Unleash Your Start-up’s Potential with the SETsquared Exeter Business Accelerator Programme

Do you dream of turning your start-up into a thriving, scalable business that captures the market’s attention? The SETsquared Exeter Business Accelerator Programme is designed to transform your tech start-up concept into an investible venture. With a proven track record of nurturing successful businesses, our 12-month Accelerator Programme is your launchpad to success.

Why Choose the SETsquared Exeter Business Accelerator Programme?

World-Leading Business Acceleration Support

As a member of our programme, you’ll have access to world-class business acceleration support tailored to your needs. Since 2021, our experts have worked with over 100 new members to achieve impressive survival rates and prepare for sustainable growth. With our support, 31 new products and 26 new jobs have been created. 

“We lacked a lot of the basics in how to build a business. The Business Accelerator Programme opened our eyes to the value of collaboration and saved us a lot of time in being able to get impartial advice from a team of experts.”
– James Willmott, Founder and CEO, Maths Kitchen.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The programme’s first six months are dedicated to building a solid foundation for your business and product development. Our Fundamental Series, delivered in partnership with regional professional service advisors, covers everything from legal and commercial matters to securing grant funding. You’ll be equipped with the essential skills to navigate the challenges of the business world.

Empowering Technology Development

Building scalable products requires the right tools and knowledge. Our Technology Development Programme offers workshops, personalised 1:1 support, and access to cutting-edge design and prototyping technology. You’ll have the resources to turn your innovative ideas into reality.

“The Technology Development Programme has enabled access to a well-equipped technology laboratory, with 3D printing capabilities and tools, allowing for rapid prototyping and design cycles.”
– Sean Tipper, CTO, Sentinel Photonics.

Vast Network

Connect with like-minded peers through events like the highly valued Founders Club. Benefit from our extensive contacts covering academia, industry experts, and innovation specialists. This network will help you navigate the complexities of grant funding and early-stage investment, setting you on the path to success.

Transitioning to Scale

The programme’s second phase is tailored to support the transition from start-up to scale-up, ensuring businesses are ready to seek, obtain, and utilise investment effectively. Our Entrepreneurs in Residence bring a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. They will act as your ‘critical friend’, offering you strategic support and expert guidance. Through our Coaching and Mentoring scheme, members can access a network of talented executives who can assist in implementing strategies for long-term growth. Since 2021, our expert team has provided over 740 hours of 1:1 mentoring. 

“Being a ‘trusted friend’ and providing this steer to such a diverse range of businesses and individuals throughout their journey is immensely rewarding, and knowing we make a difference brings a real sense of personal satisfaction.”
– Samantha Mickleburgh, Entrepreneur in Residence with SETsquared Exeter.

Investor Readiness

Our programme finishes with a package of investor readiness support. Elevate your pitch skills through workshops, gain insights from investor feedback at SETsquared Connect events, and seize the opportunity to pitch your ideas to investors at the SETsquared Showcase, an annual event that could be your gateway to securing funding. With our support, members raised £5M in investment and have been awarded £2.5M in grant funding since 2021.

How To Apply

Application Deadline

Secure your spot in the October 2023 cohort and be part of an exclusive community that empowers you to create ventures built to last. Apply before September 15th to make your mark in the world of tech innovation!

Eligibility Criteria

SETsquared Exeter welcomes enquiries from early-stage ventures in Exeter that can evidence the following characteristics: 

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) focus 
• Proprietary technology / IP 
• An active R&D programme 
• Potential to scale 
• Openness to collaboration

For More Information

If this sounds like you, apply online before September 15th. To find out more about SETsquared Exeter, check out our website. To keep up-to-date with upcoming events and activities, follow us on LinkedIn.