Technology

Posted on June 20, 2018 by staff

Start-ups win ‘year of free desk space’ at tech hub

Technology

Four start-ups in the Leeds digital tech scene have been awarded up to a year’s free desk space and specialist business growth support at Bruntwood’s new tech incubator at Platform.

Health social enterprise and video platform DigiBete CIC, mobile app developer Mile Positioning Solutions and software management companies Connectably and Aireforge are the first win the prize at the landmark city centre building.

Bruntwood launched the competition earlier this year, working with partners to unearth the region’s hidden tech talent and give them the space and support they need.

Kirstie Shapley, partnership and programme manager at Platform, said each start-up will benefit from its network of partners who can help them achieve their goals.

“They all have innovative ideas that will make a real difference to their own end users and wider communities and we are looking forward to working with them and helping them to thrive during the course of the next 12 months,” she added.

“We were delighted with the response to the competition and believe we have selected four companies with incredible potential to grow and benefit the regional economy.”

The winning companies have just taken up residence in the growing tech and digital community at Platform.

They are benefiting from services including access to finance, talent and business mentorship as well as advice provided by partners including tech talent specialist Complete Resourcing, business advisory firm Grant Thornton, tech investor Mercia and law firm Shoosmiths.

The creation of the incubator at Platform is part of a government-backed initiative to accelerate the growth of the high-value added digital sector in the North.

Bruntwood and its delivery partners were awarded £2m from Leeds City Council in 2017 to launch the new facility.

Shapley added: “Our vision at Bruntwood is to create a community of like-minded businesses in a setting where innovation and entrepreneurship come together to forge partnerships and deliver growth, jobs and investment. It’s crucial to provide the spaces and services that support tech growth in Leeds city region.”