Tech scaleup support scheme Exchange has appointed Mark Kuhillow as its latest entrepreneur in residence following his exit from SaaS platform SingleView.
Following SingleView’s acquisition by international affiliate marketing network Awin, Kuhillow is taking the opportunity to impart his experience of starting, scaling and exiting businesses on Manchester’s thriving startup community at Department Bonded Warehouse.
The media and digital marketing veteran started working in online businesses in the late 90s and has three decades of experience to draw upon. He will mentor and advise the current cohort of over 30 ambitious entrepreneurs that are members of the programme and welcome the latest cohort of startups set to join the scheme in March 2023.
Applications to join Exchange’s latest cohort of tech startups opened in early December, with judging and next-stage interviews set to take place at the end of January 2023.
Since July 2020, the Enterprise City-based tech scaleup support scheme has supported more than 450 people from over 100 businesses that have created over 120 jobs. Its startups have raised more than £10m in funding on their growth journeys to date.
Following his exit from SingleView and Awin, Kuhillow is seeking to support a number of companies in advisory roles.
“I have a passion for innovation and tech, making this role perfect for my ambitions following the acquisition of my last business,” he said. “I enjoy finding out what makes founders tick and making sure these feelings are reflected in their respective businesses.
“My aim is to play a genuine role in helping the businesses on Exchange understand how to drive real value to prospective clients and their stakeholders.
“I have run both bootstrapped and venture-funded businesses and learnt many lessons the hard way. So, anything I can share to support the next generation of tech businesses on their journeys might save them a sleepless night or two.
“I want to contribute in some way to the exciting Manchester tech scene that is evolving in the city centre. It has completely changed from when I was at the same stage as many of the Exchange businesses. I’m looking forward to rediscovering my roots and being back at the centre of the city’s tech scene at Enterprise City.
“The team that run the programme are very energetic, and this is infectious and transcends the group. You can feel it in the sessions and events, even just working in and walking around Bonded Warehouse – it’s electric.”
Now in its third year, Exchange seeks to support the UK’s next generation of tech businesses in reaching their full potential. It offers ambitious entrepreneurs and their businesses a physical base within Department Bonded Warehouse in the city’s Enterprise City district.
Alongside access to workshops, a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, an experienced partner and advisory network, and opportunities for funding by its VC partners.
Alice Pickersgill, community outreach lead at Exchange, said: “Mark is a great addition to Exchange, and has significant experience that will benefit the businesses on the programme. As we continue to grow and welcome more innovative businesses, we are placing a real focus on developing our partner network.
“The knowledge that Mark has made him an obvious choice when adding to our group of mentors, partners and alumni. By attending group sessions and events and sitting alongside the businesses at Department Bonded Warehouse, Mark gives the founders easy access to sound and reputable advice.
“As we prepare to welcome the next cohort in the new year, we truly believe we have a support network that any early-stage tech business can reap the benefits of and use as a springboard to future success.”