Sarah Ferguson supported a mobile app that received over £1 million in public funds but ultimately never launched. The app, vVoosh, created by Manuel Fernandez, aimed to provide users with tools for discovering, planning, sharing, and experiencing activities. Despite significant investments, the app went into administration without being released.
This setback adds to Ferguson’s recent challenges, including losing her Duchess title and her long-term residence. Fernandez, who previously served in the Royal Anglian Regiment, founded vVoosh in 2010 and secured nearly £9 million in funding. The app received £1 million in taxpayer money through government research and development tax credits.
Although teams in India and the UK worked on the app, no products were ever introduced due to legal threats from an Indian contractor. Communication breakdowns between directors and the founder further complicated the situation. The administrator’s report highlighted financial issues, including a significant debt owed by a former director.
Several shareholders, including American investor Mark Guzy, faced uncertainty regarding potential returns. Additionally, vVoosh owed money to one of Ferguson’s companies due to a minority stake. Fernandez, who previously lived in a North London property, sold his home last year and may have left the UK.
Ferguson and Fernandez’s close relationship sparked speculation in the past, but Ferguson clarified they were only friends. Despite their association, the app’s failure and financial troubles have raised concerns among investors and stakeholders.