Early stage

North East Pre-Accelerator 2024

January - June 2024

Our 5 month full-time Pre-Accelerator programme is designed for early stage ambitious founders who want to build companies with high scaling potential in the North East of England.

Applications for the next cohort are now Closed.

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£10,000
Equity-free grant
5 months
Intensive hybrid support
£250K+
in Perks

World-class support

An action packed schedule

We use our global network of experienced founders to put together an action-packed schedule of firesides, mentoring and world-class workshops tailored to the needs of the cohort.

The right foundations

Tailored Workshops

Our weekly sessions and workshops are focused on helping founders move the needle.

The Pre-Accelerator helps startups find traction, build their products and ultimately, grow their company.

Every cohort is different, with different needs and stages. We tailor the content of each programme for each cohort.

"Ignite taught me all the things I didn't know I didn't know. Without Ignite, I would have no idea what I need to learn in order to build a successful startup."

Tom Bunten

Founder
,
Grid Finder

World-class mentoring

Surrounding founders with experienced mentors


Our programme provides a safe space for founders to test their business models and to make an informed decision on whether to pivot, ax, or grow their ideas.

An insight into how things really are

Firesides

Our weekly firesides provide honest, open and often frank, stories about the successes and failures of founders in a confidential space, where you can ask questions.

"Ignite has hands down been the most impactful business support training we have had. Practical advice, encouragement and support every step of the way!"

Dan Hopper

Founder
,
Classclub

A lasting impact

Network

Learn from other founders who are on a similar journey - and make lifetime connections through the global Ignite Founders Community.

Perks

Gain the support of the largest technology companies in the world.

Get access to over £250,000 of credits and discounts from companies who would like to see you succeed. From stickers to hosting, there's enough credits in there to run most tech stacks for a year.
AriseHealth logoOE logo2020INC logoThe Paak logoEphicient logoToogether logo

FAQs

Still not sure if the Pre-accelerator is right for you? Our most common questions are here.

If you still have questions, get in touch.

Is my company a good fit?

We are looking for early-stage technology companies that are in development, or have only just launched. We have a strong background in supporting founders from idea stage onwards and we are happy to accept early stage applications.

Is the programme full time?

Yes and no. Whilst the programme schedule itself is not full-time, we expect your commitment to your business to be full-time. This is part of the reason we give our teams a £10,000 grant.

We want you to make the most of being on the programme by focusing on building your company. The 2023 programme is delivered as hybrid, with a blend of some in-person content and remote, virtual content.

Successful teams are provided with a weekly schedule in advance to enable time for any alternative arrangements to be made such as commuting, childcare or other pre-existing commitments.

Do I have to be part of a team or can solo founders apply?

Either! It's possible to build a successful company as a solo-founder or as part of a team. We are more concerned with your progress than the number of people on your team.

Do I have to be technical?

No, you don’t have to be technical to join Ignite. We can help you regardless of your technical experience or knowledge. However, it will be to your advantage to be technical if your idea or company needs that expertise.

Do you take equity from my company?

No, we give you money. There is no monetary cost to taking part in our programmes and we don't ask for equity.

Applications Now CLOSED

Applications are now closed. Sign up to our mailing list to keep up-to-date about upcoming Ignite programmes.

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Supported by

This project is part-funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.The North of Tyne Combined Authority is a partnership of three local authorities: Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, and Northumberland County Council and the North of Tyne Elected Mayor.