University business hub launches fintech start-up programme
BUSINESS incubator SETsquared has launched a new programme for fintech start-ups to access the knowledge and resources of five universities backing the hub.
The scale-up programme is supported by Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey universities and offers mentoring, access to investors and training.
The programme, launched in the Houses of Parliament this week and supported by £5m of government funding, is expected to generate more than £25bn by 2030 and create an additional 30,000 high-skilled jobs in the tech sector.
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“Since SETsquared started, we have helped more than 3,500 businesses which have gone on to create over 20,000 jobs and raise £1.5bn in investment,” Don Spalinger, chair of the SETsquared management board, said.
“We are launching our new scale-up programme which will help hundreds of small- and medium-sized enterprises over the coming years access the knowledge and resources of our five universities to accelerate their innovation and growth. This will benefit the UK economy in a major way.”
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The launched was backed by business secretary Greg Clark.
“Through our modern industrial strategy, we’re calling on businesses to invest in the latest technology trends, and through our sector deals and grand challenges, we want the UK to be at the forefront of the technology revolution and make Britain fit for the future,” he said.
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