Tech startup support scheme Exchange has opened applications to find its fourth cohort of tech entrepreneurs who are disrupting and leading their fields.
Following an extension, applications close on 7th July for the programme which has supported more than 70 businesses in the last two years.
Based at Department Bonded Warehouse in Enterprise City, Manchester, Exchange offers ambitious growing tech businesses a physical base in its tech, media and creative cluster, as well as access to industry experts, networking and learning events, plus introductions for funding. Programme partners span marketing, hiring, legal and funding functions.
The scheme’s alumni include PixelMax, a 3D virtual workplace tech business which raised more than £2 million while it was an Exchange member; My First Five Years, which secured £1.4m at the beginning of this year; and current cohort three members, Versori and Sparkbox, which have both recently completed £1.5m deals to enable them to grow to the next level.
Alice Glover, community outreach lead at Exchange Enterprise City, said: “Starting a tech business and scaling it is no easy feat, especially against the current economic backdrop and cost-of-business crisis. However, ambition, ideas and determination coupled with the resources, community and introductions we can provide give entrepreneurs an extra edge to become leaders of their industries.
“Since Exchange launched, it has been a privilege to see these businesses develop into enterprises that have brought their incredible ideas to life. The support provided by the Exchange scheme is a catalyst for this and we are now inviting the next wave of tech businesses wanting to follow in these footsteps to apply for their place on the scheme.”
Mo Aldalou, senior scaleup engagement manager at Tech Nation, added: “The Exchange programme offers a unique opportunity for founders in that it focuses on giving businesses with already strong foundations the necessary tools to accelerate growth through being part of a network.
“Entrepreneurialism can be lonely, but members of Exchange have one another to share their trials and tribulations with, experts to offer guidance and a wider ecosystem to be a part of, all of which is incredibly valuable to the scaling process.”
Sean Brown, founder at business infrastructure technology firm Versori, said: “The opportunities that we have had through Exchange have supported our growth and the encouragement of the wider community is something really special.
“Being able to participate in events such as the [recent] Tech Nation pitching session has crafted the skills we need to take the business from strength to strength and it is brilliant to be able to do that with a network where everyone wants their peers to succeed.”
If you would like to apply to join the next Exchange cohort and benefit from the knowledge and support offered, apply today at https://www.enterprisecityuk.com/exchange-application/.