Our last Down The Pub was a roaring success, with a range of brands, investors, and startups enjoying the London sunshine with a well-earned drink. Everyone enjoyed it so much, we couldn't wait to arrange another one. This time, we will be meeting at The Golden Lion, at 6pm, on 24th July, and you can sign up here to register your interest. See you there!
There are many 'Best Startups' lists out there, but most of them focus on the London scene, or that in Silicon Valley. However, this most recent one from Mashable includes startups from all over the UK, highlighting just how strong the startup ecosystem is.
We are chuffed to say it also includes two startups from Collider12; Seeker and Locomizer. To see what Mashable has to say about them and the other 23 startups included, click here.
Bringing startups and investors together is just one of the many things we do here at Collider12, but we also think such events should be fun. Which is why last week we hosted a small investor breakfast at the gorgeous Modern Pantry, where Locomizer, Miappi, Beem and Seeker had the chance to meet Alliott Cole from Octupus, Itxaso del Palacio from EC1 Capital and Alun Simpson from Par Equity LLP.
Unlike other occasions where startups have the chance to meet investors, this breakfast was relaxed and informal, while still allowing in-depth discussion of the products. As the startups gave mini-pitches without the prop of a slideshow, it tested their ability to remember their own figures and facts, as well as being open to receiving questions from the investors at any time. However the startups responded well to this type of environment, and it allowed the pitches to fell more like a conversation, rather than a sales talk. Questions from the investors ranged from where the products fit in the market, how does it differ to similar products currently available, and who would buy it.
The morning got such great feedback from all involved, we will definitely be making these a regular event in our calender.
Join us on 20th June in central London for a free 'Access to Finance' workshop. The half day taster is brought to you by GrowthAccelerator and delivered by Andy Tait of Pembridge Partnership, a specialist in raising finance. As part of the GrowthAccelerator service, Pembridge work with companies who are passionate about growth and creating value by providing professional advice around growth, fund raising, strateg, and exit. Companies that have come through the programme have gone on to raise finance amounts of between £25,000 and £2 million.
The day will give you an overview of:
Best of all, it will help you understand how best to position your company when looking for investment and will give you a taster of how the GrowthAccelerator service may be able to help you fulfill your goals.
If you have any questions, please contact sara.macann@pembridge.net who will be happy to hear from you, or simply register here.
Avocarrot, a platform which provides real rewards on mobile apps, has been picked out as one of the best startups in the world by accelerator BlackBox in Silicon Valley, who are partnered with Google Entrepreneurs. The team of four join seven other global startups who will all live in the BlackBox Mansion for the entire process, which runs from 15-26th July. The unique programme boasts a range of beneficial activities, networking events, and guest lectures, all aimed at helping the startups grow in an American environment.
“We're excited to have the chance to spend 2 weeks with the like-minded young entrepreneurs from all over the world,” says Conno Christou, one of Avocarrot’s co-founders. “It's also a great opportunity to tap into a large network of prestigious VCs and see how things are different in the US compared to the UK ecosystem.”
As BlackBox is focused on truly immersing the startups into the heart of this startup mecca, Conno realises the potential this trip could have for himself and his team. “We want to meet as many people as possible,” he explains, “to share ideas and get new insights in our sector. Making friends is in our nature, and all the other startups seem to be innovative companies. I’ll admit, the swimming pool in the villa was also an extra bonus!”
They applied only a month ago, and had to complete various forms, videos, and interviews via Google Hangout. But now they are through, Conno says that the four friends who all met at Imperial College are feeling "excited, honoured, and lucky." It's not all luck though, as the guys have been working tirelessly since 2012 to bring their technology to life, and been getting interest from investors and brands throughout the Collider12 process.
Stay tuned to the blog to see what they get up to later in July.
