Worcestershire’s first technology accelerator BetaDen is celebrating the festive season with the news that businesses it has supported have secured almost £7m investment and created over 217 jobs since its inception.
The accelerator, which is based at Malvern Hills Science Park, celebrated its 5th anniversary in October and has supported over 50 early-stage technology businesses to date. Applications to join its 8th cohort will open in January 2024.
Donston Powell, marketing and communications manager at BetaDen, said: “We’re delighted with the latest figures, which clearly demonstrate the positive impact BetaDen has made.
“Worcestershire has a strong history of technology innovation, dating back to the second World War when signalling and radar specialists were based in the county. We’re delighted to build on that legacy by supporting talented founders to develop next-generation technologies that have genuine potential to change the world.”
From Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and 5G to hazard intelligence, biometrics and cyber security, BetaDen has helped a wide range of founders develop their technology ideas in the county. In fact, it is this cross-sector approach that founders regularly cite as one of the key benefits of the programme.
“Grant funding, access to dedicated office space and specialist mentoring are all invaluable to early-stage businesses but time-and-time again, it is the sense of community, access to alumni networks and ability to discuss challenges with their peers that founders cite as the key benefits of taking part in the accelerator,” Donston continued.
“As we move into our sixth year of operation, our network of alumni, partners and specialist advisors has grown significantly and we’re excited by what the next five years will bring.”
BetaDen was named the UK’s Best Technology Accelerator at the UK Business Tech Awards in 2022. This year alone, current founders and BetaDen alumni have been shortlisted for or won almost 20 sector and national awards.
For further information, visit www.beta-den.com