Co-founder of Zootom combines motherhood and expertise to redefine online safety for young users
LONDON— Jan 06, 2025 — As a proud mother to two young children aged 2 and 4, Nichola’s journey to becoming the co-founder of Zootom is rooted in her deep concern for the challenges children face in the digital age. While balancing her part-time role as a health and safety officer with her responsibilities as a devoted parent, Nichola’s passion for creating a safer online world began during a family holiday, where a chance meeting with Zootom’s founder Raymond Finlayson sparked a transformative collaboration.
Reflecting on that pivotal encounter, Nichola shares, “We connected immediately over our shared views on children’s use of social media. As a parent, I’ve often thought about how unregulated digital spaces can influence our kids’ well-being. That conversation led me to join Zootom, a platform committed to creating innovative solutions that help parents and children navigate the digital world safely.”
The Zootom as a complete brand is collectively looking forward to protect kids from cyberbullying or other online threats. At first, the Zootom app is created for children aged 6-12 and teens aged 13-17, this social media app provides an age-appropriate, secure environment where young users can explore, learn, and connect. The app connects both kids and teenagers to have an individual space for themselves to connect. This social media app ensures a safe space for young minds to explore their interests and interact responsibly, promoting healthy digital engagement while empowering parents to stay informed.
Also in beta is Zootom VR, an immersive virtual reality experience now available on the Oculus Store. Designed to captivate teenage users, Zootom VR offers adventure-rich environments in a secure, controlled format. This VR platform lets teens explore exciting worlds from the safety of home, with an emphasis on content moderation and user safety, setting a new standard in youth-centered virtual reality experiences.
Complementing these innovations is Zootom Search, a privacy-centric search engine crafted specifically for young users. This search engine provides safe, relevant results without compromising user privacy or tracking search history. With built-in content filtering to block inappropriate material, Zootom Search offers a family-friendly browsing experience. While the platform is ad-supported, it carefully limits ad exposure to ensure that any ads shown are both relevant and safe, respecting young users’ privacy and maintaining a clean browsing experience.
Moreover, Zootom AI, another key offering from the Zootom ecosystem, is a child-friendly chatbot designed to provide young users with a safe, engaging, and informative way to interact with AI. Accessible via Zootom.ai, this innovative platform acts as a trusted digital companion for kids, answering a wide range of queries across educational, fictional, and entertainment topics. Whether helping with homework, spinning imaginative tales, or suggesting fun activities, Zootom AI ensures responses are age-appropriate, accurate, and enriching. With its intuitive design and robust content moderation, Zootom AI empowers children to explore their curiosity in a secure, supportive environment, making learning both interactive and enjoyable.
Zootom’s commitment to safety and privacy is driven by co-founder Nichola, a proud mother of two young children, aged 2 and 4. Nichola, who works part-time as a health and safety officer, dedicates the rest of her time to raising her children and advocating for their well-being. Her journey with Zootom began serendipitously during a family holiday when she met Zootom’s Director. Bonding over their shared concerns about children’s use of social media, they discovered a mutual passion for creating a safer, more enriching digital world for young users.
Zootom’s app, reflects Nichola’s vision of an age-appropriate social media platform. “This app is more than a tool; it’s a space where kids can safely express themselves and build meaningful connections,” Nichola says.
Complementing the app is Zootom VR, a innovative virtual reality experience crafted to inspire and educate teenagers within a safe, moderated setting. With adventure-rich environments, Zootom VR offers immersive learning opportunities while upholding the company’s rigorous safety standards. “Virtual reality has the power to ignite curiosity and creativity in ways we’ve never seen before,” Nichola notes. “But it’s crucial that these experiences remain safe and positive.”
Zootom Search and Zootom AI further highlight Nichola’s dedication to creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem for young users. These tools prioritize privacy and age-appropriate content, ensuring that children can explore the digital world with confidence. The Zootom Search engine provides filtered, family-friendly results, while Zootom AI serves as an engaging, educational chatbot companion.
Beyond its digital platforms, Zootom also embraces Nichola’s belief in the importance of fostering creativity offline. The company’s original comic book series, The Guardians of Eternity, and the Morag Coloring Book series encourage imaginative play while imparting valuable life lessons. These initiatives complement Zootom’s digital tools, creating a well-rounded approach to learning and engagement.
Looking ahead, Nichola is particularly excited about Zootom’s upcoming innovations, including immersive VR experiences like a virtual sweet shop and toy store. These projects align with her vision of providing children with safe, enriching digital spaces that mirror the wonder and joy of real-life exploration.
“As a mother, I understand the challenges of navigating the digital world with young children,” Nichola reflects. “Joining Zootom has given me the opportunity to address these concerns head-on and contribute to creating a safer, more empowering online environment for families worldwide.”
Zootom remains steadfast in its mission to redefine digital engagement for children and teens. By prioritizing safety, privacy, and creativity, the platform continues to set new standards for online interactions, earning the trust of parents and inspiring the next generation to explore the digital world responsibly.
For more information about Zootom’s products and initiatives, please visit our websites: Zootom AI, Zootom VR, and Zootom Search. Zootom Ltd. is dedicated to providing families with secure, enriching tools that empower children and teens to thrive in today’s digital age.
For more information on Zootom’s products and ongoing initiatives, please visit our websites: Zootom AI, Zootom VR, and Zootom Search. Zootom Ltd. remains committed to providing families with enriching, safe, and privacy-forward tools that empower children and teens to explore, learn, and engage confidently in the digital world.
Media Contact:
- Names: Nichola Ashcroft, Raymond Finlayson, Vipin Vijay Kumar
- Emails: nicola@zootom.com, info@zootom.com, raymond@zootom.com
- Websites: zootom.com, zootomapp.com, zootomvr.com, zootom.ai, zootom.in
Company name: zootom
Contact name: Nicola Ashcroft
Email: nicola@zootom.com
Website: https://zootom.com
City: wales
State: Scotland
Country: United Kingdom