City’s incubation and enterprise hub welcomes a new intake of budding student entrepreneurs

The Launch Lab is City’s startup incubation space that supports students and graduates who want to set up their own business. It has recently moved into a new space on campus in the Franklin Building, and following a round of pitching auditions, a fresh intake of student startups have just moved in.

The new roster of student startups were unveiled at a housewarming party on Thursday 9^th February.

At the housewarming event, Marianne Lewis, Dean of Cass Business School talked about the role City can play in helping students to set up their own businesses. She said:

At City, we are passionate about nurturing entrepreneurship, and this begins by launching startups on their journey. Bringing our incubation space on campus further links and energises our community of entrepreneurs.

 

More than just desk space

The Launch Lab is a place for City students and alumni to work on their startups, with free desk space, meeting rooms and wifi. It gives them a chance to network and share ideas with other student entrepreneurs who are all in the same position as them. Having access to meeting rooms also allows them to hold professional meetings with investors or potential future partners.

The Launch Lab is not just about free desk space. Residents can attend monthly pitching events giving them the chance to practice and perfect their presentation skills. They have access to expert coaching, mentoring and training and can attend monthly networking events attended by venture capitalists, investors and other entrepreneurs.

Successful student startups

City has a strong track record of supporting student startups. Last year alone, City’s graduate companies created over 300 jobs and raised £4.5million in investment with annual turnover of nearly £7million.

Last week, City startup Cycl, appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den with their WingLights bicycle indicators. They received £45,000 of investment from Dragon Nick Jenkins.

Take a look at some of the other Launch Lab success stories.

The residents

This year there are more than 28 startups working from the Launch Lab. Residents include eco wet wipe brand Ace Twipes, Bear Pictures a boutique film maker, and Bombinate a European Menswear website.

The Launch Lab will welcome new residents every quarter. The next round of applications will open from April 2017.