Exeter Velocities seeks sustainable start-ups and entrepreneurs
Exeter City Futures are excited to launch Exeter Velocities, a fully-fledged impact accelerator which is the result of a successful year-long pilot.
This new programme is for startups and entrepreneurs wanting to make real impact on Exeter’s challenges around mobility and energy.
Exeter Velocities will support and invest in around 30 businesses each year.
By supporting these businesses with development advice, mentoring and funding, Exeter Velocities aims to generate positive social impact for Exeter, its surrounding areas and the communities that live there.
Investing in Exeter’s future
Exeter Velocities part of a series of programmes that Exeter City Futures is deploying to bring about transformational change in Exeter for the benefit of everyone. Exeter City Futures is working to bring together citizens, entrepreneurs, and the public and private sectors around a shared understanding of real challenges and to create and accelerate the development of the right solutions for our City.
Building on success
Exeter Velocities follows a successful pilot in 2016 which resulted in the formation of a series of innovative startups that are now making an impact here in Exeter.
These include: Escargo - a zero-emission last mile delivery service using electric-assisted cargo cycles, Binit - platform for businesses to access hassle-free, better-value waste and recycling services and GreenRide - a travel app aiming to reduce car ownership by allowing drivers to share their empty car seats on journeys they’re already making.
Jenny Ryding, Managing Director of Escargo, said: “We were one of the first businesses supported by the programme.
"I live in Exeter and have started a family here - I wanted to see my daughters grow up in a clean air city with fewer vans. I came to the programme with nothing more than an idea, but 15 weeks later I had a branded cargo-bike, had been on BBC Spotlight and Escargo is now delivering packages to Exeter City Football Club, bread from Emma’s Bread to local cafes and restaurants. We have received a huge amount of positivity from local residents".
Gosbert Chagula, Programme Manager of Exeter Velocities said: “We’re really excited to launch Exeter Velocities here in Exeter. The kind of businesses that this programme will help grow, will have the ability to change the way we travel and power our lives for the better. And not just in Exeter, but also in cities around the globe.
"Exeter Velocities has now now opened its doors to applications. If you’re a start-up, innovator, entrepreneur, educator, or SME with solutions to city mobility or energy challenges, we want to hear from you”.
For more details on Exeter Velocities, the challenges, FAQs and how to apply please visit the new Exeter Velocities website at: http://exetervelocities.com/
