upSTART 2019 countdown begins with top investors confirmed as judges

by Startacus Admin

Top technology investors have been named as part of a high calibre judging panel for upSTART, Digital DNA’s 2019 startup competition as the countdown for startups to apply begins.
A number of top tech investors have been named as part of a high calibre judging panel for Digital DNA’s startup competition.
Siobhán Clarke, Partner at London venture capital firm Episode 1 Ventures, and Volker Hirsch, Partner at Amadeus Capital, will join experts in the early stage and high-growth technology sector to whittle down the entries into the most exciting start-up competition in Northern Ireland, upSTART.
For the first time, upSTART will be exclusive to Northern Ireland-based start-ups and will feature an all-expenses paid trip to explore New York’s tech scene for the overall winner. Around 40 disruptive start-ups will battle it out in a one-day pitching competition.
The judging panel includes:
-
Siobhán Clarke, Partner at Episode 1 Ventures, a London-based venture capital (VC) fund set up to invest between £250,000 and £2m in early-stage technology
companies in the UK. The firm comprises ex-entrepreneurs, experienced investors and deep operational experience. After its first fund of £37.5m, it is now investing its second fund of £60m in deep tech and marketplaces. Its current portfolio includes Kyldo, Cloud NC, CarWow, Auquan.
-
Volker Hirsch, Partner at Amadeus Capital. Volker has a particular focus on AI, machine learning, human-machine interfaces, enterprise SaaS, autonomous systems, digital health and medical technologies. Currently, he is a founder of Blue Beck, a mobile development house, and is a VC partner at Emerge Education, Europe’s leading educational-tech accelerator programme.
-
Naomi Timperley, an experienced partnership and engagement consultant. Listed in Computer Weekly’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in UK IT in 2018, Naomi has extensive experience working with start-ups and growth businesses in the tech, digital and creative sectors. She sits on Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Innovation Board and is the chair of investment platform Capital Pilot.
-
Sam Louise, Head of Consultancy at Angel Investment Network, a global network of angel investors and entrepreneurs. Simon brokers investment into start-ups, SMEs and property developments, as well as consulting on AIN’s strategy and growth.
-
Carl Reader, founder of the #BeYourOwnBoss movement and chair of business advisory firm d&t. Author of The Startup Coach and The Franchising Handbook, Carl also provides regular commentary for the BBC, Forbes, The Guardian and The Mirror.
With more judges to be revealed, the judging team will also take part in a number of 1-2-1 meetings with startup who choose to exhibit at Digital DNA.
Digital DNA 2019, which is running over two days (18 - 19 June 2019) in Belfast’s St. George’s Market, is powered by PwC for the second consecutive year, and will once again allow the tech sector to collaborate, expand their reach and gain exposure to new technologies.
Startups who wish to apply for the pitch competition can either get one free ticket across both days of Digital DNA 2019 or they can apply to exhibit at the event where they can showcase their business to 3,000 estimated delegates, attend 121 investor and mentor meetings, gain media coverage, and attend an exclusive evening social with a number of the judges, investors and fellow start-ups.
Tickets and further details of the event can be found now at digitaldna.org.uk and NI start-ups interested in applying to pitch and exhibit at the event should visit the upSTART web page by 28th May 2019.
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.
Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.

Want to increase visual engagement for your startup's Instagram account? These tips will help you do just that.

Want to gain an edge over your business competitors? Listening to your audience is an absolute must.

The Clothes Doctor mission to fight fast fashion continues as the innovative eco clothing care brand raises £1m to support further growth.

If you plan on using social media to promote your brand, these simple rules will help, increasing both brand awareness and the number of consumers.

High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.

The lowdown on Danish startup EvodiaBio and its innovative tech that produces sustainable aromas for the food and beverage industry.

Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.

Odd Coffee Company - the startup that's tackling coffee wastage by offering sustainably-sourced surplus coffee, rescued from British roasters.

Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.
Published on: 10th May 2019
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Raise Spring Accelerator programme seeking applications for next cohort 30th Jan 2023 Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
- Leading French Travel Co. Offers Mentoring to two UK startups on its prestigious two-month programme 23rd Jan 2023 High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
- Small businesses need new model for growth in recession 23rd Jan 2023 Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
- Tech Nation responds to the DCMS Digital Growth Grant announcement 20th Jan 2023 Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.