Scaleup programmes
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Engine Shed [2021]
Infrastructure
Impact for scaleups
400
Companies supported per year
>£500m
Investment raised since start of programme; £10m in 2020
300
Scaleups accommodated
1
Onsite Angel Hub
1,200
Events happen at Engine Shed every year
Key sectors
Engine Shed – an enterprise hub led by the University of Bristol in collaboration with Bristol City Council – has been supporting ambitious businesses since December 2013. Based in Brunel’s historic building, the hub brings together investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics and corporates to drive innovation and inclusive economic growth. It provides flexible infrastructure for 300 fast-growing companies.
At the heart of Engine Shed is the SETsquared Bristol Incubator, providing support to over 80 high growth technology businesses. In 2020, the programme was named “Hottest Accelerator in Europe” and passed the landmark of £500m investment raised by member companies.
Particular focus is placed on linking scaling businesses with investors through “Investors in Residence” and the hosting of an Angel Hub, in partnership with UK Business Angels Association. In 2020, Engine Shed joined 8 partners to launch a new 2-year pilot programme to stimulate investment in the south west region, the “Investment Activator” led by partner Tech Spark. New collaborations have been developed with the launch of two new funds, the £15m Science Creates EIS Fund focussed on deeptech startups and a £10m co-investment fund from Newable and Bristol Private Equity Club. Alongside core events and investment briefing, 45 companies have benefited from pitch training and 22 introductions to investors have been facilitated.
In addition, Engine Shed has also launched a partnership with Geovation, the innovation arm of the Ordnance Survey to provide network members access to the quality location and property data, technical expertise and guidance in how to access a range of potential markets sectors.
In October 2021, Engine Shed announced a new fintech accelerator programme for high potential scaling fintech businesses in the West of England. The programme which will launch in Q1 2022 aims to provide development in areas such as product, organisation, funding and access to market, this will be supported by access to experienced mentors and expert masterclasses from across the fintech ecosystem.
