Leicester Startups CIC

Leicester Startups CIC continued to support entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire through a programme of networking, education, mentoring and business support activities. During the year, the CIC: Initiated our flagship quarterly mixer events in December 2024, bringing together more than 80 founders, investors, mentors and other stakeholders to hear pitches from emerging startups within our community. Three further mixer events were held during the financial year. Continued our popular monthly "On Tour" events, delivering co-working and mentoring sessions at venues across Leicester and Leicestershire to make support accessible across the region. Hosted a three-part "Finding Money for your Business" workshop series in partnership with the British Business Bank, covering equity investment, crowdfunding and debt finance. Delivered the eighth cohort of our startup accelerator programme, supporting ten early-stage businesses over three months through workshops, mentoring, accountability sessions and a public Demo Day showcasing participants to the wider community. These activities furthered the CIC's objective of strengthening the local startup ecosystem by helping entrepreneurs develop their businesses, build valuable connections and access practical knowledge and support.