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.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.

The lowdown on Dublin-based startup and NUI Maynooth spin-out Neuromod Devices and its innovative evidence-based bimodal neuromodulation treatment for chronic tinnitus.

With the clear shift towards generative AI, Richard Hayes, search director at digital marketing agency Catalyst explores what it means for SEO...
Published on: 17th August 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.