What CATBYTES CIC does

Catbytes CIC is a registered charity and Community Interest Company (Company Number 09948032; Charity Number 1216848) founded in 2014 and incorporated in 2016, headquartered at Crofton Park Library in the London Borough of Lewisham. The organization runs the only comprehensive digital inclusion programme in Lewisham, combining free device loans with hands-on training delivered by volunteer "digital buddies." It operates 18 weekly drop-in sessions across libraries, community centres, church halls, and housing association venues, supplemented by DBS-checked home visits for housebound individuals. Since August 2022, the programme has run 4,003 drop-in sessions, delivered 22,658 hours of buddying support, supported 2,224 individuals, and distributed 3,260 devices (2,399 laptops, 658 smartphones, 201 tablets) along with 408 free mobile data SIMs since June 2020.

The underlying technology is a device refurbishment and redistribution pipeline. Donated hardware is repaired, installed with Windows 10/11 or optimized Linux/Chromium OS, and pre-loaded with LibreOffice, Zoom, Skype, TeamViewer, and modern browsers. For corporate donors, Catbytes provides enterprise-grade data sanitization compliant with NIST SP 800-88 and IEEE 2883, using Redkey USB software with per-asset serial-number tracking and audit reports, alongside Environment Agency Upper Tier Waste Carrier registration (CBDU509722) and a 95% zero-landfill disposal policy through ToRecycle. A referral network of 90+ verified partner organizations — including NHS trusts (South London and Maudsley), housing associations (Lewisham Homes, Clarion, Phoenix Community Housing), Lewisham Council, Goldsmiths University, food banks, refugee charities, and mental health support groups — funnels pre-qualified beneficiaries into the service.

The business model is a charity hybrid: all core services are free at the point of use, with revenue composed of grant funding from institutional donors (Lewisham Council, housing associations), in-kind corporate device donations with documented environmental compliance and carbon impact reporting back to donors, individual monetary donations, and a small paid IT consultancy stream (websites, hardware setup, WiFi, software procurement) offered to local charities and community organizations at reduced rates. The organization is led by CEO Damian Griffiths with a four-person staff team and a three-person volunteer board of trustees.

Name

CATBYTES CIC

Legal name

Catbytes CIC

Website

https://catbytes.community

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Catbytes CIC is a Lewisham-based digital inclusion charity that refurbishes donated devices and runs 18 weekly free drop-in sessions supported by volunteer digital buddies, serving elderly residents, low-income families, refugees, and mental health service users referred by 90+ partner organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Corporate Device Donations: Large organizations donate retired enterprise hardware (laptops, tablets, smartphones). Catbytes refurbishes and redistributes these to community beneficiaries, providing environmental compliance certificates and carbon impact reports back to donors.
2. Individual Device Donations: Public donations of personal devices collected via drop-off points across Lewisham libraries and community centers, then refurbished and gifted to referred beneficiaries.
3. Grants and Funder Support: Funding from organizations including Lewisham Homes, Clarion Housing, and other institutional funders to support operational costs of digital drop-ins and training programs.
4. IT Consultancy for Organizations: Paid support for local organizations including website building, hardware setup, email management, WiFi troubleshooting, and software procurement assistance, particularly for charities with reduced pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Catbytes CIC refurbishes donated laptops, tablets and smartphones and redistributes them to vulnerable Lewisham residents alongside free one-on-one digital skills training delivered through 18 weekly drop-ins, DBS-checked home-visit buddying, and referral-based device loans via 90+ partner organisations. It also offers enterprise-grade corporate device retirement with NIST-compliant data sanitization and paid IT consultancy for local community organisations and charities.

