Multinational tech company Oracle has chosen Bristol as its first UK location for its Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator (OSCA) and is partnering with business incubator SETSquared Bristol to help startups develop and succeed. The six-month OSCA programme will give its members access to Oracle’s tech and product expertise, access to enterprise clients and cloud credits. It will be run from Bristol’s Engine Shed and applications are open now.
“It’s about re-imagining the startup and enterprise relationship”
Reggie Bradford, the SVP Startup Ecosystem & Accelerator for Oracle (pictured above) says, “It’s a next-generation acceleration initiative for startups—and the vibrant Bristol ecosystem is burgeoning and prime for our global program.”
As a three-time entrepreneur himself, Reggie knows what startups need to get ahead in the tech business world. He adds, “Oracle is investing in startups with a unique approach: A pay-it-forward model where we don’t take equity but do create an ecosystem of co-development and co-innovation across startups, our global customers, and Oracle. It’s about re-imagining the startup and enterprise relationship – we’ll need startup ingenuity coupled with enterprise experience and resources to innovate for the future.”
Ready, SETsquared, go!
To help in this aim Oracle are drawing on the talents of SETsquared Bristol, which won the title of best university startup incubator in the world and in this year alone has seen its members raise £36 million in investments. SETsquared will be providing free business support, with guidance from multiple entrepreneurs-in-residence.
“We are excited to see what the UK-based Oracle startup program can deliver”
As Monika Radclyffe, SETsquared Bristol Centre Director (and SPARKies tech awards judge!) says, “The value of start-ups in the tech industry is booming and Oracle recognises the importance of this to the global tech economy. Through their startup programme, Oracle is giving back to the tech community by providing a fantastic chance for start-ups to use their expertise and through opening up connections between entrepreneurs and large, established enterprises. SETsquared Bristol is well placed to provide direct support and expertise to incubate start-ups in readiness for scaling up and we are excited to see what the UK-based Oracle startup program can deliver.”
Successful OSCA graduates will also be invited to pitch at a Start-up Showcase event with the possible opportunity to participate at Oracle OpenWorld and Oracle CloudWorld.
Interested? Click here to see more information about the OSCA program and if you want to apply you can do so online and have until 2 July to do so: Apply for the Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator.
Oracle are also helping support the south west tech and digital community by sponsoring The ‘Data Data Data’ SPARKies Award, so if you know a data company or organisation worth nominating, let us know – you have until Friday to do so!
