News / SETsquared Bristol
SETsquared Bristol’s Breakthrough Bursary open for applications
A bursary dedicated to boosting inclusivity in the tech sector has relaunched for its fourth year.
Entrepreneurs who are Black, brown or from a global majority background are invited to apply for SETsquared Bristol’s Breakthrough Bursary, which provides access to tailored business support at heavily discounted rates.
This includes coaching and mentoring, advice clinics, events, skills and training workshops and support to raise investment, as well as support and three months free access to desk space in a shared office inside Engine Shed.
The 14 previous recipients, which includes FluoretiQ, Gritty Talent and LatchAid, have raised a combined £2.7m in investment.
Inclusivity tracking tool Inclued was one of five bursary awardees in 2021 and went on to win the Tech-Xpo this year. The company’s founder and CEO Joyann Boyce has also gone on to be named one of the South West’s 42 Under 42 by Insider Media and TechSPARK’S top 50 rising star.
Boyce said access to the SETsquared Bristol’s entrepreneurs in residence has been fundamental to mapping the startup’s investment strategy. The entrepreneur added: “My experience of the Breakthrough Bursary has been nothing but positive. As an entrepreneur you often feel like you are out there on your own, but SETsquared Bristol provides a supportive community of founders at all stages.”
Since SETsquared Bristol, which is led by the University of Bristol, launched the Breakthrough Bursary in 2019, companies at the tech incubator with founders from a global majority background have increased from 14 per cent to 24 per cent. Nationwide, less than nine per cent of senior tech leaders are from a global majority background.
Marty Reid, SETsquared Bristol director, said: “Inclusive and sustainable growth is more vital than ever in our current climate.
“Our ambition is to work towards levelling the playing field for minoritised groups within the tech sector by improving access to support, investment and networks. We look forward to welcoming new awardees with exciting ideas to our community.”
Ali Kazmi says being part of SETsquared Bristol via the Breakthrough Bursary has been instrumental to his company’s success. – photo: SETsquared Bristol/ Ethical Equity
Another of last year’s bursary recipients, Ali Kazmi, is founder of the UK’s first dedicated, ethically compliant investment platform, Ethical Equity.
Kazmi said: “Being part of SETsquared Bristol via the Breakthrough Bursary has been instrumental to our success. In particular, having access to market/founder insights and SETsquared’s extensive network.”
Entrepreneurs can apply for a Breakthrough Bursary if they are developing a tech startup or growing an existing company.
Find out more and apply by November 7 via: www.setsquared-bristol.co.uk/our-programmes/breakthrough-bursary/.
Main photo: SETsquared Bristol
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