Barclays Eagle Labs has launched its first startup growth programmes after securing the government’s Digitial Growth Grant.
The Ecosystem Partnership Programme will provide funding to other initiatives beyond London, such as regional industry events, accelerator mentorship and local tech company support.
“We want to give UK tech businesses the best start so their innovation can drive growth and investment across the country,” said Paul Scully, minister for tech and the digital economy.
“Through the government-funded Digital Growth Grant, Eagle Labs will offer support and opportunities to help tens of thousands of startups and scaleups unlock their full potential.”
Eagle Labs has also announced the Scaleup Programme, HealthTech and AgriTech Industry Bridge Programmes, along with the Funding Readiness Programme.
Hannah Bernard, head of business banking at Barclays said: “The Digital Growth Grant will make our support accessible to even more businesses up and down the country and enable us to provide tailored growth programmes, first-class business mentoring and access to even more resources to drive further growth.”
An independent advisory board will oversee Barclays Eagle Labs’ activity, they are:
- Chris Elphick, senior venture capital manager of British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.
- Dr Phil Clare, CEO of Queen Mary Innovation.
- Katie Gallagher, managing director of Manchester Digital.
- Alisdair Gunn, project director of Glasgow City Innovation District.
- Louise Harris, co- founder and director of Tramshed.
- Ian Browne, managing director of Dog Patch Labs.
- Roei Samuel, CEO of Connectd.
- Julie Grieve, exited travel tech founder.
- Steven Roberts, chief scientific adviser of Barclays.
- Charles Ebubedike, CEO of Clinova.
- Vishal Chatrath, CEO of QuantrolOx.
Programmes in the works from Barclays Eagle Labs include one for black-founded tech scaleups and another aimed at very early-stage startups. It will continue existing offerings like the Female Founder Accelerator Programme.
Eagle Labs will also spend the grant funding, worth £12.09m over two years, on the creation of an online educational Knowledge Hub and monthly reports.
Barclays Eagle Labs was awarded the Digitial Growth Grant after beating Tech Nation in an open tender process. Losing access to its primary government funding resulted in Tech Nation closing its doors last month.
“Funding withdrawal from Tech Nation earlier this year was portrayed by many as demonstrating a lack of recognition for just how much tech potential exists in the UK,” said Phil Kwok, CEO and co-founder of blockchain company EasyA. “However, news of the government-funded Barclays Eagle Labs accelerator programmes represents a step in the right direction in regaining the public’s confidence in the government’s support for the nation’s tech startups.”
Tech Nation is still providing endorsements for the Global Talent visa scheme while the government seeks a replacement.
Entrepreneur network Founders Forum Group is in conversation with Tech Nation to acquire its brand.
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