Sunderland’s latest initiative sees 14 gaming startups, including four from the North East, join an esports accelerator. The programme, aimed at driving sector growth, provides startups invaluable guidance from industry experts.
With the backing of Sunderland Software City and British Esports, the accelerator promises to enhance the tech ecosystem in Sunderland. This eight-week course covering key business strategies culminates in a presentation to investors.
Launch of the Sunderland Esports Accelerator Programme
In a strategic initiative to bolster the esports sector, British Esports in collaboration with Sunderland Software City (SSC) has selected 14 promising startups for an accelerator programme hosted at the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland. This initiative aims to stimulate job creation and innovation within the region’s gaming industry.
Scheduled to conclude on November 1, the programme will culminate with founders presenting their business models to potential investors. The agenda covers essential business growth topics such as financial management, international expansion, digital marketing, intellectual property protection, and investment preparation, offering a unique learning opportunity for the selected startups.
Selection Process and Criteria
The selection process saw over 100 applications reviewed by a panel of tech experts, including David Dunn and Hekla Goodman-Parker of SSC, and Dave Martin of British Esports. Criteria involved evaluating the viability of business ideas, market potential, team expertise, and product-market fit.
This careful selection process ensures that the programme’s participants are well-positioned to make the most of the expert guidance and resources provided, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
Participation from Regional Companies
Four North East startups are among those chosen, emphasising the region’s burgeoning talent and innovation in the gaming sector. These include Durham-based BSL AR Teacher, which leverages AR to teach British Sign Language, and North Shields-based Beam XR, creators of a live-streaming tool for XR games.
Also, Reset Reload from Gateshead offers an online platform for aspiring esports athletes, while Morpeth-based Racing Sims North East aims to merge motorsport racing passion with innovative solutions.
These regional participants are a testament to Sunderland’s commitment to fostering local business growth through technology and entrepreneurship.
Diverse Range of Participating Startups
Participants also include companies from outside the North East, such as Bristol’s HD Games, London’s ESG Gaming, Smash Mountain Studio, Verus, and Convergence Live Ltd. These firms bring varied expertise and projects, enriching the programme’s diversity.
Additionally, Scottish Borders-based Immerzion Developments Ltd, Cornwall’s Good Game Truro, and Derby’s DS Performance Sports are onboard, each contributing unique perspectives and innovations to the collective learning experience.
International Participation
Internationally, Gamlytics, originally from Singapore and now operating out of the US, joins the cohort. This analytics platform has already secured $210k in pre-seed funding, demonstrating its robust market potential.
Their involvement underlines the programme’s attraction on a global scale, providing these startups with unparalleled international networking opportunities and insights into the European esports market.
Partnership and Support
Hekla Goodman Parker, leader of tech startups at SSC, emphasised the importance of the partnership with British Esports and Sunderland City Council in scaling up these innovative businesses. “Our strategic collaborations provide direct industry access,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Sunderland City Council’s chief executive Patrick Melia highlighted the city’s investment in next-generation infrastructure as pivotal in establishing Sunderland as a forward-thinking smart city.
The partnership is poised to not only accelerate these startups’ growth but also augment Sunderland’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement and smart city initiatives.
Future Implications and Expectations
This programme is the first of many planned by SSC, indicating a long-term commitment to cultivating the region’s tech sector. By supporting startups, the programme aims to not only secure immediate successes but also lay the groundwork for future technological and economic developments.
The Sunderland esports accelerator stands as a testament to the region’s dynamic and forward-thinking approach to fostering technological advancement. By combining local and international expertise, the initiative is set to have a lasting impact on the UK’s esports industry, positioning Sunderland as a beacon of innovation and opportunity.
