FutureScope Black Founders Programme

Introducing the FutureScope Black Founders Programme cohort

 

Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, and Sony Music UK, have announced a cohort of ten pioneering digital-first startups, to participate in the inaugural FutureScope Black Founders Programme. The programme will look to support Black British entrepreneurs in the digital entertainment space, and support the successful commercialisation of their innovative new solutions.

The announcement marks the beginning of the 16-week programme of activities that will provide each early-stage company with business and investment readiness support, drawing on Digital Catapult’s decade of experience supporting UK startups. Through mentorship, workshops and masterclasses, the programme will look to help each startup raise investment in the next six to nine months. In addition, half of the cohort businesses are led by women and half led by men.

The 10 startups joining the FutureScope Black Founders Programme are:

• Cashblack – Cashblack is a platform that rewards members with cashback when they shop online with Black-owned businesses.

• Deya – Deya is a platform for Black creative talent & creative companies, building a new approach for Black creatives to find jobs and community.

• Flossy AI – Flossy AI offers tools for users to create remixable merch and products. They leverage generative AI to allow users to come together and co-create images.

• Happaning Ltd – Happening is a crowdsourced event preview app. Powered by their patented ViiVid® media format, the app lets the user request trusted, real-time video previews through the eyes of the community.

• Korda – Korda empowers music creators, songwriters and innovators by providing tools that support all stages of the music lifecycle, from creation to monetisation.

• Loud Parade – Loud Parade is an award winning music creative and sonic branding company that makes bespoke music compositions aimed at Gen Z for brands and creative agencies.

• Musircle – Musircle is an AI-driven social media platform that analyses the listening habits of users to deliver their musical DNA.

• Nyangibo Gallery – Nyangibo Gallery is an online and in-person digital fine art gallery, with a focus on XR art.

• Stories & The City – Stories & The City is a cultural tourism immersive startup that uses augmented reality (AR) and a user’s smartphone to create bespoke cultural city tours.

• Waves – Waves is an AI-powered web3 marketplace for collecting and trading rare beats.

Digital Catapult will deliver the FutureScope Black Founders Programme in partnership with Sony Music UK, with both partners having a long-standing tradition of promoting innovation within the UK’s creative industries. The programme culminates with a final showcase event on 9 November 2023, where the founders will have the opportunity to pitch to a select group of venture capital investors.

Dorothy Hui, SVP Digital and Audience Development, Sony Music UK’s 4th Floor Creative, said:

“I’m inspired to see the creative uses of technology within the digital entertainment sector through the Black Founders Programme’s application process. The diversity and innovation are a testament to the talent of all applicants. We look forward to supporting the entrepreneurs participating in the programme by providing access to industry expertise and our network. Through this programme, we aim to help enhance diversity within the UK entrepreneur community.”

…Watch this space!