A New Chapter
Ignite exists to support all early stage founders. Since launching Ignite in 2011 we’ve run startup programmes across Europe — in Belfast, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Dublin and Cambridge. We have met thousands of entrepreneurs who have started highly successful companies creating countless jobs and millions in revenue. Not only that but they have raised over £100m in early stage VC funding.
Today I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we are returning to where it all started — the North East.
The North of Tyne Combined Authority have recognised that future economic growth will only happen if a new wave of technology focused businesses are created and supported in the region. They have committed to a long term vision, putting digital at the core and making the North East the best place to start and grow a company. We are delighted to be able to help.
Over the next 3 years we will be running a series of programmes to help founders take a chance on their idea, raise venture capital and begin to create a new generation of startup companies in the area. We are fortunate to be working with a set of partners who bring their own expertise and networks — Digital Catapult, Northumbria University, Tedco, Dynamo, AHSN, Innovation Super Network and NGI. Together we will all be working to build an inclusive and successful startup ecosystem.
We will be focused on startups. High growth startups. We are looking for big ideas and ambitious entrepreneurs who are committed to building large and successful companies. Ignite has always adopted a founder first approach to everything we do. Our team is comprised of founders who have built startups, raised investment globally and successful exited companies. We believe that founders who have been through the process can provide the most value for those coming behind.
It is for that reason we are delighted to announce Jo York as the Ignite MD for the North East programmes. Jo is, first and foremost, a founder. With a strong technical background, she has created companies, built products, got customers, raised capital and most recently had a successful acquisition of her latest venture. As an alumni of the Ignite 2013 cohort we knew how talented she was and while helping as an Entrepreneur in Residence on other programmes it was clear that the value Jo was providing to the founders was of the highest quality. Jo is passionate about the North East, and the potential that it holds as a tech ecosystem. As a team, we’re grateful and excited that she has agreed to lead a new iteration of Ignite in the region.
For now, we want to hear from everyone — founders, partners, investors, companies, individuals, universities, colleges — everyone! There will be more news and details over the coming weeks but if you have any questions get in touch with Jo (jo@ignite.io) or Ian (ian@ignite.io).
Personally, I am looking forward to seeing what we can build together in the North East again. It’s good to be back.
