IIE Founder Awards 2018

Startups celebrate winning incubator places worth £200,000 each

The latest generation of budding alumni entrepreneurs are celebrating after securing places on the 2018 –19 London Business School (LBS) Incubator programme.

The LBS graduates chosen to develop their startups on the programme gathered for the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) Founder Awards. Ventures chosen include a citrus vodka, a reusable bottle made of plastic recovered from the ocean and an electric scooter hire network. Digital disruption among the founders was a strong theme at this year's awards.

“It’s strange how the nature of the businesses change year on year,” commented Jeff Skinner, Executive Director of the IIE. 

“This year, the businesses have a decided proptech and fintech flavour. They are also more advanced than in previous years – many of the founders had been busy developing their ventures while still studying. Given how hard we work them, this shows huge commitment.”  

The founders take residence in the School’s on-campus incubator facility, known as The House, for the duration of their 10-month stay. They also receive assistance from a host of supporters who provide workshops, 1-2-1 advisory sessions and free resources equivalent to more than £200,000 per business.

This year’s cohort features the following ventures:  

• PropLabs
• Fineazy
• GQS Hedge Fund
• Jellani
• Parallel AI
• PartnerInsight
• SearchSmartly
• Skwire
• The Ocean Bottle
• Zumu Scooters
• VITA Vodka

 

Founders are invited to pitch their ventures to Enterprise 100 members, a network of angel investors launched more than 15 years ago to shape the future of entrepreneurship.

For more information about these businesses and how to support them, please contact Jane Khedair, Director, Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at jkhedair@london.edu.