Pitch@Palace, the programme founded by The Duke of York as a platform to amplify and accelerate the work of entrepreneurs, is returning to the North East of England later this month. Held at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle city centre on 29th January, the competition will see the region’s top tech entrepreneurs pitching for their chance to win a place at Pitch@Palace 11.0 Boot Camp.
Pitch@Palace On Tour events provide entrepreneurs from across the country with the opportunity to connect with local stakeholders and receive mentoring to develop their businesses. Invited guests at the Newcastle event will hear from around 20 local founders working in all fields of technology – from Artificial Intelligence (AI), to Biotech, the Internet of Things (IoT) Virtual Reality (VR) and more.
The event is being hosted by Digital Catapult NETV, the regional arm of the UK’s leading advanced digital technology innovation centre. The selected entrepreneurs will be pitching to an audience over 400 people from the North East business community, including VC’s, business angels and some of the region’s leading tech experts.
Jenny Lang, Programme Delivery Manager for Digital Catapult NETV, said: “We’re delighted that The Duke of York has chosen to bring Pitch@Palace On Tour to the North East in 2019. The competition is a unique opportunity for local companies to showcase their work at a national level.
“Not only will all the entrepreneurs who pitch be connected to local investors, potential customers and industry experts, but the winning companies will go on to compete at Pitch@Palace 11.0 Boot Camp and Pitch@Palace 11.0 at St. James’s Palace in June. Founders working across the entire technology spectrum are encouraged to apply.”
Pitch@Palace On Tour last visited the region in 2017, when it was held at Sunderland Software Centre. One of the startups which took part was TRYLIFE, a digital media company that tackles social issues through interactive films. TRYLIFE went on to place second and third at Pitch@Palace 7.0 at St. James’s Palace later that year.
Paul Irwin, Founder of TRYLIFE, said: “It’s brilliant to see Pitch@Palace returning to the region. It’s been a fantastic experience for TRYLIFE: after pitching at the national final, we have been supported with introductions, mentors and support to help build our team.
“During the competition, we asked for help from business people to move our business on. I’m a youth worker not a ‘business man’ and I was honest and upfront about that, and as a result we’ve received the support that we needed to grow. This is a great opportunity for North East entrepreneurs, so don’t be shy – apply to pitch and make sure you ask for what you actually need.”
Founded by His Royal Highness in 2014, Pitch@Palace has helped over 785 businesses grow, with many now enjoying global success. Pitch@Palace gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet the people who can help make their business dreams become a reality. It guides, helps and connects entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with potential supporters, including CEOs, influencers, angels, mentors and business partners.
Entrepreneurs who would like to enter can apply via the Pitch@Palace webpage [www.pitchatpalace.com/events/pitchpalace-11-0/] and select ‘Newcastle’ as the On Tour event option.
The deadline to apply is the end of this week.
