Tech Manchester launches new mentoring round for startups

Tech Manchester is inviting startups to another ‘Meet the Mentor’ event next week, after the phenomenal success of the first edition.

The not-for-profit initiative connects digital startups with entrepreneurs in a mentoring scheme and is hosting a matching event for founders in need of support and guidance on Monday 26th February from 2-8pm.

Tech Manchester has a roster of 90 active mentors including the likes of Darren Ratcliffe, Head of Strategy, Business & Platform Services at ATOS; Dr Antonia Terzi, Head of Aerodynamics at Bentley and Iñigo Antolin, Head of Digital at the British Council.

Patricia Keating, Tech Manchester’s project lead, said: “Our first wave of 48 matches are now well underway and we have seen some great progress in the business and personal development of the mentees.

“Following the success of our first mentor match-up event we continue to receive applications from startups for mentors – and from business people interested in training to become mentors.

“It makes perfect sense to host further training for mentors and to introduce them to startups looking for guidance so soon as possible. There is huge demand out there from founders looking for mentoring.”

The first intake of mentees saw the likes of Reece Douglas’ influencer marketing agency, Brand Endorsement and Don’t Let her Down, a gifting platform developed by business partners Laura Stockton and Amy Pandazis. Both businesses have enjoyed significant benefits from the partnership with Tech Manchester to date.

Tech Manchester is backed by UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones MBE, with Monday’s event to be held at the UKFast Campus.

Jones said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the Tech Manchester team has achieved in such a short space of time.

“To see the energy that’s generated and the results when we bring so many amazing people together only inspires me to push this project even further. I’m looking forward to seeing the success of the next batch of mentors and mentees.”

The event gives startups the opportunity to meet up to five prospective mentors with the skills and knowledge they require – and then to choose the mentor that best meets their mission.

Once mentors are selected, they embark on a six-to-12-month journey during which they will identify and explore goals and objectives.

Keating added: “Harnessing the resources of UKFast such as the video, PR and communications teams, we have raised the profile of a number of the startups and the traction they have gained demonstrates how we can harness UKFast’s influence and reach for the good of others.”