A dozen entrepreneurs from Bath have been named on an exclusive list of the top 50 innovators helped by SETsquared, the global number one university business incubator.
SETsquared, which is backed by a number of universities including the University of Bath, supports high-growth tech companies that have significant economic impact. Member firms have collectively raised more than £1bn of investment and created 9,000-plus jobs.
The names on the Top 50 list were selected from more than 1,000 entrepreneurs who have been supported by SETsquared over the last 15 years. The names were revealed at a reception at the House of Commons.
The entrepreneurs from Bath are:
· Glenn Smith and Sebastian Toke-Nichols from Cloudfind
· Paul Kane from CommunityDNS
· Nicola Chilman and Tom Minor from EZ Education
· Peter Davies from Green Running
· Dan Murray from Industrial Phycology
· Jake Ronay from Living Map
· Alister Rollins from MoveGB
· Sampson Hu from Smart Antenna Technologies
· Will Franks and Pete Keevill from Ubiquisys
· Nick East from Zynstra
In addition, Bath entrepreneurs James Courtney from Lux and Tom Dewhurst from Ordoo were named as ‘Ones to Watch’.
The companies honoured have reached milestone achievements, including raising significant investment, exporting products globally, creating thousands of jobs or achieving a world first.
SETsquared worked with an expert panel of investors and innovation corporate leaders to select the 50, which includes companies from across various industries such as health, green technology and 5G and wireless communication.
Michael Queen, an investor on the panel, said: “Creating a successful business requires talented entrepreneurs and a great idea but this isn’t enough. SETsquared acts as a catalyst providing support, logistics, training and mentoring to turn dreams into reality.
“Over the last 15 years, SETsquared has made a major contribution to building a dynamic technology based business sector in the UK.”
The reception at the House of Commons was an opportunity for the entrepreneurs to celebrate their achievements along with MPs and special guests, as well as sharing stories on how they have successfully raised investment, exported products globally or had a major impact on their industry.
SETsquared Bath-based innovation director Simon Bond said: “When I look back on the last 15 years, I am overwhelmed by the talent and achievements of the entrepreneurs that SETsquared has supported.
“They have brought world-leading innovations to market and these have been exported across the globe. SETsquared has provided support and a network for these entrepreneurs including access to mentors, experts, international markets and investors, and they are now out there doing SETsquared and the UK proud.”
University of Bath Innovation Centre deputy head of enterprise and innovation Ali Hadavizadeh said: “Tech entrepreneurs and high-growth companies are vital to the future of the UK economy.
“Bath has always had a vibrant and thriving culture of innovation but without the right support these companies will not grow into global leaders. SETsquared has played a key role in supporting tech companies in the south of England, helping put Bath on the global innovation map.”
The full top 50 list is at setsquared.co.uk/top50
Pictured: Bath entrepreneurs and SETsquared staff celebrate the top 50 announcement
