Getting the start-up infrastructure right to support tech entrepreneurs
By Linda Smith (Pictured), founder and CEO of UK tech accelerator BetaDen
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urope is home to a vast eco-system of incubators, accelerators, innovation labs and projects, all specialising in different areas of technology and with differing rules of engagement. This can make it a confusing landscape to navigate and means many early-stage tech businesses need help to identify the support they really need. Incubators - often tied to universities are a good initial port of call. Developing technology-led ideas arising from undergraduate and postgraduate
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studies, or hosting R&D projects as part of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, this is where the foundations of new tech businesses can be firmly put in place. But what next for those early-stage businesses that have completed the incubator process and are ready to scale, go to market and prepare for investment? Accelerators, Government-led initiatives and scale-up support programmes are all designed to help businesses test and develop their offer, build business relationships and, ultimately, create real value in their company. The approach, type and level of support varies from programme to
