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Early stage SW tech startups invited to join fully-funded accelerator programme

Joe Bevan
Authored by Joe Bevan
Posted: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 - 08:57

Pre-seed and seed stage tech startups are being invited to apply to the South West’s only region-wide accelerator for early stage tech companies.

Tech South West StartUp Studio is tailored for up-and-coming tech companies looking to accelerate their growth and secure funding. The fully-funded digital programme takes founders through an intensive and fast-paced programme to develop their proposition and gets them investor ready. The studio culminates in a live PitchUp event in front of business experts, tech leaders and investors from across the South West and wider UK.

Tech South West launched the programme in early 2021 to support pre-seed and seed stage tech startups in the region to break through to market, enhance their business knowledge and build their network in the sector. After a successful first round, applications are now open for the Autumn 2021 programme.

The accelerator is delivered by startup specialists Activate and Skowt Consulting. Strategic support for the startups is provided by programme partners Astley Media, RSM UK, LoveYourAccountants, British Business Bank and Granted Consultancy

Paul Jones, UK Network Senior Manager at British Business Bank, said: “Following the success of the first cohort, British Business Bank is pleased to work with the second cohort of Tech South West StartUp Studio. The programme is so important for helping young businesses hone their business model and become investor ready to access early stage finance across the fast-growing South West region. Following the recent pitch event I look forward to a similar high level outcome over the next months.”

David Smee, founder of AniBotics, was part of the spring programme. He said: “It’s been invaluable. StartUp Studio has given AniBotics a very positive injection of support to make the business investable at a crucial time for our growth. It’s moved me closer to angel investors for a seed round over the next couple of months as I seek to match funding for further product development and research.”

As well as input days, homework and live workshops, founders get to hear from other South West-based tech entrepreneurs about their journey and learnings so far. These sessions take the form of casual ‘fireside chats’ and provide the opportunity for the founders to ask questions and get concrete advice from experienced business founders.

The next round of StartUp Studio takes place in September-October 2021. Applications can be made at techsouthwest.co.uk/startupstudio/

Dan Pritchard, co-founder of Tech South West, said: “StartUp Studio was born when we realised that there wasn’t enough support out there for great tech startups to find their feet and take the first steps on their business journey. Through an intensive programme of workshops, consultations, fireside chats, pitch sessions and more, the accelerator supports standout tech founders to develop the toolkit and knowledge they need for sustained growth in the rapidly burgeoning South West tech sector. We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort of startups to the programme.”

Find out more about StartUp Studio and apply: https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk/startupstudio/

 

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