Introducing the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad, developed by L Marks in partnership with the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds City Council
Leeds is gaining recognition as one of the UK’s most dynamic cities for startups, bolstered by a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and a wealth of innovation opportunities. As the largest city in West Yorkshire, it has seen over 1,500 startups launched in the past five years. The city’s expanding network of tech hubs and accelerators, combined with a rich talent pool from institutions like the University of Leeds, has positioned it as a leader in tech and digital sectors, ranked 2nd nationally for tech and 4th for digital economy growth. Initiatives like Leeds Digital Festival further amplify the city’s reputation as a thriving hub for innovation and business growth.
Homegrown startups have gained significant commercial traction, contributing to a diverse business landscape that spans health tech, financial services, and more. The UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) complements this growth by providing £2.6 billion nationally, with over £83 million allocated to West Yorkshire. This fund, a cornerstone of the Levelling Up agenda, aims to enhance productivity, support local businesses, and boost skills through investments in communities, businesses, and people, offering Leeds a vital framework to drive further economic and social development
To continue to grow Leeds’ position as an innovation hub, L Marks, in partnership with the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is pleased to announce the launch of the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad. This initiative aims to support 30 startups based in Leeds by assisting them in refining their go-to-market strategies through strategic and tactical guidance to effectively target and engage corporate customers and/or partners.
The programme will help participating early-stage startups from the region to access new markets and business opportunities, contribute to economic development, and establish a strong commercial foundation for future workforce growth.
With Leeds quickly gaining recognition as one of the UK’s most dynamic cities for startups, we are delighted to partner with Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds, and Leeds City Council to create the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad. The city’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, coupled with a rich talent pool, has already positioned it as a leader in tech and digital sectors. This initiative will provide local businesses with hands-on support, solution guidance, and corporate connections to help refine their market strategies, scale effectively, and unlock new growth opportunities.At L Marks, we have seen first-hand how entrepreneurship and innovation drive economic growth. Through the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad, we will enhance the startups’ commercial readiness enabling job creation, attracting investment, and fostering a more resilient and diversified local economy – further strengthening Leeds’ position as a hub for innovation and business growth.
Daniel Saunders, Chief Executive Officer, L Marks
The Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad consists of a 1-day intensive Bootcamp, an 8-week Accelerator, and Corporate Engagement support, detailed as follows:
1-Day Bootcamp: Startups will participate in practical sessions, supported by L Marks and the academic expertise of the University. This bootcamp will focus on solution design and market entry strategies, addressing critical aspects such as identifying target customers, formulating engagement approaches, and demonstrating value.
8-Week Accelerator: Selected startups will take part in an in-depth learn-by-doing course at the University, featuring weekly workshops and personalised mentoring from industry experts. Participants will explore various tools and frameworks aimed at validating their minimum viable products (MVP) and enhancing customer acquisition.
Corporate Engagement: L Marks will utilise its extensive corporate network to assist startups in acquiring customers and achieving growth, organising informative sessions and facilitating introductions where product/market fit appears to be promising.
Leeds-based startups have until 9th December 2024:
The Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad will conclude in March 2025 having supported the startups to refine their market strategies, validate minimum viable products, and engage with potential corporate partners. These participating startups will then be ready to scale and compete in broader markets following our engagement.
Through the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad, we will foster economic growth in the region, enhance startups’ commercial readiness and customer acquisition, and drive job creation.