market Strategy
Social Marketing Strategy
Ad, Web, and App Copy
Tagline Copy
Conference Deck Creation
Fundraising Strategy