Tech scaleup support programme Exchange is to connect its Manchester and Leeds cohorts via a new online platform, Meeow.
The aim is to increase collaboration and peer-to-peer support between the two startup communities.
Meeow is also part of Leeds’s Exchange scheme which recently launched its initial cohort of 15 tech startups. Its technology brings together up to four people in an online space where they can freely discuss topics of mutual interest.
To foster the partnership, weekly catch-ups will be scheduled where founders can share their updates, wins and challenges on topics ranging from fundraising, recruitment, legal, marketing and operational challenges.
Exchange at Department has supported more than 450 people in the past three years, creating over 140 jobs, with its businesses raising more than £13 million in funding.
Applications are currently open for Exchange’s next intake of businesses at Department Bonded Warehouse in Manchester, closing on 2nd July.
“We have two brilliant tech startup communities in Manchester and Leeds, both of which are bursting with ideas, experience, and enthusiasm for scaling their businesses, and irrespective of location most founders face similar challenges, so speaking directly to someone that’s been able to overcome the same problem is invaluable,” said Alice Pickersgill, head of Exchange.
“Founders’ lives are very busy, and they can’t always make in-person meets, whether they have childcare, other caring responsibilities or other business meetings – so using Meeow to meet regularly means that founders can still get the value they need from being part of Exchange.
“We hope that this partnership is the first step in uniting the growing tech communities at Department Leeds Dock and Department Bonded Warehouse.”
Chris Rabbitt, founder of Meeow, said: “Founding a startup can be a difficult and lonely task, so connecting with people in the same position as you that might just have the solution you’re looking for is invaluable.
“This partnership with Exchange will bring together early-stage businesses in neighbouring startup communities that wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to meet. This is a really exciting prospect as every hour is an opportunity for a new idea, to overcome a problem or even win a new client.”