Introduction

Microsoft has recently appointed Northern StartUp 2.0 (NS20) as Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner. BizSpark is an innovative new program that unites Startups with entrepreneurial and technology resources in a global community with a common goal of supporting and accelerating the success of a new generation of high-potential Startups.

Founded in 2006 with the help of KPMG, NS20 has taken the bold responsibility to build a sustainable ecosystem for early stage tech companies in the North of England. At the core of this initiative is a series of premier monthly events focusing on the needs of the tech companies. The growing NS20 community of over 1400 consists of entrepreneurs, investors, deal makers and service providers, all helping to create and grow the ecosystem. The community has grown to include influencers not just from the region, but as far a field as east and west coasts of America.

The intention of the workshop is to bring Network Partners based in the region, and understand each other's competencies and best practices, share knowledge and understand how regional collaboration can be achieved. Going forward, NS20 plans to take an active role in helping startups achieve growth and competitive advantages in the markets they operate in. On this regard, NS20 will provide technical and commercial expertise including preparing startups for investment as well as undertaking due diligence for funding on behalf of investors, using NS20 community as well as it partner network. During this workshop, we would like to explore how partners could take part in building the ecosystem for tech startups. At the same time, NS20 will explore possibilities where we could help expand partners own interests within the community as well as externally.

Programme:

1:30 to 2:00 Registration and networking
2:00 to 2:30 Northern StartUp 2.0 ecosystem by Manoj Ranaweera + Q&A and introduce to hosts HCW
2:30 to 3:00 BizSpark Network Partner Programme and Microsoft ecosystem by Bindi Karia + Q&A
3:00 to 4:00 BizSpark Network Partner introductions - Knowledge share, best practices, strategies and competencies
4:00 to 4:30 Action Plan for regional collaboration

4:30 move to eOffice for Cloud Computing Event