Exchange tech scale-up launches TransPennine digital link

Tech scale-up support programme Exchange is to connect its Manchester and Leeds cohorts via a new online platform, Meeow, to increase collaboration and peer-to-peer support between the two start-up communities.

The programme which has supported over 150 tech businesses is to introduce Meeow, an online networking platform to virtually connect the programme’s members, ahead of welcoming its sixth cohort of start-ups to the Manchester programme.

Meeow is also part of Leeds’s Exchange scheme which recently launched its initial cohort of 15 tech start-ups. 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 so far supported more than 450 people in the past three years, creating over 140 jobs, with its businesses raising more than £13m in funding. The programme offers free flexible workspace at Department, exclusive workshops and up-skill sessions, high-profile speaker events, access to a community of like-minded start-up founders, meetings with the programme’s Entrepreneur in Residence and access to its partners and mentors.

Applications are currently open for Exchange’s next intake of businesses at Department Bonded Warehouse in Manchester, closing on 2nd July. It is looking for pioneering founders that want to shape the future of the digital and tech world.

Alice Pickersgill, Head of Exchange, commented: “We have two brilliant tech start-up 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.

“Ahead of a new wave of businesses and founders joining us for cohort six in Manchester, we wanted to unite the two communities. We want to make sure Exchange is as inclusive as possible, and making more of the benefits we provide to members available online is a step towards that. 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, added: “Founding a start-up 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 start-up 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.

“We’re thrilled to be able to support our fellow founders and establish an online community for Exchange as well as reap the benefits of being involved in the inaugural Leeds cohort.”