ONE CodeBase Tech Startup Next Steps introduces the key concepts to take your tech startup to the next stage of progress and growth and secure investment, over the course of 10 interactive sessions with a group of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire based peers.
Opportunity North East is leading this new programme, delivered by the UK's largest tech incubator CodeBase, for individuals looking to grow their tech product business and further develop their idea.
ONE CodeBase Tech Startup Next Steps, supported by the Scottish Government’s North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF), will support individuals and businesses who have already embarked on their startup journey to build their pathway to growth.
- Following a launch event week of 21st March, the programme will run weekly on Monday evenings at 4pm-6pm from 4 April to 6 June 2022.
- Sessions will take place in person at ONE Tech Hub in Aberdeen providing participants the opportunity to connect with the wider cohort and become part of the ONE Tech Hub community. The option to join on Zoom for all or some sessions is also available.
- All participants will have access tofree hotdesking at ONE Tech Hub for the duration of the programme.
- A weekly drop-in session will take place weekly on Wednesdays from 5-6pm for participants who want to take a deeper dive into that week’s topic and spend more time working on their product outside the core programme hours.
- Applications are now closed. For more information on digital tech startup support please contact jen.scott@oppportunitynortheast.com
Eligibility
- You must be based in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire (AB postcode).
- You must be already working on a tech product idea, and able to evidence this through proof of customer and market research, raising investment or similar means.
- Your business must be focused on building a tech software product.
Programme content
This programme covers what it takes for an early-stage startup to go from minimum viable product to reaching the elusive 'product-market fit'. We’ll explore what to expect when you’re a new startup founder, how to approach building your team and getting further investment, and what to do when circumstances change and you’re forced to change course.
Here's a breakdown of what we'll cover:
- Leadership - learn what it takes to be a founder and to lead a team through the early stages of developing your idea and growing a startup.
- Building a team - find out how to recruit the right people for your startup, and avoid common hiring pitfalls.
- Getting to product-market fit - what do we mean by product-market-fit and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?
- Growth mechanisms - discover how tech products can grow so quickly, and learn growth playbooks for your own business.
- Pivots, failure modes and exits - how to navigate your startup’s journey when circumstances change and things don’t go to plan.
- Early sales and marketing - explore how to approach your sales funnel and marketing strategy as you start to grow.
- Funding 102 - you’ve got a bit of money to develop your tech product. Now what? Hear about how to keep on top of the funding and investment cycle.
- Startup legals and lean operations 102 - find out more about how to manage the legal, financial and other operational requirements of your growing startup.
- Startup software engineering - how to work with your CTO or lead developer to align your startup's tech strategy with product and company strategy.
- Showcase and what’s next - an opportunity to talk about your business with the group, and a look at what might happen next.
Tailored guidance from expert mentors
All participants will have the opportunity of a one-to-one session with a CodeBase mentor. These sessions are a great chance to speak to experienced startup founders and operators who have been there and done it before, and to explore your own business and ideas with them in depth. Some of our invited speakers will also be available for a limited number of one-to-one mentoring sessions.
Take your seat in ONE Tech Hub
For the duration of the programme participants will have access to hotdesking in ONE Tech Hub – an inspiring place for founders to work with access to on-site expertise, events and meetups and the opportunity to become part of an exciting and growing tech community.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the course?
The course will consist of 10 core weekly sessions, with a kick-off event on Thursday 24th March at ONE Tech Hub in Aberdeen. Following the kick off, the weekly sessions will run from Monday 4 April to Monday 6 June, at 4pm-6pm each week. Each session is two hours long, plus an optional two hours of work per week for background reading, light homework and meetups.
Where does the course take place?
The course takes place at ONE Tech Hub, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1JQ (map), participants who are unable to join in person can join virtually via Zoom.
When do applications close?
Applications will close on Tuesday 15 March at midnight. We would advise submitting your application early, as we will be reviewing applications as they come in.
Can I apply for Tech Startup Next Steps if I haven’t participated in Tech Startup Fundamentals?
Yes you can, but we would need to see in your application that you’ve made a start on your product - for example, proof of market research, speaking to customers and raising investment.
What do you cover on the course, and what don’t you cover?
The course covers what it takes for an early-stage startup to go from minimum viable product to reaching the elusive ‘product-market fit’. We’ll explore playbooks for navigating this difficult process in leadership, hiring, growth, product, tech, marketing, sales, finance and operations.
We won’t cover things like general business administration, how to use social media, growing a pure service business, or how to code.
What are the costs?
This course is free to attend. It is funded by the North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund, a £14.3 million investment by the Scottish Government to support economic recovery and enhance skill levels in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire though key sector growth, employment, training, and skills development opportunities.
What sort of candidates are you looking for?
We’re looking for participants in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire (AB postcode) who are developing a tech product business and have already made a start. You don’t need any prior knowledge of tech or running a business.
I don't have a business idea yet, can I still apply?
Unfortunately no - we’re looking specifically for candidates who are already working on their tech product business.
Do I need to be based in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire to participate?
Yes. We’re looking for candidates who live in an area with an AB postcode, or have a registered business address with an AB postcode. Please get in touch if you have any questions, and read our eligibility criteria below.
I don’t have a registered business, can I still apply?
Yes, however we would need to see that you are already working on your tech product - for example, through research that you've already undertaken or a prototype you have built.
Is there funding / investment available?
As part of attending this programme you will have the opportunity to apply for funding to implement your newly developed business strategy and take the next steps in growing your business.
Application details will be shared during the course of the programme.
