Over the last 11 years, Ignite has actively been helping founders grow, launch and scale their startups. Through our Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator programmes, we have supported 559 founders, across 328 teams, raising a total of £150M investment across the UK and beyond.
What is the Pre-Accelerator?
The Ignite Pre-Accelerator is a 5-month programme, running from January 2023 to May 2023. There are 15 places available and it is open to applicants who are either based in the North of Tyne area, or who are interested in registering their business there.
The purpose of the programme is to help founders develop themselves and grow their businesses from an idea stage, to MVP, through to solid, scalable growth. We support you throughout this process, providing mentoring, running workshops, hosting founder firesides and introducing you to our global network of investors and entrepreneurs. Plus, you’ll join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who have been there, done that, and who now want to support you.
Is my company a good fit?
We are looking for early-stage technology companies that are in development, or have only just launched. We have a strong background in supporting founders from idea stage onwards and we are happy to accept early stage applications.
How do I apply?
Applications are now open, and can be completed online via https://bit.ly/ApplyIgnite23. The deadline for submitting an application is 7th November 2022.
Are the programmes full time?
Yes and no. Whilst the programme schedule itself is not full-time, we expect your commitment to your business to be full-time. This is part of the reason we give our teams a £10,000 grant. We want you to make the most of being on the programme by focusing on building your company.
The 2023 programme is delivered as hybrid, with a blend of some in-person content and remote, virtual content. Successful teams are provided with a weekly schedule in advance to enable time for any alternative arrangements to be made such as commuting, childcare or other pre-existing commitments.
Do I have to be part of a team or can solo founders apply?
Either! It's possible to build a successful company as a solo-founder or as part of a team. We are more concerned with your progress than the number of people on your team.
We are not based in the North East. Can we still apply?
No, the Pre-Accelerator programme is for North East based companies only, and we require companies to have a registered address, or be willing to register an interest, in the North of Tyne area specifically.
However, please note we don't require all of your team members to be located in the North of Tyne. If you have co-founders or team members elsewhere in the world, that's absolutely fine, as long as your business is registered in the North East of England.
Do you accept teams with remote members?
Yes. We have no problem with remote team members or developers as long as they are committed to the company.
What funding will I receive?
Pre-Accelerator teams will receive £10,000 equity free funding. Most founders use this investment to support themselves for the duration of the programme. Plus, all teams are eligible for £250K of credits from some of our partners, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Digital Ocean, GitHub, SendGrid, Nexmo, Autopilot, Pipedrive, Stripe and more.
Do I have to pay to take part in the programmes?
No, we give you money. There is no monetary cost to taking part in our programmes and we don't ask for equity.
Does it matter how my business is currently funded?
No, we care about you being successful no matter how your business is funded. Whether you're bootstrapped/self-funded, venture-backed or something different, we'd love to hear from you.
What happens after we finish the programmes?
We will continue to help as you move forward with your business by offering advice and support. You will also join our community of over 500+ Ignite alumni, and will be invited to all alumni meet ups and events.
Do I have to be technical?
No, you don’t have to be technical to join Ignite. We can help you regardless of your technical experience or knowledge. However, it will be to your advantage to be technical if your idea or company needs that expertise.
Do you take equity from my company?
No, we give you money. There is no monetary cost to taking part in our programmes and we don't ask for equity.
I have some more questions
No problem! We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at northeast@ignite.io and a member of the Ignite team will get back to you.