matt608
14-03-2008, 02:13 PM
Hi, I’m Matt, I'm 19 and I live in Cambridge (on my Gap year).
I am founding a Web Startup involved in blog advertising (I wish I could explain more about it now, but we are in 'stealth'). The company is currently under formation and our Website is being developed and should launch in 1-2 months.
The main reason I am here is to find out if I am eligible for any grants or similar schemes. I have done a fair bit of research and my company doesn't quite seem to fit the criteria. Perhaps going for an award would be better? I spoke to an external advisor and he pointed me here. He said RnD grants are very competitive and someone my age would struggle to get one, especially as software development isn’t considered RnD (apparently).
If any mentors can advise me about additional funding options I would greatly appreciate it! - I already know about most of the big grants and I'm not looking to give away more equity unless I can get a really good deal with someone who also brings lots of expertise, which doesn’t leave many options!
The first thing the money would cover is travel expenses to trade shows overseas, which is a major part of how I will be generating business for the Website. I have tried the TAP grant scheme but they say I need to already be trading in the UK before going global, which is a problem because as soon as we launch we will be global (focused on USA and Europe).
The rest of the money would go towards hiring additional developers to speed up the Website development and constantly add new features and improvements. The rest on advertising online.
I already have enough money to go for a 'soft launch', but for my business to really take off and go really big more money is needed. I'll take anything I can get even if it is only enough to cover a trip to 1 trade show.
I can speak more about my business privately but any words of advice greatly would be appreciated!
I am founding a Web Startup involved in blog advertising (I wish I could explain more about it now, but we are in 'stealth'). The company is currently under formation and our Website is being developed and should launch in 1-2 months.
The main reason I am here is to find out if I am eligible for any grants or similar schemes. I have done a fair bit of research and my company doesn't quite seem to fit the criteria. Perhaps going for an award would be better? I spoke to an external advisor and he pointed me here. He said RnD grants are very competitive and someone my age would struggle to get one, especially as software development isn’t considered RnD (apparently).
If any mentors can advise me about additional funding options I would greatly appreciate it! - I already know about most of the big grants and I'm not looking to give away more equity unless I can get a really good deal with someone who also brings lots of expertise, which doesn’t leave many options!
The first thing the money would cover is travel expenses to trade shows overseas, which is a major part of how I will be generating business for the Website. I have tried the TAP grant scheme but they say I need to already be trading in the UK before going global, which is a problem because as soon as we launch we will be global (focused on USA and Europe).
The rest of the money would go towards hiring additional developers to speed up the Website development and constantly add new features and improvements. The rest on advertising online.
I already have enough money to go for a 'soft launch', but for my business to really take off and go really big more money is needed. I'll take anything I can get even if it is only enough to cover a trip to 1 trade show.
I can speak more about my business privately but any words of advice greatly would be appreciated!