Springboard Cambridge director Jon Bradford has confirmed the launch of the first Springboard London programme with applications being taken immediately.
Springboard is a 13 week accelerator boot-camp programme: Originally based in Cambridge, it has expanded to TechCity London with its applications opening immediately for its inaugural programme which will start in early 2012. Springboard Cambridge will follow the London event in the expanded calendar.Backed by an angel investor syndicate and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), Springboard combines intensive mentoring as well as up to £15,000 of investment capital.
Springboard is a member of the TechStars Network that consists of independently owned and operated regional organisations that operate a start-up accelerator program with a model similar to TechStars. This would be TechStars Network’s first programme in London UK.
Springboard recently completed its first programme in Cambridge following its spinout from Red Gate Software – with teams coming from both the UK and also overseas including Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and New Zealand.
Since Springboard’s Investor Day 90 days ago, one of the teams has secured funding – with the expectation that over half the teams will go on to secure additional funding.
Colin Willis, managing director of Hotspur Capital Partners said: “Having worked alongside Jon Bradford, the MD of Springboard, I recognise the massive value mentors with business experience and strong networks will deliver to entrepreneurs to advance their businesses.”
David Cohen, founder and CEO of TechStars says: “From my experience helping to set up accelerators around the world, I have no doubt of the impact such a mentor led program can have on the teams and also the wider community. There is clearly a lot buzz around London TechCity and it represents a natural home for such a program. TechStars has known and worked closely with Springboard, and we’re big fans.”
Entrepreneurs have until January 8 to compete for one of 10 places on the programme. To apply for a place on Springboard London visit http://springboard.com/
Bradford said: “Twelve months ago, Springboard Cambridge re-launched at SVC2UK. Within an hour of going live, I was approached about setting up Springboard London. Following persistent harassment from startups, mentors and investors we have relented and are launching Springboard London today, with applications opening immediately here.
“Maybe I am biased, but I personally believe that London, TechCity and/or Silicon Roundabout is probably the most stimulating location in Europe to start and grow a web business.
“And I am not alone; in the last two weeks I have spoken with two great American startups – Twilio and SendGrid – who are looking to set up their first overseas office here in London.
“I am genuinely excited about the prospects for Springboard and helping entrepreneurs and startups, and making the ecosystem in London a great place to work and also attracting some of the best talent from around the world to relocate here.”
• PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Springboard Cambridge director, Jon Bradford
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