Bournemouth is the second fastest growing area for startups in the UK; last year it saw a 20% year-on-year increase in new businesses, despite national figures falling by 2.5%.
Bournemouth boasts a world standard visual effects and animation hub and a notable digital tech scene to go with it. The BFX Festival draws crowds of animators, game developers and filmmakers to the seaside resort every year, and the area is increasingly popular with young creatives looking to escape London.
With a great track record for financial services—JP Morgan, Liverpool Victoria, Nationwide Building Society, Barclays International and Deutsche Bank are just a few major players with a presence in the area—it looks likely that Bournemouth will become one to watch in the fintech arena.
Bournemouth fintech startups
Cudo Miner
Cudo Miner is a cryptocurrency miner that runs when your computer is idle and cleverly switches currencies based on which is most profitable at the time. The startup offsets all carbon emissions generated on its end and will soon offer carbon neutral mining for users.
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DJS Limited
DJS Limited builds updated software for financial services. Its products include short term lending app PiggyBank, My Financial Broker and financial services affiliate network Leadtree Global.
Bournemouth healthtech startups
my mhealth
my mhealth develops patient-friendly apps for the longterm management of health conditions. The startup’s portfolio so far includes apps for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and heart disease.
Nourish
Nourish helps care professionals—particularly in nursing homes, hospices and supported living—to keep track of residents and their individual needs. Completely paperless and compatible with desktop, tablet and smartphone, Nourish keeps care notes, appointments, alerts and evidence in one place.
People Matter
People Matter uses artificial intelligence to map out the wellness of your workforce and spot the signs of burnout before it happens. The Okina app will use self-reported data along with cues such as unread emails and clashing calendar events; founders Nigel Winship and Amy King hope that it will help to foster workplaces where everyone feels well, safe and able to grow.
Bournemouth lifestyle startups
Horse Scout
Horse Scout is a directory, marketplace, jobs board and social network for equestrians and horse lovers. Even horses can form connections, as the site uses passport names and parentage to build family trees.
Just Move In
Just Move In‘s concierge service takes care of administration, utilities, council tax, insurance, cleaning, removals and storage so that movers can settle straight into their new home. The Bournemouth startup is a Certified B Corporation and has raised a cool £1.5 million in seed funding.
Picniq
Picniq is a lifeline for stressed parents: it finds family-friendly events, attractions and days out nearby and lists the best deals for tickets, along with reviews from other Picniq members. Listings include directions and notes on suitability by age, necessary equipment or clothing and availability of food, toilets and parking.
ShedSpace
ShedSpace is much like Airbnb for storage space: anyone who has a spare shed, cupboard, room or garage can rent it out to their community as an affordable alternative to self-storage units. Hosts are vetted and contents are insured for up to £2,000.
Bournemouth B2B startups
Sourcing Playground
Sourcing Playground cuts down lengthy product sourcing times by offering a platform where buyers can post their requirements and receive competitive quotes from trusted suppliers and manufacturers who are able to meet them. Pricing and lead times are agreed on the platform, so it’s simple to keep track of orders.
TradeZapp
TradeZapp aims to be the first place trade professionals go to ask questions. Rather than coming up with pages of irrelevant search results, the sleek Q&A feed puts you in touch with other tradespeople who know their stuff. The platform also includes room to share your portfolio, network with peers and promote your business.
Bournemouth entrepreneurial support
Looking for mentorship or networking? You’re in good company: Bournemouth has plenty of events and organisations for small business owners. These include:
Dorset Growth Hub
Backed by the European Regional Development Fund, Dorset Growth Hub offers a wealth of business support, resources, events and workshops for businesses from startup to long-established firms. This includes generous funding opportunities, ranging from £1,000 startup grants to £25,000 match-funded growth grants.
Dorset Business Angels
Dorset Business Angels hold quarterly Investors’ Dinners, during each of which five local startups and early-stage high growth businesses are invited to pitch.
First Bourne
Funded by Creative England and delivered by Silicon South, First Bourne is an accelerator programme for Bournemouth startups. Eight digital startups receive £25,000 in investment and a three-month residency with coaching, masterclasses, workshops and mentorship; at the end of the residency, Creative England picks two startups to receive an additional £50,000 in funding.
Startup Grind
Startup Grind is a global community for entrepreneurs with groups in more than 500 towns and cities—Bournemouth is no exception. The group regularly meets networking and inspiring talks from local success stories.
StartUpU
StartUpU is the region’s official delivery partner for Virgin Startup; entrepreneurs will find mentorship, funding and support for the application process and beyond.