North East entrepreneurs sought for new Ignite Accelerator in Newcastle
by Startacus Admin
Ignite returns to Newcastle, home to its inaugural accelerator programme, to launch a 3-month funded, pre-accelerator programme for up to 20 early-stage businesses.
Founded in Newcastle in 2011, Ignite has been investing in and supporting entrepreneurs and startups around the UK ever since, accelerating over 130 startups, 
historically investing in 25+ companies each year, and mentoring and supporting hundreds more.
Looking to further encourage the tech ecosystem in both Newcastle and across the NE region, the new North East pre-accelerator will be an intensive 3-month full-time programme. It will aim to help founders and entrepreneurs to develop their business idea, understand the steps they need to take an MVP to launch, acquire their first customers and if needed, help the businesses become investment-ready too.
The pre-accelerator programme will includes:
- £10,000 net investment (structured as a convertible loan)
- 3 month course covering product development, marketing, sales, operations, hiring and fundraising
- Mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and investors
- 3 months of office space in Newcastle (with the potential for discounts post-programme)
- A fast-track to the final interviews of next Ignite accelerator programme (in the following year).
What are Ignite looking for?
With the programme based in office space in central Newcastle, Ignite are seeking North East England (County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear) based and trading entrepreneurs, who want to solve, or are already solving real-world problems with innovative technology-led ideas.
It will be led by two previous Ignite participants and alumni, namely Gabriela Matic, who co-founded brain-health related app MindMate and Wil Benton, co-founder of live streaming DJ community, Chew. In the mix of all the innovative ideas they receive, they would be particularly keen to speak with founders hoping to work on ageing-related or data-driven issues.
Will Benton said of the Ignite NE pre-accelerator programme:
“We want to work with early-stage entrepreneurs, supporting them to come up with inspired ideas and then take the leap to become founders, like Ignite did for me in 2014, and Gabi in 2015.”
Like any pre-accelerator programme, there is some more specific criteria around employee numbers, 
balance sheets and turnover, however even early-stage startups and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to apply if they are based in the North-East region.
The best businesses from the 3 month pre-accelerator will then have the opportunity to join the Ignite later-stage 6 month remote accelerator (Ignite 2.0 so to speak) which starts in early 2019 and thereby qualify for a further £25k net investment and programme support.
The Pre-accelerator programme will kick off in October 2018 and applications should be made by the 7th September to be considered - so get on it!
For further details, FAQ and to make that all important application, head on over to ignite.io
Article written in partnership and collaboration with Ignite.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
With more companies turning to influencers to connect with their audience, we ask what makes influencer marketing have such a high impact effect?
Manchester fintech GoodBox, who helps charities embrace the rise of fintech through digital and contactless payments, have raised over £2m for UK charities.
The startup that has created a 3D product configuration and visualisation platform
.jpeg)
How exactly do you go about finding the best office for your startup? Here's some top advice on finding the right place for you.
We take a look at yulife, a new InsurTech startup shaking up the life insurance sector, with customers earning rewards for healthy activities.
A study recently carried out by Volteface, has been revealed that social media platforms are frequently being used in order to advertise illicit drugs.
When it comes to setting up a startup there are certain things to consider before you set up your business in the city.
The edtech startup that's helping students learn by putting the core syllabus to music
The startup that's creating a learning experience to inspire the next generation of STEM learners, starting with Maths.
Not having the right team is a common reason why startups fail. Here are some of the key personalities and soft skills you'll need in your team.
Published on: 17th August 2018
.png)
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Manchester fintech GoodBox hits £2m donated to UK charities 21st Oct 2019 Manchester fintech GoodBox, who helps charities embrace the rise of fintech through digital and contactless payments, have raised over £2m for UK charities.
- Event at Startup Week Dublin to explore startup collaboration between NI and Ireland 11th Oct 2019 With the impact of BREXIT still very much an uncertainty, our evening event at Startup Week Dublin will explore startup collaboration and opportunities between NI and Ireland.
- Startups shaping future of the smart built environment wanted for RElab programme 8th Oct 2019 Tech startups focused on smart buildings and cities, smart grid, construction tech, predictive maintenance, and other tech solutions - take note!
- Tech startups in telecom infrastructure sought for BT run competition 3rd Oct 2019 BT and the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) have launched the third annual competition for startups in telecom infrastructure
