First Bourne Accelerator Program for product-led digital startups

new accelerator programme

Do you have a product led digital startup registered in England but outside London? Well, Creative England in collaboration with Silicon South has launched a new program, The First Bourne Accelerator. This accelerator is offering investments to 8 lucky product led digital companies. The aim is to promote innovation & risk taking among young startups.

First Bourne is focusing on startups based on ‘Applied Digital’. Companies based on B2B models, VR, Internet of Things & those involved in Healthcare sector and the financial sector are likely to have an upper hand in landing the slots.

Those chosen to participate will receive £25000 in investment at the start of the First Bourne accelerator program, which they will account for at the end. Creative England will also hand £50000 to two best participants who will have proven the best business case. They also claim that this investment will be in the form of an interest-free unsecured loan.

This program will be located in Bournemouth, England. It will start on Sept 5, 2016 with the application for the 8 slots closing on July 4^, 2016. First Bourne Accelerator will help in prototype development. It will also provide intensive support to ensure the product is market-fit. The participants will also have to locate themselves at First Bourne offices.

The First Bourne organizers will include mentors who will commit at least an hour of support for every startup. They also claim there will be workshops & master classes, & peer to peer meetings. During the final months, there also will be one-off & special events with the program finishing with a pitch to the investors.

For eligibility, your startup must be based in England but be registered outside London.It should also not be more than 2 years old. To increase your chance of landing a slot, your company should have two or more active partners. You must also provide evidence that other than the investment offered by Creative England you will be able to spend a further £25000 within a year. The lucky ones to be selected for the First Bourne Accelerator Program must accept the offer 2 weeks before it starts.