Teesside University launches 12 week ‘bootcamp’ for digital entrepreneurs

Teesside University has launched a unique project to support up to 10 internet startups with investment and intensive mentoring during a 12 week ‘bootcamp’.

The successful companies invited to take part in Searchcamp will live and work at the University’s Middlesbrough campus between June and August while they participate in the immersive accelerator programme.

Each company will also receive up to £15,000 of seed capital in return for Searchcamp getting a small stake of between 6% to 10% in the business.

At the end of the 12 week period, the companies will be invited to take part in ‘investor days’ where they can pitch their product or service to venture capitalists and angel investors who will consider investing in their startup opportunity.

On completion of the programme, successful businesses will also be offered the opportunity of follow-on funding of up to £150,000 and a place within Searchcamp’s incubator in Middlesbrough’s Boho zone.

As well as receiving mentoring from academics at Teesside University, throughout the 12 weeks, there will also be weekly masterclasses delivered by internationally renowned speakers, including authors, startup founders and experts from the USA, Europe and Asia.

The accelerator programme will use ‘Lean Startup’ principles to develop a product which is market-ready.

The scheme is open to early-stage internet, software and technology businesses from across the North-East as well as both nationally and internationally.

Searchcamp Ltd is a partnership between Teesside University and North-East entrepreneurs Alastair Waite, Andy Preston and Bobby Paterson.

Professor Cliff Hardcastle, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Business Engagement) said: 'We are very excited to be a part of this unique project.

'Teesside University already has a rich history of working with business and helping budding entrepreneurs to start businesses and Searchcamp will strengthen those links even further.

'Additionally we hope that this will further establish Teesside and the North-East as a hub of innovation.'

Bobby, an entrepreneur who has founded four previous start-up businesses, will also act as Programme Director, alongside Programme Manager Justin Souter.

Bobby said: 'It’s fantastic to be able to bring this programme to this region and work with an organisation like Teesside University.

'It has never been easier to build an internet startup, but equally it is also now much harder to make them successful and more than 75% of startups fail.

'This is a brilliant opportunity for 10 startups to de-risk the whole process.'

Andy Preston added: 'I’ve been involved in many projects and all kinds of businesses but this is the best.

Creating an intensive, fast and furious bootcamp for entrepreneurs in Middlesbrough is a winner because there are talented teams of startup entrepreneurs here – ready for that first helping hand.'

The deadline for entries is midnight on Sunday May 5.

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Click here for more information on Searchcamp