JCDecaux Nurture Marks 10th Anniversary at London Stock Exchange

JCDecaux Nurture, the out-of-home media company's dedicated programme for startups and scale-ups, marked its tenth anniversary with a Market Close ceremony at the London Stock Exchange on 15 September. Jean-François Decaux, Co-Chief Executive Officer of JCDecaux, rang the closing bell alongside founders, CEOs, investors and partners from across the UK's scale-up ecosystem. The programme, which began in the UK in 2016, has since expanded to 13 markets worldwide and has supported more than 1,000 start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises globally, delivering nearly 3,000 campaigns and generating 50 billion impressions.

What is JCDecaux Nurture and how did it begin?

JCDecaux Nurture was launched in the United Kingdom in 2016 with the aim of helping ambitious young businesses build their brands through out-of-home advertising. The programme combines access to JCDecaux's media inventory with guidance, expertise and support designed to make out-of-home effective for companies that may be unfamiliar with the medium. Jean-François Decaux, speaking at the anniversary event, traced a parallel between JCDecaux's own history and the businesses Nurture supports: the company began in 1964 when founder Jean-Claude Decaux pioneered the concept of providing and maintaining bus shelters funded through advertising in Lyon, France. From those origins, JCDecaux has grown to operate in 78 countries and describes itself as the world's largest out-of-home media company.

How many businesses has the programme supported and what results does it claim?

Nurture has supported more than 500 high-growth businesses in the UK over the past decade, delivering over 2,000 campaigns and generating more than 30 billion audience impressions in that market alone. Sixteen businesses which participated in the programme have gone on to achieve unicorn status — a valuation exceeding $1 billion. Globally, the programme has worked with more than 1,000 start-ups and SMEs across its 13 markets, delivering nearly 3,000 campaigns and generating 50 billion impressions.

What role did the London Stock Exchange play in the anniversary celebration?

The anniversary ceremony took place at the London Stock Exchange, reflecting a partnership between LSEG and JCDecaux that has brought the achievements of UK companies to wider audiences through out-of-home advertising campaigns across the country. Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of LSE plc and Head of Digital and Securities Markets at LSEG, said that the UK continues to be home to an exceptional community of entrepreneurs building innovative businesses and creating long-term economic value. She added that the London Stock Exchange is committed to supporting these companies throughout their growth journey by helping them access capital, expertise and networks, and that the partnership with JCDecaux showcases UK companies' achievements through a national advertising campaign.

How does Nurture fit into JCDecaux's broader business strategy?

Supporting entrepreneurs through Nurture is described by JCDecaux as a natural extension of the company's entrepreneurial DNA. The company combines innovation, responsible business practices and partnerships with cities, transport authorities and private landlords to create service-oriented, technology-driven, aesthetic and sustainable advertising solutions. Nurture leverages JCDecaux's premium, data-driven and increasingly digital out-of-home networks, enabling entrepreneurs to build brand awareness, credibility and trust in the real world, complementing their online and mobile growth strategies. The programme's international expansion to 13 markets suggests JCDecaux views startup support as a scalable component of its global operations.

What sectors and geographies will Nurture target in its second decade?

As Nurture enters its second decade, the programme will continue to support the next generation of high-growth businesses as they build awareness, credibility and growth through out-of-home advertising. Building on its 10-year success, Nurture aims to expand its reach to more sectors and geographies, with a particular focus on innovative businesses that contribute positively to society and the environment.