Crypto-trader training platform among eight graduate businesses to receive funding boost
A platform that trains people to trade cryptocurrency, a drum and bass record label and a sustainable knitwear company are just some of the graduate businesses to have received funding through UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award to kickstart their business.
Eight UWE Bristol alum successfully pitched and secured funding between £5,000 to £15,000 through the Entrepreneurial Futures Award which will allow them to develop their enterprises. The funding has been donated by fellow UWE Bristol alum Peter Fane, executive chairman and founder of the Nurture Landscapes Group, and will support many more alumni over the next three years with funding.
Gerald Lee Vui Shiong, a Financial Technology Master’s graduate, has developed MachD Trading, which aims to simplify learning how to trade crypto, received £15,000 of funding - the largest amount awarded by the panel of judges. MachD impressed the panel with its tailored learning experience, which adapts crypto industry and finance trading content based on a user’s knowledge gap.
The panel were impressed with Gerald’s ambition and felt the platform would provide a safe way to learn about digital currency.
Invicta Audio, a record label and events company specialising in underground drum and bass talent founded by Business graduate Anton Bailey, and Noon, a knitwear brand using sustainable natural dyes created by Hayley Lunt, Fashion Design graduate, both received £10,000 of funding.
The young entrepreneurs, all UWE Bristol alumni, pitched business ideas to a panel including Peter, entrepreneur Mark Mason MBE, and Dr Myra Evans, Director (Partnerships) of UWE Bristol’s School of Social Sciences.
The Entrepreneurial Futures Award aims to support graduates to focus on their business ventures and undertake entrepreneurship as a career pathway after graduating. It has a particular focus on students who may not have the social capital or access to funding to support their businesses. The Entrepreneurial Futures Award is run by UWE Bristol’s Student Ventures, which supports students to turn their business ideas into a reality.
Dr Myra Evans from UWE Bristol’s School of Social Sciences said: “The panel were really impressed with the innovative and exciting businesses that pitched today. Vital funding like this can make a huge difference to entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journeys, giving them the opportunity to grow. We want to support students and alumni in their business ventures and make business growth more accessible.”
Related news
11 December 2024
UWE Bristol alum develops flatpack wood stove to heat homes damaged in conflict
A UWE Bristol alum has designed a flatpack wood burning stove which will provide a vital heat source for people whose homes have been damaged in areas of conflict across the world.
28 November 2024
Entrepreneur and advocate for workplace equality awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol
Dr Zara Nanu MBE, an innovator in addressing workplace inequalities and tackling the gender pay gap, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.
29 July 2024
Student who dedicated his time at university to helping disabled people graduates
A student who has dedicated his time at UWE Bristol to helping people with disabilities has graduated.
21 May 2024
Growth for tech innovation in Bristol as Future Space expands
UWE Bristol’s award-winning innovation centre, Future Space, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities.
18 January 2024
The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England
UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.
14 December 2023
'Wearable bodyguard' among ten new businesses by young entrepreneurs to receive funding boost
A business developing a ‘wearable bodyguard’ for safer solo journeys is among 10 growing businesses that have received a vital boost, thanks to funding donated by UWE Bristol alum Peter Fane.
04 December 2023
Prestigious fellowship awarded to UWE Bristol academic to fund development of music technology
A UWE Bristol professor has been awarded a fellowship which will fund the development of a radically new approach to digital musical instrument design.
15 August 2023
Former inmates to benefit from enterprise education course shown to reduce reoffending and boost employment
UWE Bristol has successfully secured funding from the City & Guilds Foundation to deliver enterprise education to previously incarcerated people.
16 May 2023
UWE Bristol expands support for start-ups with new incubation facilities
UWE Bristol has transformed its incubation space on campus, bringing together two technology incubators into one area.
20 April 2023
UWE Bristol's award-winning green skills programme returns for 2023
Applications are now open for the transformational Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship programme.
25 January 2023
Changemaker podcast series shines a light on UWE Bristol's champions and catalysts for change
UWE Bristol’s new Changemaker podcast series talks to those tackling global challenges through outstanding learning, research and a culture of enterprise.
You may also be interested in
Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.