Dote, a “baby tech” firm based in Manchester, has announced a significant senior hire and is targeting international expansion, alongside its latest funding round.
Denise Namakando has been appointed as the newly created Managing Director for the UK & Ireland at Dote. The company describes its product line as the world’s first integrated AI-powered smart baby range for both in-home and out-of-home monitoring. Previously, Namakando served as the company’s fractional CMO, leading its go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, execution, and overall commercial proposition. Her experience includes collaborating with established brands such as Dyson, Barbie, Unilever, and the US tech startup, Owlet Baby Care.
In her new role, Namakando will collaborate with Dote’s founder, Stephen Senior. They will support the current funding round, drive the consumer launch scheduled for September, and oversee the company’s global expansion into the US and Europe.
Founder and CEO Stephen Senior stated, “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.” He added, “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 of Namakando follows two other senior hires in the first quarter of the year: Avril Murphy as COO and Nova Chow as technical product manager.
Namakando commented, “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 strengthened technical and senior leadership team, and an active funding round, Dote is well-positioned to accelerate its global reach and growth.
