Following a flurry of interest in the scheme, innovative telecommunications company Sipcentric, web and mobile app developer Flaming Tarball, online complaint management service
ComplaintCommunity and live music video streaming broadcaster GotSeeN.com Ltd are the latest budding businesses to join e4f.
A unique incubation programme, e4f offers free support for technology start-up companies, providing the opportunity to achieve growth and commercial success through funding support, expert advice and mentoring for six months. Companies taking part in the programme also benefit from office or desk space alongside access to telephone and internet services.
This recent boost in take-up means BSPA is just six entrepreneurs away from welcoming its 50th company to e4f. To mark this milestone, the Science Park will be offering the start-up business support for 12 months, rather than the usual six; thus allowing the company to benefit from funding, networking and high quality office space for double the amount of time.
Katherine Preston, Business Incubation Manager, e4f, said: “Such an increase of e4f take-ups is evidence that start-up businesses in the technology sector are recognising the huge benefits that e4f can bring. The incubator programme is able to open doors to funding streams and other business support services which can be fundamental to the growth and success of fledgling companies. Being so close to welcoming our 50th company is very exciting and we are eagerly waiting to find out who the lucky entrepreneur that receives an extra six months support will be.”
One of the most recent companies accepted onto the scheme, GotSeeN.com Ltd, launched earlier this year, offering unsigned bands and artists the chance to promote themselves through live video streaming. The entrepreneurial company has already had a taste of success when industry experts in America asked to see a band’s demos after seeing live streaming on GotSeeN.
Jason Bedington, co-founder , GotSeeN said: “Our aim is to democratise the music industry and allow unsigned artists and bands the opportunity to promote themselves through live streaming, progressively gaining a larger fan base so that a record label deal is easier to secure. Being part of the e4f programme will give us the chance to take full advantage of the mentor scheme on offer, gaining valuable support and advice on how we can take the business forward. We also hope to benefit from working alongside like-minded professionals by networking and learning from those around us.”
Based at BSPA, the e4f incubation scheme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Since launching in November 2009, the e4f programme has contributed to the creation of 35 new innovative businesses in Birmingham and over 40 new jobs. Following the launch of the programme’s third phase earlier this year, e4f is now looking for more start-ups to join what is fast becoming the centre of Birmingham’s tech community.