The scheme based at Department Bonded Warehouse in Enterprise City, Manchester, offers ambitious growing tech businesses a physical base in its tech, media and creative cluster, as well as access to industry experts, networking and learning events, opportunities and introductions for funding and a place in a network of likeminded entrepreneurs.

Programme partners span marketing, hiring, legal and funding functions, giving successful businesses a complete toolkit of resources to excel and become the UK’s next most exciting startups.

The scheme’s alumni include Pixel Max, a 3D virtual workplace tech business which raised more than £2m while it was an Exchange member, My First Five Years, which secured £1.4m at the beginning of this year and current cohort three members, Versori and Sparkbox, which have both recently completed £1.5m deals to enable them to grow to the next level.

Across the first three cohorts, over 70 businesses have been supported and over 100 jobs created. The businesses have also raised a combined £7m in funding to support their growth ambitions. Applications for the fourth cohort close on 30 June 2022 with the scheme launching 01 September 2022.

Alice Glover, community outreach lead at Exchange Enterprise City, said: “We’re looking for the most ambitious tech businesses and founders in the UK to join the next wave of start-ups on our scale-up scheme. Starting a tech business and scaling it is no easy feat, especially against the current economic backdrop and cost-of-business crisis. However, ambition, ideas and determination coupled with the resources, community and introductions we can provide give entrepreneurs an extra edge to become leaders of their industries.

“Since Exchange launched, it has been a privilege to see these businesses develop into enterprises that have brought their incredible ideas to life. The support provided by the Exchange scheme is a catalyst for this and we are now inviting the next wave of tech businesses wanting to follow in these footsteps to apply for their place on the scheme.

“Exchange plays an important role in the wider ecosystem at Enterprise City, creating jobs and contributing to the region’s tech scene. Many previous members have remained in the community of tech, media, creative and digital industries after achieving successes on the programme, and we are looking forward to working with our next group of trailblazers on their scaling journey.”

Open Exchange event for tech entrepreneurs

As applications open, Exchange hosted a pitching showcase event, in partnership with Tech Nation, the programme’s knowledge partner, at Department Bonded Warehouse where six current Exchange members gave a three minute pitch and received feedback from their peers and pitching experts. These are regular opportunities that arise for Exchange members to hone their skills and receive professional support that will help them take their businesses to new strengths.

Mo Aldalou, Senior Scaleup Engagement Manager, at Tech Nation, said: “The Exchange programme offers a unique opportunity for founders in that it focuses on giving businesses with already strong foundations the necessary tools to accelerate growth through being part of a network. Entrepreneurialism can be lonely, but members of Exchange have one another to share their trials and tribulations with, experts to offer guidance and a wider ecosystem to be a part of, all of which is incredibly valuable to the scaling process.”

Sean Brown, founder at business infrastructure technology firm and Exchange member, Versori, said: “The opportunities that we have had through Exchange have supported our growth and the encouragement of the wider community is something really special. Being able to participate in events such as the Tech Nation pitching session has crafted the skills we need to take the business from strength to strength and it is brilliant to be able to do that with a network where everyone wants their peers to succeed.”

If you would like to apply to join the next Exchange cohort and benefit from the knowledge and support offered, apply today here.