Technology boot-camp set for return to the West Midlands

TECHNOLOGY start-up scheme, Oxygen Accelerator, which provides fledgling businesses with early stage finance and mentoring, is returning to the Midlands for its 2014 programme.

The programme will see 10 teams from across the world come to the Midlands to develop their start-up idea. Providing initial investment, office space and the support of over 150 mentors, the boot camp will equip the new companies with links to experts in business, finance, marketing, technology and entrepreneurship, ensuring they are ready to pitch to investors for next stage funding.

The programme, set up by Birmingham entrepreneur Mark Hales, has seen scores of start-ups develop into successful businesses.

Billed as the ‘TripAdvisor for cars’, Carhoots graduated in 2012, securing a group of next stage investors that allowed it to set up camp in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley.

Another start-up to have seen success is Hobzy.com, a social networking platform for crafters, which has grown to a team of seven after receiving its second round of investment in 2013.

Last year, the accelerator programme ran from Google’s London headquarters. However, it is now returning to its roots and its base will be announced shortly.

Simon Jenner, CEO & co-founder of Oxygen Accelerator, said: “We took a ‘Google holiday’ last year and spent 13 weeks in Google’s campus at Silicon Roundabout to see first-hand what all the fuss was about.

“While London may have global appeal, it is the Greater Birmingham thriving tech community ‘Silicon Canal’, which houses the vibe and talent that Oxygen is genetically part of that has brought us back to the Midlands.

“We’re incredibly excited about this year’s spring intake; 2014 could be the year that 10 tech start-ups become the next big thing.”

Applications open for Oxygen next programme on May 1 and potential participants can apply online by visiting www.oxygenaccelerator.com.