BBC Labs start-up fund returns for second term

BBC Worldwide is set to begin its second term of start-up mentoring, following the launch of its Labs programme in 2012.

The aim of the programme is to assist several start-ups in their development through free office space and working closely with experts. Video game, web and mobile companies are able to take advantage of the programme.

To start the programme, an induction session is due to be held on March 5th at Wayra’s Academy in London to give potential applicants the opportunity to meet and hear from members of Labs team.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from BBC Worldwide digital director Claude London, who will lead a panel discussion with three of the programme’s current start-ups, Yakatak’s Simon Davies, MiniMono’s Melissa Clark-Reynolds and Flooved’s Hamish Brocklebank.

There will also be discussions about the value of programmes such as business accelerators, incubators and weekend start-up sessions and the opportunities BBC Worldwide Labs has given the start-ups on the current programme, which comes to a close next month.

“I am so proud of everything we’ve achieved with Labs over the past six months and thrilled to be announcing the launch of the second programme. It has been an honour and a pleasure to help raise the profiles of six bright and talented start-ups in the UK, all of whom have a promising future ahead,” said Jenny Fielding, head of BBC Worldwide Labs and Digital Ventures.

“It has been a huge learning curve for us all and I’m very much looking forward to finding the class of 2013 and furthering our ambition of helping more emerging digital companies realise their ambitions.”

To reserve a place at the induction session on March 5th, click here.

And you can submit applications to the programme here. The deadline for submissions is midnight (BST) on April 4th, 2013.