British Esports, in collaboration with Sunderland Software City (SSC), has announced the launch of a new esports accelerator programme. Fourteen startups have been chosen to participate in this initiative, aimed at strengthening the gaming sector and generating jobs within Sunderland.
Supported by Sunderland City Council, this programme provides an invaluable opportunity for emerging companies to gain insights and expertise from industry leaders. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the growth and innovation of the esports industry.
Programme Overview
The new esports accelerator programme, a collaboration between British Esports and Sunderland Software City (SSC), has officially accepted 14 startups with the goal of advancing the gaming sector and fostering job creation in Sunderland. Supported by the Sunderland City Council, the programme offers a unique platform for these nascent companies to leverage insights from industry veterans.
Duration and Curriculum
Spanning eight weeks, the programme aims to expedite growth for businesses within the esports industry. Among the various topics, participants will delve into financial management, international expansion strategies, digital marketing, intellectual property protection, and investment readiness. The blend of in-person and online sessions ensures a comprehensive learning experience, culminating in an opportunity to pitch to potential investors on November 1st.
Selection Process
Selecting the final 14 participants was no small feat. The programme received over 100 applications, ultimately choosing the top candidates through an evaluation by a panel of industry experts. David Dunn and Hekla Goodman-Parker from SSC, alongside Dave Martin from British Esports, were instrumental in this selection process. The criteria for selection included the viability of the startup’s concept, market opportunity, team expertise, and product-market fit.
Expert Insights
Head of tech startups at Sunderland Software City, Hekla Goodman-Parker, expressed enthusiasm for the programme: “We’re excited about the esports accelerator’s first cohort of tech startups creating groundbreaking technology for the industry.” She highlighted the ambition of the founders and the benefits of direct connections to industry players, thanks to the partnership with British Esports and Sunderland City Council. This initiative marks the first of many planned accelerators, each aimed at bolstering the North East tech sector and drawing investment to the area.
Partnership Synergy
Dave Martin, Senior Vice President at British Esports, elaborated on the synergetic partnership with SSC and Sunderland City Council, stating, “We aim to bring together talent, investment, and innovation to create a thriving esports ecosystem in the UK.” By fostering collaborations, the programme aspires to not only generate jobs but also spearhead world-leading innovations within the gaming sector.
Initial Cohort
The initial cohort of startups includes Beam XR, BSL AR Teacher, DS Performance Sport, ESG Gaming, Convergent Live Ltd, Good Game Truro, Gamlytics, Versus HD Games, Immerzion Development Ltd, Nexus Interactive Ltd, Racing Sims North East, Smash Mountain Studio, and Reset Reload. These companies face a rare opportunity to scale their businesses through the guidance provided by the programme.
Funding and Support
The project enjoys the backing of the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This financial support underscores the importance of nurturing innovative enterprises in the esports domain. The dual support from public and private sectors enhances the credibility and potential success of the accelerator.
The Sunderland esports accelerator programme marks a significant milestone in the UK’s gaming sector. By fostering growth and innovation, it aims to build a robust esports ecosystem in the region.
With the backing of both public and private sectors, the programme is well-positioned to achieve its objectives of job creation and technological advancement. The future looks promising for the participating startups and the wider esports community.