Start-ups supported in Gateshead tech community

The Ignite pre-accelerator, which has been running in PROTO since September and supports early stage tech companies and founders, is benefitting from access to the region's emerging technology experts and successful business owners. Attendees have been given key advice and support from organisations and businesses across the North East, in order to support their growth.

Alexis Long, Programme Manager said, "The programme so far has been fantastic. With early stage companies and founders, it is all about giving them access to new skills, experienced mentors and inspiring founders who have done it before. PROTO has been a fantastic place to offer all of this."

He added, "Along with running our typical start-up workshops and bringing in mentors from Ignite's own network, PROTO has allowed for the founders to be in and around other exciting and fast-growing companies, who have been receptive to meeting and helping the teams throughout the last couple of months. The PROTO and Gateshead Council team have been a great support and have helped us to make the most of being based here."

Masitano Sichone, founder of Spareable, a startup helping local foodbanks in the fight against hunger, said: "I have learnt so much more about my customers and validated my idea further through conversations with great mentors and Ignite's diverse alumni. Similarly, collaboration with other teams, all like-minded people, in a wonderful working space with a great view has been the highlight of the programme."

Rachel Burdis, Tech Specialist at Gateshead Council said: "We've really enjoyed having the programme in Gateshead and it's been great to see the tech community further strengthened by the mixing of companies of different size and stages. The events and activities which already run at PROTO have been enhanced by the Ignite attendees and along with all our other businesses, we're rooting for their success!"