Start-ups ready to get pitching at St George’s Market

THE countdown has begun for upSTART 2018, a European-wide start-up pitch competition, which will take place at next month’s Digital DNA, at St George’s Market in Belfast.

With the competition now in its third year, upSTART — hosted by leading start-up publication and platform Startacus — has become an integral part of the two-day business and technology event.

The pitch competition will start with 25 “disruptive” startups, before culminating with one winner who will walk away with a £5k cash prize.

As well as this, the winning start-up will also receive one year’s mentoring care from award-winning full-service agency Flint Studios; a one-toone meeting with Eamon Carey, managing director of Techstars London; a year’s co-working space; and two days of legal advice from one of upSTART’s major sponsors, leading corporate law firm Tughans — providing crucial feedback, support and networking opportunities.

Alastair Cameron, co-founder, of Startacus, said: “Whilst winning will be a fantastic achievement, it isn’t everything. We will aim to showcase and support all of the competing start-ups at Digital DNA, helping them on the next stage of their journeys.”

Andre Wang, co-founder of FavourUp, who was one of last year’s contestants, said: “UpSTART is an excellent opportunity for early stage start-ups to attract attention for both investment and exposure. We were approached by interesting potential investors at the event, which helped us to close our seed fundraising round on an equity crowdfunding platform later.”

Kiran Bhagotra, founder of Protect Box, added: “UpSTART was a great way to get in front of the whole of the vibrant island of Ireland’s start-up ecosystem. Not just the investors and corporate partners, but also those there to help such as Invest NI, universities and advisors such as Startacus.”

Applications for UK, Irish and European start-ups to apply to pitch are open until May 25. Visit https:// digitaldna.org.uk/upstart-2018