Building on the city’s reputation as a supportive environment for tech startups, Manchester-based Dreamr have launched a new search for the region’s top tech talent – with £1m worth of support on offer for the successful applicants.

Taking a cue from the familiar Dragon’s Den’s format, app development firm Dreamr has announced the launch of a scheme aimed at finding the most impressive, innovative and deserving high-growth tech startups in the city.

Those applicants who successfully wow the team at Dreamr’s spin-off, Dreamr Ventures, can expect to receive a support package worth £1m over a five year period – guaranteed to push high-growth startups into the investment arena. And with the likes of the tech skills gap and Brexit creating uncertainty for startups, the scheme couldn’t have come at a better time; putting Manchester in an enviable position.

Putting Manchester on the Map

 

“Manchester is brimming with entrepreneurs and forward-thinking individuals and companies, and we truly believe that this great city of ours can be a global pioneer in technology innovation.”

–Mylo Kaye, Dreamr Via MEN

Manchester has long had a history of innovation. From the industrial revolution to serving as the de facto heart of the Northern Powerhouse; the city has thrived on innovative thinking and forward strides.

Aiming to further cement this reputation – and to have Manchester make its mark as a hub for tech startups – the new Dreamr Ventures scheme hopes to empower local startups, providing them with the support necessary to work towards the global stage.

On a more local level, however, the scheme is set to vastly benefit Manchester and its varied business community by indirectly addressing the skills gap that’s plaguing the industry nationwide.

As I’ve mentioned on the Kaleida blog before, Manchester has been a proactive participant in the struggle to close the digital and technological skills gap, and Dreamr Ventures is in a unique position to aid this goal. That’s because, at the heart of the Dragon’s Den-esque contest, there is the chance for successful Manchester startups to mature – a type of growth that would see new tech talent attracted to the region, and nurtured within its innovative community.

By creating these opportunities for new tech talent, startups in the city can become catalysts for change, expanding upon skills and offering new roles to those who may have previously struggled to find the right environment to flourish. From here, Manchester is able to set an example for the rest of the country.

 

Perfect Timing

The scheme has also come at a great time for Manchester: as Brexit lurches forwards, Manchester has set its sights on the world – with or without the Northern Powerhouse – and tapping into the city’s population of entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers will be important in achieving these goals.

Aside from helping to address the aforementioned skills gap, there’s also great timing in the increased importance of software development and new technology in improving workplace efficiency. Rather than invest money directly, Dreamr have identified the importance of software and applications within organisations. The scheme will therefore offer support and systems that encourage growth in startups and make them ‘future investor ready’.

The knowledge behind this decision – that bespoke software is playing an important role within organisations – is particularly interesting, as more businesses opt to partner with a bespoke software development house or an in-house team over contractors and off-the-shelf solutions.

As the popularity of this option grows, demand for tech startups from other businesses will inevitably grow. But, with Dreamr Ventures nurturing the tech talent that can make this happen, the Manchester community will be well-placed to tap into new resources and services.

 

Let the Search Begin

The search has now started in earnest, with tech startups invited to apply right away. Once applicants have filled in the online form and provided details such as a business plan and pitch deck, the Dreamr Ventures team will get to work narrowing down applicants based on innovation and how impressive ideas are.

I would be surprised if this didn’t become a popular scheme; Manchester has been offered the opportunity to be recognised as a supportive arena for tech talent, and can indirectly benefit from Dreamr’s support of startups. What’s more, my experience leading a team of bespoke software developers has helped me to recognise the importance of investing software and support to strengthen startup efforts – so the scheme is a welcome voice in convincing others of the same.

Although the scheme is in its early days, it will definitely be something to keep an eye on; and I for one, am excited to see how Dreamr Ventures’ startup support will benefit Manchester. With schemes like this on the table, it’s no wonder our city has a reputation for innovation – and for its vibrant startup community.

 

Kaleida is a bespoke software development house, helping larger businesses to improve their processes and functions through tailored applications. To find out more about what services we have to offer, visit our services page, or feel free to get in touch.