Tech West Mids has partnered with Boardwave, an impact-led networking community for over 1,200 European software founders and CEOs.
Tech WM, a not-for-profit community initiative mandated by West Midlands Combined Authority to stimulate the growth of the local tech and digital economy, said the partnership will see founders and CEOs access mentoring and support from some of world’s most prolific tech leaders.
A key component of the partnership will bring the Boardwave Breakout sessions to local CEOs and founders, giving them the opportunity to problem-solve critical business challenges with like-minded leaders in a facilitated forum.
To kick-start the partnership, a new Boardwave Breakout will be established for an initial cohort of six to eight West Midlands tech founders.
At the recent Birmingham Tech Week, Tech Commissioner for the West Midlands and Boardwave advisor, Martin Ward, recently outlined that collaboration around investment and funding; digital skills and business support are an integral part of the strategic growth of tech businesses in the West Midlands.
He commented: “The West Midlands tech sector has earned the right to become a global tech superpower but in order to get there, we have to ruthlessly collaborate. This is why we’re all so excited to bring this partnership to life; the impact for local tech companies and business people will no doubt be extremely valuable, which will itself benefit the sector as a whole. We must work effectively together towards our common goal and the Boardwave Breakout sessions are a great way to make that happen.”
Phill Robinson, CEO and founder at Boardwave, commented: “The growth that the West Midlands tech scene is experiencing right now is extremely exciting to see, and the shared commitment, energy, and vision across both Boardwave and TechWM is what will sit at the beating heart of our partnership.
“Our Boardwave Breakout sessions bring together like-minded leaders and offer a unique and intimate setting to share business challenges. They are also a powerful way for CEOs to develop deeper relationships with their industry peers; learning, sharing and supporting each other with openness and honesty at the heart of every discussion.”
He continued: “Boardwave is excited to welcome new CEOs and leaders from software organisations in the West Midlands and will work with our existing, committed members and mentors to deliver that vital insight, advice and experience to potential future global tech leaders.”
CEO of TechWM, Yiannis Maos MBE, added: “Since TechWM started (initially as Birmingham Tech), collaboration has been at the core of everything we do – it’s one of the main reasons we set up Birmingham Tech Week, in fact.
“With the fourth industrial revolution now underway, we must continue to harness the power of collaboration and connectivity to ensure that the region as a whole is at the forefront of innovation, as it always has been. This partnership is a step closer to that goal and we can’t wait to see the success that it yields, no doubt in the near future.”