Member Article

OVH launches UK tech start-up incubator

Handpicked technology start-ups to benefit from hands-on support and infrastructure resources

Europe’s largest Cloud computing company, OVH, has bought its Digital Launch Pad (DLP) incubator programme to the UK. The scheme will provide innovative UK start-ups with funding and technical support from the seed stage all the way to market launch.

With its DLP, OVH now offers handpicked companies support in areas such as training, logistics and marketing, as well as free access to its Cloud infrastructure and invitations to exclusive OVH events. The scheme is open to any technology company, and businesses can register online to enter the scheme, with rolling applications invited. The DLP is unusual in that it offers safe, secure and scalable infrastructure, ideal for growing businesses. It can also partner with start-up hubs that can only offer funding. The main criteria for selection are an innovative project and major infrastructure consumption when the project is in production. 60 projects have already started at the ideation phase worldwide.

Registration for the programme is open at www.ovh.com/en/dlp.

Three stages of support

The programme offers support at three stages: ideation, build and market.

Ideation – The first stage offers selected projects support with prototyping and free use of OVH’s Cloud infrastructure. Candidates can create their own Public Cloud, Dedicated Cloud and PaaS Times Series project directly on the www.ovh.co.uk site. Start-ups will also be able to access knowledge bases, reference materials, training and other resources, such as consultation and technical analysis, which can help ideas to be realised quickly.

Build – The second stage is for most established offerings that want to focus on developing a larger-scale solution. It provides some more infrastructure access, as well as one on one support from an OVH solution architect; relationships with financing institutions; and logistics, all to help them build infrastructure that meets their need and bring projects rapidly to fruition.

Market – The third stage is all about helping new companies consolidate their business model to accelerate their international business development. Companies will not only have full access to OVH’s entire ecosystem, but they will also receive a tailored infrastructure offering and customized training programmes on site. Furthermore, they will be able to join the OVH Marketplace, giving them direct visibility to OVH’s 1 million customers worldwide.

Laurent Allard, CEO of OVH said, “We’re really excited to bring the Digital Launch Pad to the UK after seeing its success in other countries. This is a way of promoting innovation from a very early stage while also supporting the growth of businesses which are a bit further down the line. Companies that join the scheme will have full access to funding, support and our global ecosystem of partners to help launch their business to a worldwide market. The DLP is the natural progression of our daily commitment to partner with start-ups and help them grow.”

About OVH

The OVH group was founded in 1999. It innovates at the very heart of the web, data centers and networks, and today it is a key player in the global cloud arena. Through OVH.com, So you Start, RunAbove, Kimsufi and hubiC, the OVH group offers simple and powerful tools and solutions that put technology at the service of business and significantly improve the working practices of its 1 million customers around the world. As always, the company remains firmly committed to respecting individuals and their freedom, and providing equal opportunity of access to new technology. For OVH, “Innovation is Freedom”.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by OVH .