Applications for the seventh Leicester Startups Accelerator closes this week.

The deadline to apply for the revamped programme is Tuesday 3rd September.

In previous years the accelerator was a condensed 6 weeks of activity. This year however it will run 12 weeks, giving participants more opportunity to network, get access to experienced mentors and grow their startup.

Each week participants will get access to newly produced content on a different business theme including customer development, revenue modelling and pricing, intellectual property and more. Following this they will have a one hour workshop with an expert in that area.

As previous years, successful candidates will have access to the top tier of the Funding Hero platform and a chance to win funding on Demo Day.

To be eligible, you must fit the following criteria:

  • Working on a start-up with an innovative, scalable business model (please note this programme is not suitable for freelance, consultancy, agency or lifestyle businesses)
  • A working prototype (or “Minimum Viable Product”) product/service, preferably with active users.
  • Have the capability to make frequent rapid changes to your product/service during the 12-weeks of the accelerator
  • Able to commit to a flexible programme involving 4 hours of attendance to the workshops and roundtables each week. We expect >80% attendance.
  • Based in the East Midlands with a registered company
  • Willing to share the warts-and-all progress of your business with a private group of fellow founders

Last year’s Demo Day winner Katie Michaels (Moti Me) has recommended the Accelerator, and said:

“Each week I have learnt so much. When I reflect back to week 1, we were in a very different position. Each week we have had a different expert to learn from as well as a fantastic group of mentors.

“I was lucky enough to have Kerry – who has been a brilliant mentor and offered me so much support. Access to the Funding Hero platform has really supported us in building our pitch and preparing us for investment so we are very grateful to Jim Shirley.

“Also not forgetting the support from the other wonderful startups the whole way through the journey – the enthusiasm and encouragement has really driven me particularly as a solo founder.”

 

If you’re not sure whether this is for you or would like further information please do drop us an email at accelerator@leicesterstartups.com, or contact Sam Larke on 07794 601005.