New Startup Academy launched

Tuesday 25 April 2023

The Digital Greenhouse’s new business accelerator programme, ‘The Startup Academy’ has launched with eight Guernsey firms accepted.

A wide range of digital ventures applied, across FinTech, HealthTech, and EventTech.

Pictured: Eight firms have been accepted on to the Startup Academy.

The 10-week programme will see the eight firms developing their plans with expert help as they learn about mapping opportunities for innovation, how to make informed decisions and avoid wasting resources in their pursuit of success, early unit economics and how they affect different business models, how to build and present a business case and more.

Lucy Kirby, Director at the Digital Greenhouse said it is very exciting to be involved.

“Innovating with technology is pivotal to all the businesses joining the Academy, covering a range of HealthTech, FinTech and EventTech solutions. We are also particularly pleased to be welcoming entrepreneurs from Alderney and Sark to the programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate their new ventures and give them the tools and expert support they need to succeed.“

Pictured: The Startup Academy offers expert support over ten weeks.

During the launch event, academy participant Andre Duquemin, founder of Three Brain Training, said the scheme has really helped so far.

“I have joined the academy to help me build and scale a paid community of next-generation leaders who are looking for guidance and support in areas such as mental well-being, peak performance and leadership.”

Tammy Lodge, founder of Leaving Toxicity, said it has helped her expand on her plans.

“I applied to participate in the Academy because I see the importance of building a business with a strong foundation. In addition, getting to work with the Red Team and other local start-ups offers great opportunities for growth, collaboration and mutual support.”

Pictured: A variety of firms are receiving support through the Startup Academy.

Joanne Corder, founder of The Veterinary Content Company, agreed with the benefits of the scheme.

“I built The Veterinary Content Company from scratch, but I feel I was mostly lucky that it has worked out well as there was no plan behind it - it grew organically. This next step is going to be harder, I need to understand business, economics, and pitching to make the leap. I’m hoping the academy will give me the knowledge and confidence to springboard this idea and get it airborne.”

The first session of the Startup Academy will held last week and it runs until the end of June concluding in a pitch presentation evening.