Birmingham Science Park entrepreneur and computer science expert Eleanor Watson and her company Poikos Limited is one of only ten start-up businesses from across Europe selected for a prestigious accelerator programme in Amsterdam.
The entrepreneur has been chosen for the pan-European ‘StartupBootCamp’ programme for her unique ‘Measurecam’ software. The pioneering software takes accurate body measurements using a smartphone or webcam, which, as well as being of considerable interest to the medical profession, will be a vital tool in bringing made-to-measure clothing to the mass market.
Eleanor took part in the selection event last month at the Vodafone headquarters in Amsterdam. She was one of twenty finalists invited to present their business ideas to over twenty mentors, who rated them on criteria including team setting, business concept and fundability.
As one of just ten businesses to now make it through to the final phase of the programme, Eleanor and Poikos join startups from the UK, Poland, India, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands on an intensive three month StartupBootCamp programme. This final phase will prepare the finalists for ‘Investor Day’ on July 6th, where Eleanor will have the opportunity to present to a large group of (angel) investors to attract funding for the next stage in the company’s exciting growth plans.
The Birmingham-based corporate team of law firm Challinors was instructed by Eleanor and Poikos to advise in relation to their arrangements with StartupBootCamp.
Jamie Partington, Corporate Solicitor at Challinors, explains that Eleanor instructed Challinors ahead of the penultimate phase of the Startupbootcamp programme: “I first met Eleanor to provide initial mentor advice at a legal surgery session when she was on the e4f (entrepreneurs for the future) scheme at Birmingham Science Park.
“Following a period of close support, this led to her instructing the firm to advise on the subscription and investment arrangements between her, Poikos and StartupBootCamp and all related corporate governance matters,” he says.