dci
Jeni Smith, founder of NetKnoWho, with Leon Howe, DCI incubation manager.

Trio of tech startups take off with County Durham accelerator programme

Three North East technology businesses have launched and scaled following an accelerator programme.

Business Durham has supported the launch and growth of networking platform NetKnoWho, taxi and private hire app taxigoat and messaging app ChatPro with its Durham City Incubator (DCI) accelerator scheme.

Specifically for startup businesses from across the county, the six-month initiative was launched in 2018 to provide local entrepreneurs with mentoring sessions, workshops, seminars and networking events to enable them to grow and scale up.

Sarah Slaven, interim managing director at Business Durham, commented: “I’m delighted to see the DCI programme support County Durham businesses in setting up with ambitious plans within the fast-growing technology sector.

“Through initiatives such as this, Business Durham and our partners at Durham University and New College Durham can support innovation and enterprise in the region, working closely with businesses every step of the way on their journey to develop and grow.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council, added: “It is vitally important that we support enterprising new businesses to grow within the county, in order to create jobs and boost the local economy.

“The technology industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors out there, with a rising demand for those specialist skills. Programmes like DCI can offer tech start-ups the experience, support and guidance needed to establish their companies and set them on a trajectory for business growth and longevity.

“It is great to see the incubator programme continuing to attract innovative businesses choosing to set up in Durham.”

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