Product overview

Catbytes CIC operates a multi-service community digital inclusion ecosystem centred on two core pillars: Digital Drop-ins and Device Loaning. The Digital Drop-ins programme runs 18 free weekly in-person sessions across Lewisham libraries and community centres, offering one-on-one digital buddying support for any resident. The Device Loaning programme collects donated hardware from the public and corporations, refurbishes it with Windows/Linux OS and essential productivity software (LibreOffice, Zoom, Skype, TeamViewer), and gifts devices to individuals referred by over 90 partner organisations. These core services are supplemented by Digital Buddying (including home visits for housebound individuals), Organisation IT Support (websites, hardware, consultancy), Corporate Device Donations (enterprise-grade data sanitisation and reporting), and Public Device Donations. All services are free at point of use.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Digital Drop-ins Free weekly in-person sessions held across 18 venues in Lewisham where community members can receive one-on-one support with smartphones, tablets, laptops, internet skills and online forms from volunteer digital buddies. No booking required.
• Device Loaning and Distribution Collection, refurbishment and long-term gifting of donated laptops, tablets and smartphones to referred individuals and families in need, pre-loaded with Windows 10/11 or Linux/Chromium OS plus LibreOffice, Zoom, Skype, TeamViewer and modern browsers.
• Digital Buddying One-on-one volunteer support where digital buddies sit with individuals to guide them through digital learning tasks at their own pace, including structured home visits with DBS-checked volunteers for housebound individuals.
• Organisation IT Support Paid consultancy service for local community organisations covering website development, hardware setup and provisioning, email configuration, WiFi troubleshooting, ICT suite setup, Zoom support and assistance obtaining discounted software, with reduced pricing for charitable organisations.
• Corporate Device Donations Programme Enterprise-grade device retirement and refurbishment programme accepting retired laptops, tablets and smartphones from businesses, featuring NIST SP 800-88 and IEEE 2883-compliant data sanitization via Redkey USB, individual asset tracking by serial number with audit reports, and environmental compliance through Environment Agency registration (CBDU509722).
• Public Device Donations Programme Public donation intake for unwanted laptops, tablets and smartphones from individuals via drop-off points at Crofton Park, Deptford, Downham, Telegraph Hill and Sydenham libraries, with DoD 5220.22-M certified data wiping and zero-landfill recycling through WEEE-registered partners.
• Digital Delivery Service Volunteer-powered last-mile delivery of refurbished devices to recipients' homes, with PPE provision and mileage expense coverage for volunteers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2224 individuals supported since August 2022
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Phoenix Community HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Phoenix Community Housing hosts the Green Man Digital Drop-in at their community hub and refers tenants to Catbytes services. This is a long-standing partnership dating back to 2018, with Phoenix being one of the key funders of digital drop-in sessions.
• Lewisham CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLewisham Council is a key funder and supporter of Catbytes' digital inclusion work. The council refers housing residents and has provided funding for digital drop-in programs across the borough.
• Lewisham HomescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLewisham Homes, a housing association, has provided funding for digital drop-in sessions and commissioned Catbytes to deliver digital skills training to residents.
• Clarion HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClarion Housing hosts digital drop-in sessions at Orchard Gardens Community Centre and supports Catbytes' community programs.
• Goldsmiths UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoldsmiths University hosts the Open Book Digital Hub at their library, running every Wednesday. Catbytes volunteers support students and community members with digital skills.
• South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple departments within South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust refer mental health service users to Catbytes for devices and digital skills training. Vocational specialists, employment specialists, occupational therapists, and community support planners use the service extensively.
• New Cross LearningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity library that hosts a Saturday digital drop-in with dedicated volunteer support. Has been a partner since the early years of Catbytes, with approximately 12 Catbytes volunteers helping clients.
• Lewisham Pensioners ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts the LPF Monday Club Digital Drop-in at St Mauritius House, a weekly session specifically for elderly residents featuring multiple activities alongside digital support.
• Stanstead LodgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity for older people that has been running 'High Tea with IT' for over ten years. Damian (Catbytes CEO) became the lead approximately eight years ago and helped form Catbytes and spread services throughout the borough.
• Deptford LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLewisham Council library serving as a device donation drop-off point and referral partner for digital inclusion services.
• Downham LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLewisham Council library hosting a Friday digital drop-in and serving as a device donation drop-off point.
• Sydenham LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLewisham Council library hosting a Monday digital drop-in and serving as a device donation drop-off point.
• Telegraph Hill CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity center hosting the 'Branching Out Digital' drop-in on Thursdays as part of a joint project with St Catherine's Church for people over 55. Also serves as device donation drop-off point.
