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.
London-based StateZero Labs, the world’s first dedicated Blockchain Lab for startups, will be opening its doors to six selected startups as part of its first cohort in January 2019.
Twigdoo offers a lead management service for businesses - a service which engages and converts leads whilst providing a high quality sales experience
Artomatix - The Dublin based startup that's using AI to help 3D artists create...
The startup that helps media companies to leverage user context data without exposing personal data...
IGO Adventures organise a series of multi-disciplined, physical challenges in some of the world’s most spectacular & remote wildernesses. Now they are looking to raise investment.
The no-bullshit-business coach and founder of consultancy firm RenOC, Karen Kwong, shares her top tips for getting your business back on track in 2019.
SpareFare - The online platform and marketplace which enables people to sell their non refundable flights, holidays or hotels.
Bidooh, the world’s first facial analysis, digital billboard software platform on the blockchain, agrees contract to roll out 10k real-time digital advertising screens in South Korea
Currently in private beta, Claimer wants to be app for R&D tax credits helping businesses to easily get money back from their R&D spend.
Launchpad, the innovative, post-graduate incubation and acceleration programme developed by Falmouth University in Cornwall, are on the hunt for their next cohort...
Published on: 17th August 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Blockchain lab for startups StateZero Labs to offer £50k equity-free 15th Nov 2018 London-based StateZero Labs, the world’s first dedicated Blockchain Lab for startups, will be opening its doors to six selected startups as part of its first cohort in January 2019.
- UK scaling startups sort for Upscale Tech Nation programme 5th Nov 2018 UK-wide scaling startups take note! This free programme, care of Tech Nation is aimed at further accelerating the growth of your business.
- Chancellor’s ‘little extras’ will not undo 8 years of cuts to public services, says TUC 29th Oct 2018 Commenting on the 2018 Budget Statement, which set out the government’s spending plans up to 2024, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady had this to say...
- NI Propel Pre-Accelerator countdown begins 26th Oct 2018 If you are an early-stage startup or entrepreneur based in Northern Ireland, you better be quick if you want to apply for the next IGNITE lead Propel Pre-Accelerator programme.
