Leeds-based start-up businesses will be empowered to boost their strategies to enter new markets, achieve growth, and build long-term sustainability, through a new partnership between Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds, L Marks and Leeds City Council.
The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad aims to support 30 start-ups 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 partners.
It is free to take part – start-ups or anyone with a minimum viable product can apply for a place via the L Marks website before the closing date of Monday 9 December.
The programme consists of three elements:
1-Day Bootcamp at Nexus: On Tuesday 21 January, startups will participate in practical sessions, supported by innovation specialists L Marks. 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 at The Knowledge Exchange: Selected startups will take part in an in-depth learn-by-doing course by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, between 30 January and 20 March. Led by Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School, the accelerator includes eight workshops and mentoring sessions from Leeds Beckett experts. It will build on the progress made in the bootcamp, equipping start-ups with the skills, knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to validate their products and grow the business through customer acquisition.
Corporate Engagement: L Marks will draw on its extensive corporate network to assist selected startups in corporate engagement, alongside the accelerator programme. This includes a roundtable with decision-makers from innovative organisations who will share strategic and tactical insights on collaborating with other businesses.
Professor Lebene Soga said: “We are delighted to be a partner in the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad where we will share our extensive expertise in supporting start-up businesses and SMEs to growth, increase productivity, and achieve long-term sustainability.
“Through our accelerator programme, we will ensure that start-ups effectively embed the knowledge gained during the bootcamp, and tailor this to their individual businesses.
“By welcoming start-ups into The Knowledge Exchange here at Leeds Beckett, we hope this will open the doors to the University for them, where they can access further business support programmes to help them innovate and thrive.”
Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, said: “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’s position as a hub for innovation and business growth.”
