Raise Ventures accelerator celebrates 2 years accelerating tech startups
by Startacus Admin
Belfast's Raise Ventures accelerator celebrates supporting 16 startups since launch and is now seeking applications for its new cohort
In 2018 Raise Ventures opened its doors to become the first privately owned accelerator programme in Northern Ireland.
Based in the Silicon Alley, Cathedral Quarter, the aspirations to be the home of some of the best startups in Northern Ireland came to life as Raise launched its first intake.
Now 2 years later, Raise has supported 16 startup founders build the foundations of their business and understand what it takes to get investment.
The programme is founder focused helping them skill up in all areas of business including technical, sales, marketing, finance and operational support. There is no question or problem too small. 
The founders also get an insight into angel investing, cap tables, terms sheets as well as introductions to angels and early stage funds.
Through their Raise pitching events, they encourage founders to build relations early with investors and bring them on the startup journey.
Rachael Harkin CEO of ShiftSwap says: “ The RAISE accelerator programme had been so beneficial for me personally. I’ve grown in confidence to develop my business plan and pitch deck and connect with other startups. The team are very supportive and also help you connect with industry experts”
Some of the many successes for our startups include some early stage investment for Armour, a successful Kickstarter campaign for Batchbuddy, a listing in the Top NI Startups for Armour and Scanmatix, Pryntd being named in the Top 50 AR & Immersive Startup Companies in the UK and Umazi speaking at CordaCon2020.
Raise also hosts numerous community events to support entrepreneurs with ideas and startups founders including Tech for Non Tech, Angel Investing 101, Online Startup Club and Silicon Drinkabout.
CEO Jenny Ervine was listed as a finalised in Women Who Code Community Star Award 2020 as a recognition of the superb community outreach.
The 2021 Raise Spring Intake is open until 7th February for startup applications. For more information check out the Raise Ventures site.
Best of luck to all who do!
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Published on: 29th January 2021
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