Oracle is working with SETsquared Bristol to deliver its Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator programme in the UK. Applications are being received from start-ups across the UK wishing to become the next generation tech success story. The programme runs for 6 months from 1st August 2017 and will be housed at Bristol’s Engine Shed.
By teaming up with SETsquared Bristol, part of the award winning global No 1 incubator, SETsquared, the arrangement will provide an enviable framework to nurture development. The incubator will be providing free business support, with guidance from multiple entrepreneurs-in-residence. As part of the programme, Oracle has committed to providing cloud credits, access to enterprise clients, their tech and product expertise.
In 2017 alone, SETsquared Bristol members have currently raised £36 million in investments, with 14 featuring in the SETsquared #top50 entrepreneurs list. The incubator’s alumni include Ultrahaptics who have just concluded a £17.9 million investment raise, and recent acquisitions with BT acquiring Pelipod, US-based Awareness Technologies for Screen Time Labs, and CricHQ owning My Action Replay. SETsquared Bristol has already worked with Oracle via two of its start-ups, YellowDog, a double Oracle award winner and Interactive Scientific who won last year’s Innovation Showcase pitch of the year award.
Commenting on this collaboration, Monika Radclyffe, SETsquared Bristol Centre Director said:
“The value of start-ups in the tech industry is booming and Oracle recognises the importance of this to the global tech economy. Roles are changing fast as corporates understand the need for innovation and, consequently, the opportunities that working with entrepreneurs uncovers. Through their startup programme, Oracle is giving back to the tech community by providing a fantastic chance for start-ups to use their expertise and throughopening up connections between entrepreneurs and large, established enterprises. SETsquared Bristol is well placed to provide direct support and expertise to incubate start-ups in readiness for scaling up and we are excited to see what the UK-based Oracle startup program can deliver.”
Interested start-ups have until 2nd July 2017 to apply, and five applicants will be selected and asked to join the program. Oracle describes the startup program as the ‘next generation acceleration initiative’ that ‘reimagines enterprise innovation through partnerships with start-ups that foster co-development and co-innovation.’ Led by Oracle’s Research & Development team, the first program was created in April 2016 in Bangalore. Since then, the tech corporate has embarked on an extensive global roll out of the programme. The first phase includes Delhi, Mumbai, Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Tel Aviv as well as Bristol.
“Oracle is investing in startups with a unique approach: A pay-it-forward model where we don't take equity but do create an ecosystem of co-development and co-innovation across startups, our global customers, and Oracle. It's a next-generation acceleration initiative for startups—and the vibrant Bristol ecosystem is burgeoning and prime for our global program,” said Reggie Bradford, three-time entrepreneur and SVP Startup Ecosystem & Accelerator, Oracle. “It’s about reimagining the startup and enterprise relationship – we’ll need startup ingenuity coupled with enterprise experience and resources to innovate for the future.”
Once completed, the OSCA graduates are invited to pitch at the Start-up Showcase event with the possible opportunity to participate at Oracle OpenWorld and Oracle CloudWorld. All become part of the global Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator alumni programme. More information about the program can be found here with applications to be submitted online https://www.oracle.com/uk/startup/apply.html