Manchester ‘baby tech’ firm Dote has announced a senior hire as it targets international expansion and its latest funding round.
Denise Namakando will take up the newly created role of managing director of the UK & Ireland at Dote, described as the world’s first integrated AI-powered smart baby range for monitoring in-and-out of home.
She has served as the Manchester-based firm’s fractional CMO, leading its go-to-market strategy, brand positioning and execution, and commercial proposition.
Her previous roles include working with leading household names such as Dyson, Barbie and Unilever, as well as US tech startup Owlet Baby Care.
In her new position, Namakando will work alongside the tech scaleup’s founder, Stephen Senior, to support the current funding round as well as drive the firm’s consumer launch in September and oversee its global expansion into the US and Europe.
“2025 is a pivotal year for the brand as we gear up for a range of major milestones, including our latest funding round, our consumer launch and our expansion into international territories,” said founder and CEO Senior.
“As such, it’s critical we have a team that can drive the vision as well as deliver our ambitious technical roadmap. Appointing Denise is a significant step for Dote, as we embark on a crucial stage in our journey of acceleration, expansion and disruption.”
The appointment marks a trio of senior hires in the first quarter of the year, with Avril Murphy joining Dote as COO and Nova Chow joining as technical product manager.
Namakando added: “Dote was founded with a simple mission: to reduce the stressors of modern-day parenting and create more joy for parents by disrupting the nursery category with innovative design and leading technology.
“As both a parent and a sector specialist, this is a mission I share wholeheartedly so I am delighted to be taking on the role of managing director UK & Ireland at such a crucial time in our growth journey.
“We are already pushing the boundaries in reimagining the parenting experience and the positive feedback we continue to receive from partners, investors and parents is testament to the huge potential in Dote and its ability to transform the sector.”
With its product ecosystem, a bolstered technical and senior leadership team, and a funding round underway, Dote is poised to significantly accelerate its global reach and growth trajectory.
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