Ten essential fundraising methods for Startups - when to get investment and when not too!
The New C4DI - Member Preview
Last Thursday afternoon we opened the doors to the new building for a special member preview of the ground floor of our new home. Over 100 people attended the event, including a few journalists and over 150 scrumptious C4DI branded cupcakes (thanks to Anna from Nibble - the new @TheDock Café).
After donning a pair of 'trendy' blue booties our members were guided through the ultra-modern reception area and unleashed; free to explore the different areas making up the ground floor.
Taking a left at the reception takes you through to the meeting zone, outfitted with comfy sofas and stylish meeting booths this area is the perfect place to have a quick meeting, coffee break or chat.
Straight through the meeting zone is the bored room. Unfortunately Jon, with his army of cupcakes, won't be a permanent fixture however, with a generous seating capacity and a great view of what will be the amphitheatre area the bored-room doesn't fail to impress.
On the other side of the meeting zone is the co-working space. A fantastic open area that is perfect for the type of collaboration that form the building blocks for great startup ideas. There's also a separate quiet zone - for those time you need a bit of space to really focus, as well as a large studio space for events, keynotes and startup - pitches.
Dane Mortimer, Insight Lead at Force-7, a youth marketing and research agency said; "First impressions of the ground floor area is that the design looks to me as if it will lend itself to harnessing the collaborative spirit of working that has been established at C4DI beta.
We're really looking forward to using the studio spaces to supplement the work we do."
During the preview the new building really came into its own, springing into life and warmly accommodating all the guests - it's a great insight into how the building will feel when the doors officially open later in November and we all really look forward to moving in (some members have already made themselves very comfortable!).
If you love the C4DI culture and want to know more about us or are thinking about joining please don't hesitate to get in touch with me on dr@c4di.net
Zapier join C4DI Supporters
We are delighted that the wonderful guys and gals at Zapier are supporting the C4DI. Following on from a fascinating "conversation with" chat with Wade Foster, their CEO and Co-Founder, they are going to be providing startups based at the C4DI with three months free zaps on their basic plan. We are very grateful for the support. Wade said:
As a company that got it's start in middle America, we love helping startups in non-traditional locations!
So what is Zapier? Well... There's a secret language that lets web apps such as Evernote, Dropbox, Gmail... talk to each other. However, you can spend a ridiculous amount of time and money on making those connections. Instead, you should just use Zapier! They have a jaw-dropping number of web-apps which you can use. Have a look here.
We look forward to working with them in the near future!
zapier_team
The C4DI Accelerator Launches
Yesterday was a significant milestone in the history of the C4DI and the tech sector in Hull. We launched the C4DI Accelerator with a packed venue of members, guests and interested people.
We will be running the accelerator programme in March 2015 with applications being invited later this year. Successful accelerators have valued companies supporting them and we are delighted that PwC are our lead supporter.
PwC provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.
Andrew Fitton, tax director at PwC in Hull, said:
“Hull has never been short on entrepreneurial spirit and this is another fantastic example of how local people are seizing the opportunities that come their way.
We understand the ups and downs of starting a business and look forward to sharing what we know to help these businesses succeed. These entrepreneurs are part of an exciting, idea-fuelled digital sector and their ambition will go a long way in helping build Hull’s reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking city.”
Steve Simpson from PwC Hull
The slide deck from the launch can be seen below:
Our wonderful friend Rob has a nice write up here. Thanks Rob!