RIGBY GROUP AND SCC SPEARHEAD “ONE TO WIN” – A £1 MILLION PRIZE FUND TO BOOST TECH INNOVATION IN WEST MIDLANDS
Rigby Group and SCC, in partnership with Haatch and the West Midlands Co-Invest Fund, has pledged a groundbreaking £1 million prize fund for One to Win, a new pitch competition that will uncover the West Midlands’ most promising start-up business. Powered by TechWM, a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for the region’s tech sector, One to Win will showcase the region’s vibrant and thriving tech sector on the national stage.
Backed by leading investors, stakeholders, and key tech players, the pitch competition demonstrates their belief in the region’s ability to become a global tech superpower.
As Europe’s largest private investor in technology and owner of SCC, the largest tech company in the West Midlands, Rigby Group is committed to supporting other tech entrepreneurs in the region. o. The £1 million cash prize boasts the largest single prize for any pitch competition in the UK, and will be awarded to a West Midlands business demonstrating game-changing innovation and growth potential.
The competition was launched within London Tech Week by TechWM. Applications open on the 1st of July: shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to pitch for the prize during Birmingham Tech Week on Wednesday 23 October with the winner announced two days later on Friday 25 October.
The initiative will also support those from the region who don’t meet the One to Win entry criteria, offering alternative support: including opportunities for trade missions; investor connections; access to mentors and workshops; guidance on accelerators and incubators; and links to corporate innovation programmes.
Steve Rigby, Co-CEO of Rigby Group said:
“The West Midlands has all the qualities needed to become a leading tech powerhouse. My family business, Rigby Group, is the second largest private company in the West Midlands, while our technology business, SCC, is the largest tech company in the region. We are enormously proud of our roots and are delighted to support TechWM and their work to put our home region on the global stage. I very much believe One to Win will shine a light on our home grown tech talent and provide game changing support to the winning business.”
The One to Win competition is open for expressions of interest from 12 June and opens for applications on 1 July. To find out more, visit www.onetowin.co.uk.