Enterprising Women
Hattie Ellis
Press release issued:
18 February 2022
A cohort of 13 women entrepreneurs showcased their innovative startups at a pitching event as a finale to SETsquared Bristol’s Enterprising Women 2.0 pre-incubation programme.
Now in its second year, the NatWest funded programme helps women-formed businesses to access world-class business support, including coaching, mentoring, pitch training and workshops, from the acclaimed University of Bristol incubator.
SETsquared Bristol supports the growth of technology startups, helping them move from initial ideas into commercial viability. The event, hosted at Bristol innovation hub Engine Shed and publicly livestreamed, celebrated the cohort’s progression towards commercialisation.
The entrepreneurs pitched their solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, including food waste and microfibre pollution, stroke rehabilitation and online safety. Each included an audience call out to engage, collaborate or invest.
Marty Reid, Director of SETsquared Bristol, said: “We’re dedicated to championing diverse startups to make sure they get the opportunities and success they deserve. Enterprising Women has enabled us to extend our services beyond our usual focus of tech incubation, to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into commercially viable business propositions. It’s been a privilege to work with such a great group of founders and we can’t wait to see where they take their ventures next.”
Aisha Thomas, Enterprising Women 2.0 member and Director of Representation Matters, a social mobility business, said: “Starting a business on your own isn't easy, women in business do not always get the accolades they deserve. Having a network of phenomenal women made my startup experience durable. SETsquared provided a foundation of knowledge and access to outstanding experts, which has helped propel my business and take me to the next level.”
Previous participants of Enterprising Women, University of Bristol graduates Amber Probyn and Hazel McShane, returned to the event to talk about their brainchild, PEEQUAL, the UK’s first women urinal. Since taking part in the programme, the pair have successfully raised £250,000 in their first funding round.
Other Enterprising Women members have gone on to join SETsquared Bristol’s incubation programme, including University of Bristol spin-out, Ferryx.
Cheryl Gourlay, NatWest National Women in Business Manager, said: “We know that building back better following the pandemic needed to include practical interventions that make a real difference to the success of our business community. The Enterprising Women programme has made a huge difference to the women who took part, giving them the tools and confidence to achieve their ambitions.”
Enterprising Women is one of SETsquared Bristol’s initiatives to support diverse founders. Forty five percent of the tech incubator’s companies are now led by women and its aims are to continue to improve representation and investment experiences for diverse startups.
Further information
Enterprising Women 2.0 cohort:
Anxiety Friendly Dentist is developing a VR headset featuring relaxation scenarios, bespoke for dental use, plus a platform and accreditation scheme for support and treatment of dental phobia.
Better Together delivers workshops which encourage parents and carers to choose the online safety tools and techniques that align with their parenting style and personality and the child(ren) they are supporting.
Creative Tuition Collective is an educational organisation providing tuition, mental health support, mentorship and extracurricular workshops to marginalised communities in Bristol.
Global Goals Centre is an education charity creating exciting engaging experiences that inspire learning and action on climate and equality in our everyday lives.
Grand Bequest is the world’s first AI-driven platform for vacant buildings to be redeveloped and put back into use.
KnoWaste is a SaaS based pre-order system and educational platform that enhances the diner experience and reduces food waste in the catering sector.
MeiXter is a peer-to-peer live tutoring app and web platform for all types of skills at all levels.
The Microfibre Consortium are leading the textile industry in reducing microfibre release to protect our environment.
Nommm streamlines the entire sustainable eating process - taking the user from recipe search to acquiring localised food with recipes that focus on nutritional value and climate impact.
Pretty Digital is developing an online space for families to have fun together, with games, animations, books and toys based on engaging characters.
Representation Matters supports leadership teams and organisations to create an inclusive culture. “Until society recognises everyone, the question will always be, do I belong”.
Share Bristol is a library of things to make it easier for all in Bristol to borrow or repair things they need to live their lives, to better our homes, our wallets and our planet.
SoleSense offers the first truly customisable rehabilitation solution using audiovisual biofeedback technology that brings self-management to the fore.
Unbaggaged is a traveltech company that connects travellers who want to be free of their bags with businesses who can store them and drivers who can provide transportation.
Unisalad is a student-to-student community app to connect, buy, sell, find and share with others from your university.
UpStitch is an online platform connecting sustainably-minded customers with local tailors and seamstresses to repair and upcycle clothing.
Zebera inspires young people to become the innovators and inventors of the future.
Information about SETsquared Bristol
SETsquared Bristol is a University of Bristol-led tech incubator, supporting founders to grow their businesses and make an impact in the world. It has incubated over 300 companies to date, with over £626 million raised. It supports its companies with bespoke business support, skills and training, an expert network and community of startups and scaleups. It has been named ‘Hottest Accelerator in Europe’ at The Europas Awards and has three times been awarded ‘Global #1 University Business Incubator’ as part of the SETsquared Partnership of six centres.
For more info: www.setsquared-bristol.co.uk
