Elmwood launches start-up support unit
BRAND CONSULTANCY firm Elmwood is to launch a new project to bring together creative and technology start-ups.
The Leeds-based agency will launch an accelerator programme in June called Elmwood LaunchPod and is designed to create “a thriving creative community” over a 12week programme.
The inaugural accelerator programme is aimed at promoting the development of consumer health startups, with Elmwood inviting both technology and creative businesses who are innovating how people manage their health to improve their quality of life.
Elmwood anticipates working with five start-ups when the 12week accelerator programme commences, helping to support the next generation of entrepreneurs who are already hard at work to bring emerging ideas to market that will shape the future of consumer health.
Applications will open from Monday, April 16 and close on Friday, May 8.
Sarah Dear, managing partner at Elmwood and managing director of Elmwood LaunchPod, said: “This is a unique project bringing together businesses with breakthrough ideas propelled by the power of design.
“The future inevitably starts with an idea and some of the most innovative ideas are found among start-up businesses.
“Elmwood prides itself on being at the intersection of creativity and innovation and we’re looking forward to supporting the aspirations of health-focused entrepreneurs who are eager to develop the next generation of consumer health experiences into successful businesses that help improve lives.”
A spokesperson added: “Throughout the 12-week programme, successful applicants will receive specialist insight from a world-class community of marketers and creative designers and free workspace at Elmwood’s creative and dynamic studio.
“Participating start-ups will also have access to expertise across Elmwood’s industryleading global clients as mentors, as well as access to investors.”
The scheme is launched less than a week after Elmwood’s chairman, Jonathan Sands, warned that a lack of emphasis on creative industries at an early age in schools is an “emerging threat” to the country’s business community.