A TYNESIDE technology firm which enables the visually impaired to read websites has been named one of the best 12 business start-ups in Europe.

Gateshead-based Recite, launched by Ross Linnett two years ago after he discovered he was dyslexic and wanted to help others with the same problem, was ranked at the top of the Tech All Stars – a competition organised by the European Commission.

Hundreds of start-ups applied to Tech All Stars, which selected just 12 businesses from across Europe at an event in London, where Linnett pitched the company’s unique web accessibility platform. “I was really pleased to be chosen as one of the finalists so that we could showcase the business and raise awareness of Recite,” said Mr Linnett.

“We were also able to meet and chat with the Tech All Stars advisory group, which includes representatives from some of Europe’s largest technology investment companies.”

The competition aims to help the 12 finalists grow brand awareness and visibility in the European market, as well as help connect them with potential investors.

“Competitions like Tech As Stars and Hatch Pitch aim to give exciting young businesses like Recite the opportunity to raise our profile and establish a market presence,” added Linnett.

“Simply by entering, we’ve appeared on the radar of some of the biggest businesses and most influential individuals in the sector.”

This is the second time this year that Recite has reached the final of a major competition for technology startups. Back in March, the company came third in a similar contest called Hatch Pitch at the SXSW technology festival in Austin, Texas – an accolade that has helped to launch the Recite platform in the US market.