Exchange,a digital and technology start-up support programme, has opened applications for its second cohort of ambitious tech entrepreneurs.
After a successful first intake of businesses in 2020, which raised millions in funding between them and supported more than 150 individuals in the region, the scheme returns for a second year with bigger ambitions.
The programme, designed to support and empower the next generation of UK start-ups, gives members the tools they need to scale their businesses through subsidised Manchester city-centre office space, a peer-to-peer network of founders and expert advice from industry partners.
Exchange is based at Department Bonded Warehouse in Enterprise City, Manchester’s new tech, digital and media district, which combines workplaces, cultural spaces and living. Enterprise City is a place for scale-ups and global businesses to grow and root their headquarters in a community of like-minded and forward-thinking organisations, with the Exchange scheme central to that vision.
Spearheaded by award-winning property developer, Allied London, Exchange will support a second wave of over 25 business, and 200 individuals, as well as continuing to cement Manchester’s position as a global tech hub.
Members of Exchange’s first cohort have experienced significant growth in the past year, securing millions of pounds in funding from both Exchange’s resident investment vehicle, Solid Bond Venture Builder, and external venture capital investors.
Tanya Grady, Head of Partnerships at Enterprise City, said: “Exchange has proved to be a truly valuable scheme for Manchester’s tech and digital industry. The work we have seen from the first Exchange cohort has been inspirational, despite the challenges that come from scaling during a global pandemic, so we are pleased to be extending the opportunities that come from being an Exchange member to the next generation.
“Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs will be crucial in the coming months and years as the economy recovers from the effects of coronavirus. It is fantastic that Exchange can be instrumental in this as it creates a ripple effect, making Manchester a vibrant centre of enterprise attracting higher levels of investment.”
Exchange programme is delivered in partnership with Tech Nation
Exchange’s knowledge partner, Tech Nation, will provide members with unique training and a syllabus of workshops, up-skill sessions and high-profile speaker events and panel discussions. Other partners include CRSI, Investor Ladder, Latitude Marketing, Microsoft Advertising and tax and audit consultancy RSM.
Mo Aldalou, North West Entrepreneur Engagement Manager at Tech Nation said: “Supporting the first cohort of start-ups on the Exchange programme over the past 12 months has been an absolute privilege and adventure and watching them grow in a pandemic has been impressive. Exchange is a perfect opportunity for harnessing the power of peer-to-peer networks and I’m excited to see what the incoming cohort will have to offer.”
To apply for a place in Exchange’s next cohort, businesses need to meet one or more of the following criteria: the business has been trading for less than three years, it is headquartered in the UK, it is a digital tech business with a product or service to sell, has at least one active client or pilot in progress, or has ambitions of growing and scaling.
The application deadline for Exchange’s second cohort is Sunday 13th June and successful applicants will be interviewed between 21st June and 3rd July. Applications can be made via the Enterprise City website, here.
Meet the Exchange members event
To find out more about life as an Exchange member, a virtual showcase event is being held on Wednesday 26 May from 11am – 12.30pm, featuring an intimate panel conversation with four current Exchange start-up founders, discussing how they survived and thrived during the pandemic. Register interest for the hybrid in-person and virtual event here.
Shay O’Carroll, co-founder of Exchange start-up, PixelMax, said: “Being an Exchange member has given us access to the perfect network of industry experts, investors and fellow entrepreneurs to allow the business to thrive. It has been instrumental in the success of our business, and we genuinely wouldn’t be where we are without the programme and the community.”
