A North East business accelerator has appealed to high growth companies to sign up as it returns to its home region after helping grow hundreds of businesses across the 海角视频 and Ireland.
The Ignite programme first launched in Newcastle in 2011, since when it has run startup programmes in Belfast, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Dublin and Cambridge.
Ignite has helped start-ups in the tech sector secure more than £100m in venture capital funding, and is now launching a programme in the North East thanks to a partnership with the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
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The three-year programme will also involve partners including Digital Catapult, Northumbria University, Tedco, Dynamo, AHSN, Innovation Super Network and NGI.
Jo York, who came through an early Ignite programme and has helped launch North East start-ups including Reframed and Ricochet AI, will be running the scheme.
Ignite’s chief operating officer Ian Browne said: “The North of Tyne Combined Authority have recognised that future economic growth will only happen if a new wave of technology focused businesses are created and supported in the region. They have committed to a long term vision, putting digital at the core and making the North East the best place to start and grow a company. We are delighted to be able to help.
“Over the next three years we will be running a series of programmes to help founders take a chance on their idea, raise venture capital and begin to create a new generation of startup companies in the area.
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“We are fortunate to be working with a set of partners who bring their own expertise and networks — together we will all be working to build an inclusive and successful startup ecosystem.
“We will be focused on startups. High growth startups. We are looking for big ideas and ambitious entrepreneurs who are committed to building large and successful companies.
“Ignite has always adopted a founder first approach to everything we do. Our team is comprised of founders who have built startups, raised investment globally and successful exited companies. We believe that founders who have been through the process can provide the most value for those coming behind.”
The North of Tyne Combined Authority announced its link-up with Ignite and other bodies as part of a £12m package to boost the area’s digital sector.
North of Tyne cabinet member for jobs, innovation, and growth Coun Nick Forbes said: “The digital sector is transforming our economy and how services are delivered. That’s why we are looking to make this major investment now.
“The North of Tyne has some great assets: cutting edge research at Newcastle Helix, large digital firms like IBM in North Tyneside and hi-tech manufacturers in Northumberland. We must ensure we remain at the forefront of the digital revolution.
“But this investment is also about people. By showing confidence in our communities, businesses, and their ideas we can create the jobs of the future right here.”