This year's Propel programme start-ups surpass expectations

The start-ups graduating from this year's Propel Pre-Accelerator programme demonstrated some impressive early results at a showcase event last week.

The six-month Propel pre-accelerator is an intensive programme designed to get tech businesses off to the right start by turning their ideas into highly scalable and commercially viable products. The scheme is run by Ignite and supported by Invest NI, and each year several start-ups make it through the programme and go on to find investment or make some big deals.

Propel's 2019 crop of start-ups has already made significant progress on that front before even finishing the programme, with many now having established partnerships with firms in the US, Asia, and Europe. Several of the start-ups are reportedly on track to surpass their original revenue expectations according to a recent showcase event for the programme.

Following six months of support that included financial assistance, access to investors, mentoring, and workshops, 19 companies graduated from the scheme this year. The 19 businesses pitched their products and services at a showcase event in Ormeau Baths last week, with investors and Ormeau Baths stakeholders in attendance.

Ignite NI Programme Director Chris McClelland commented on the scheme: "Our Pre-Accelerator businesses are making a difference in how we interact and gain value from technology. Many of the founders have gone from early stage ideas to securing contracts worth tens of thousands of pounds. It’s been a true pleasure watching the teams grow and develop and I'm excited about their future and for the startup community in Northern Ireland."

Source: Written based on press release