The results of this survey show that The South West tech startup scene has incredible potential but support still needs to improve, particularly when it comes to funding.
The survey tells us that the South West has incredible talent and the funding is available. It is access to the funding that is lacking, as none of the members of the Tech Leadership Forum voted the current support as excellent.
There also seems to be a disconnect between the education and tech sectors; this needs to be addressed in order to collaborate and support entrepreneurship.
Finally, there needs to be a solution to connect available resources with founders and the startups who need them.
Tech South West launched StartUp Studio in early 2021 to support early stage tech companies in the region in honing their propositions and attracting investment. The programme is delivered by Activate and Skowt Consulting, with expert guidance provided to the startups from partnering companies in the areas they need, such as funding, marketing, accountancy, business strategy and recruitment.
The Investment Activator Programme, run by TechSPARK, is designed to support companies that are raising equity investment in the South West. Briony Philips, investment activator at TechSPARK, said: “The Investment Activator Programme is an initiative we launched in 2019 to invigorate the investor community and help increase the flow of capital into the region. We have seen thousands of people get involved in our pitch competitions, engage with our content-based events and connect with investors through our activities.
To get involved with the Tech South West go to:
techsouthwest.co.uk/join/