• Corbett Community LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity library hosting a Thursday digital drop-in and referring local residents to Catbytes services.
• Pepys Community HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity venue hosting a Thursday digital drop-in alongside the Deptford Huddle social club, run in partnership with Pepys Resource Centre.
• Forest Hill LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaturday morning digital drop-in hosted by the library in partnership with v22 Libraries.
• Lewisham FoodbankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegular referrer of clients to Catbytes for devices and digital skills. Foodbank clients receive devices to access online services and support.
• Age UK Lewisham and SouthwarkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization that signposted over 160 residents to Catbytes, particularly older individuals feeling overwhelmed by digital services.
• Action For Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferrer of refugees and asylum seekers who need devices for homework, online forms, and communication with authorities.
• Arts Network LewishamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisability arts organization whose members face digital exclusion. Members attend drop-ins and loan devices to participate in online art groups.
• Sydenham GardensminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorticultural charity that received tablet support for a student to complete an illustrated Level 2 course workbook, accommodating learning needs.
• Alzheimer's Society LewishamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferrer of individuals with dementia and cognitive difficulties who need support with digital technology and devices.
• Lewisham Refugee and Migrant NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferrer of refugees rebuilding their lives, supporting connection with loved ones and access to study and work opportunities.
• HestiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdult mental health project coordinator who refers service users to Catbytes for digital inclusion and volunteering opportunities.
• Community Connections LewishamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization that referred residents including housebound individuals to Catbytes for devices and support, with one housebound client gaining ability to join online groups.
• Lee Green LivesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization hosting a Monday digital drop-in at St Peters Church Hall for local residents.
• Restorative Justice For AllminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization collaborating on the RJ4All Catbytes drop-in at Rotherhithe Community Centre on Thursday afternoons.
• Orchard Gardens Community CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClarion Housing venue hosting Tuesday digital drop-in with warm space activities including digital support, games, and community connection.
• St Mungo'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomelessness charity employment specialist referring clients for devices that helped rebuild confidence, mental health, and reconnection with family.
• IngeusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestart advisor referring participants who received devices enabling job applications and upskilling courses leading to employment.
• DCS Empowerment CICminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity interest company referring participants to Digital Access for All project who gained digital confidence and employment opportunities.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Digital Unite: Digital skills training social enterprise specializing in supporting older people and disabled adults to get online. Strong peer match to Catbytes' digital buddies drop-in model and target beneficiary segments.
• AbilityNet: UK charity helping disabled and older people use digital technology. Comparable to Catbytes in the disabilities and elderly beneficiary segments, with overlapping free device advice and digital skills support services.
• Computer Aid International: Charity that refurbishes donated computers and provides them to communities in need. Closely comparable to Catbytes' device refurbishment pipeline, with a similar accredited data wiping and corporate donation intake model.
• Good Things Foundation: National UK digital inclusion charity operating a community-led digital skills network (Online Centres Network). Most directly comparable to Catbytes — both deliver free, community-based digital inclusion to disadvantaged populations through a hub-and-buddy model.
• The Turing Trust: UK charity refurbishing donated IT equipment for redistribution. Comparable to Catbytes on the device-refurbishment-and-redistribution operating model and corporate device donation intake.

Broad incumbents

• Age UK: National UK charity for older people. Broadly comparable to Catbytes in the elderly-beneficiary segment — Age UK Lewisham and Southwark is in fact a Catbytes referrer — but operates a much wider portfolio of non-digital services.
• RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People): Major UK charity for blind and partially sighted people. Overlaps with Catbytes' disability-focused beneficiary support and digital accessibility work, but at a national scale and across a wider disability service portfolio.

Emerging players

• We Are Digital: UK digital inclusion training provider focused on helping excluded individuals get online. Comparable to Catbytes' training and buddying services, though more nationally scaled and at a more commercial stage.
• Hubbub Foundation: Environmental charity running campaigns on e-waste, circular electronics, and digital inclusion. Adjacent to Catbytes' environmental compliance and zero-landfill policy work, with a research and campaign-driven model.
• The Restart Project: London-based community charity running Restart Parties to repair and extend the life of electronics. Overlapping with Catbytes on device refurbishment and e-waste reduction mission, but with a community repair-event model rather than refurbishment-and-redistribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/catbytes

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CATBYTES CIC