Leeds dating app becomes first UK startup to join San Francisco accelerator

JigTalk, the Leeds-based dating app, has become the first UK startup to be awarded a place on a US accelerator programme worth $250k.

The programme is run by tech stock exchange, NASDAQ.

NASDAQ, which is the second largest stock exchange in the world, operates a non-profit entrepreneurial centre in San Francisco.

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is now entering into its third programme, which helps early to mid-stage entrepreneurs set and hit milestones to drive their businesses forward.

Hundreds of applicants have applied to Milestone Makers, with just ten selected for each programme. Selected entrepreneurs receive free business mentoring from industry leaders, personal coaching, training and resources, valued at approximately $250k.

The selected firms will also have their logos projected onto the Nasdaq building.

Alex Durrant, CEO and co-founder of JigTalk, is the first UK-based entrepreneur to be selected in the history of the programme.

Since joining up with friend-turned-business partner Max Adamski to develop the app, the duo have acquired investment from New York and London angel investors before releasing the first version of JigTalk in February 2017.

Since then, the pair led the app to gain over 10,000 users in just 16 weeks of launching. JigTalk is also talking to a number of other investors to help roll out international expansion.

JigTalk was formed after co-founder Max Adamski got frustrated with dating apps that solely focused on people’s looks. JigTalk operates by displaying 16 jigsaw pieces initially covering each user’s image, popping away, one by one, as more and more messages are exchanged.

The platform encourages people to position personality before looks. The app also uses “gamification” techniques to encourage users to take part in activities and stimulate conversations.

Founded in Leeds in 2016, JigTalk is supported by two local non-executive directors, Jonny Filewood, CEO of digital marketing agency Enjoy Digital, and Stuart Clarke, director of the Leeds Digital Festival.

Stuart, who also works with a number of other startups in the city, said: “It’s great to see a Leeds startup flying the flag for the city in the US. Alex and Max have built a strong product on a unique idea and have already caught the eye of international investors. Becoming the first non-US Milestone Maker will help in their search for further investment”.

Alex commented: “I am very excited to represent the UK within the home of tech! Building JigTalk has been a challenging experience, but witnessing the response makes it all worth it. I’m looking to build connections with the other entrepreneurs and mentors in San Francisco and raise the profile of UK tech outside of London!”

“As we all know, San Francisco and Silicon Valley are the main tech hubs of the world, so I hope that forming these new bridges will encourage and help other young northern entrepreneurs”.

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