Winning entrepreneur to gain technology, mentorship and access-to-market
Applications open now and close on March 31
The company chosen will have one years free office space, access to technology solutions, mentorship, and networking opportunities. British startups have until March 31 to apply to gain a one year residency at Dell's Bracknell headquarters, including access to IT and access to Dell's leadership and marketing teams.
With London's West End representing the most expensive office rental market worldwide[1], finding suitable office space is one of the biggest challenges and greatest expenditures for UK startups. Tim Griffin, vice president & managing director, Dell UK, explains: "As a company founded by an entrepreneur, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and supporting new businesses is deeply ingrained in our corporate culture. Working with our two current resident startups iNovar and Fantoo over the past year has been an incredible experience - there is so much big and small businesses can learn from each other. The goal of the Startup-in-Residence programme is really simple. We want to remove the pressure of costly investments like office space and technology so they can focus on the more important things like growing their businesses."
Applicants are required to submit a 500-word elevator pitch withbackground on the enterprise, including current investment status, and a short video explaining why technology is integral to their future success.
Maisha Frost, small business correspondent for the Daily Express, said: "The tangible factors delivered by the Startup-in-Residence programme - free office rental and access to both equipment and Dell's experts, with their global market views and contacts - make it a successful model for both sides in the partnership, and one which other corporations might consider".
A Dell for Entrepreneurs initiative, the Startup-in-Residence programme was first launched as a competition in December 2013, offering two winning startups a one or two year residency, respectively, at the Dell Bracknell headquarters. iNovar, a startup that connects users with their desktops on-the-move, was selected for the one-year residency which will come to an end this year, opening up a vacancy. This year's winner will join Dell's other current Startup-in-Residence, innovative email company, Fantoo.
Fantoo founder, Jordan Fantaay, said: "Becoming a resident startup at Dell opened more doors than we could have imagined. Being able to save thousands of pounds on rent and computing, and getting access to resources often closed to early-stage companies, has allowed us to channel more into innovation and growth."
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of senior leaders at Dell including Tim Griffin and Sarah Shields, executive director and general manager, Dell UK. Finalists will then be invited to a short live pitch at Dell House in Bracknell.
The winning startup will take up residency at the Dell offices in September, 2015.
[1] "Office Space Across the World", Crushman & Wakefield, 2014
