Akcela Ventures, the only startup incubator in Norwich, has secured a £110,000 grant as part of the Ecosystem Partnership Programme. This initiative, created by the Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, Connected Innovation, and Barclays Eagle Labs, aims to support the digital technology sector in the region. Akcela will use this funding to expand its services and offer more support to a larger number of businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs. The investment is a major milestone for the company and will include workshops, self-learning modules, and full incubation opportunities.
The region has a limited number of startup incubators, most of which are London or Cambridge-based. Therefore, this latest funding is a significant boost for Akcela and Norfolk-based founders. James Adams, founder of Akcela, expressed his confidence in the company’s mission to create an environment conducive to more Norfolk-based founders starting successful businesses, attracting talent, and creating more jobs in the region.
The funding will help deliver ‘The Future’ project, which aims to support and scale digital technology innovation across Suffolk and Norfolk in three ways. Firstly, by strengthening connections between experienced entrepreneurs and new regional startups. Secondly, by identifying, engaging, and supporting early-stage startups and integrating them into the local community. And lastly, by creating more opportunities for founders from socio-economic backgrounds that struggle to commit to their ventures full-time. Akcela has a team of local partners, including Ashtons Legal, Triple Bottom Line Accounting, Adaptavist, and Luminous PR, that support its mission.
Barclays Eagle Labs director Amanda Allan expressed her excitement in facilitating the funding for Connected Innovation, along with both Suffolk Council and Norfolk County Council, to launch ‘The Future’ project. She stated that the organization is proud to support such projects designed to help early-stage tech entrepreneurs grow. Amanda highlighted their ongoing commitment to support tech start-ups and scale-ups vital to growing local economies throughout the UK.
In summary, Akcela’s latest funding is a vote of confidence in the company’s mission, boost for Norfolk-based founders, and support for the local digital technology innovation ecosystem. The grant will enable them to expand their services further and provide support to a greater number of businesses in the region.
