All four now have the opportunity to pitch to become the next resident startup, accelerate their growth with one year’s free office space, access to technology solutions, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The four finalists are:
- Digi.meallows people to reclaim and manage information about themselves that currently sits with third parties online. A user can then decide what to do with that data – view & use it for themselves, or permission access to third parties as and when they want to for service, convenience or reward.
- Imagine Cyber Securitywill enable users and businesses to ensure that their wireless infrastructure remains secure by providing a next generation intrusion detection system that will localize and track any wireless client (authorized or unauthorized) by physical location. This intrusion detection system will provide the core for a complete mobile device security and management solution in conjunction to products that will address wireless key (automotive industry) and wearable tech security.
- The Link Appis a communication tool that legal firms can utilise to connect and enhance the service they deliver to their clients. The service provided through the app enables clients to have access to sensitive information any time they require and keeps them in the loop throughout their case, saving the law firms both time and money.
- Blue Sense Networksis pioneering the Proximity Data industry through Software and Hardware Technology. Its leading Mobile SDKs and Cloud Platform helps a variety of Key industries to unlock and analyse hundreds of millions of indoor proximity data points, helping them gain unparalleled customer insight and providing the ability to deliver new mobile services
A Dell for Entrepreneurs initiative, the Startup-in-Residence programme was first launched as a competition in December 2013, offering two winning startups a one or two year residency, respectively, at the Dell Bracknell headquarters. This year’s winner will join Dell’s other current Startup-in-Residence, innovative email company, Fantoo.
Commenting on the shortlist, Tim Griffin, vice president & managing director, Dell UK, said: “As a company founded by an entrepreneur, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and supporting new businesses is at the core of Dell’s culture. The applications this year were strong, and it was difficult to whittle down to this shortlist of innovative startups. There is so much that large and small companies can learn from each other, and it will be interesting to see how Dell can work with the overall winner.
“The goal of the Startup-in-Residence programme is simple. We want to remove the pressure of large expenses like finding office space and technology, which can prevent the growth of an early-stage startup. Becoming the next Startup-in-Residence will enable the winner to focus growing their business in an environment that encourages entrepreneurial thinking.”
Applicants were required to submit a 500-word elevator pitch with background on the company, including current investment status, and a short video explaining why technology is integral to their future success.
Jordan Fantaay, founder of Fantoo, and the first Startup-in-Residence, said: “Becoming a resident startup at Dell opened so many more doors than we could have imagined to potential partners and customers. The ability to save thousands of pounds on rent and computing technology, along with access to resources and information that’s often closed to early-stage companies, has enabled us to focus more on driving innovation and growth of the company.”
The finalists will now take part in a live pitch in front of senior leaders at Dell House in Bracknell, with the two most impressive entrepreneurs going on to a live elevator pitch at the next Dell for Entrepreneurs networking event, taking place on July 1st. The winning startup will take up residency at the Dell offices in September, 2015.
