Member Article

Could this entrepreneurial Newcastle techy have the answer to better networking?

When Duke Ata graduated from Newcastle University in 2015 with a degree in computer science, he knew his passion for tech would soon translate to the business world.

Today, two years on, Duke is preparing to launch an app called The Associates, which he believes will transform the way young professionals network with one another.

“[The Associates] will be an invite only network for high-profile young professionals in various industries and we will be rolling it across various major cities in the UK starting from Newcastle”, Duke explains.

“Potential members would either have to apply to join or be recommended by current members. The idea is to have a community of influential professionals, who not only encourage professional collaboration but also build personal relationships through members-only events”

Currently in its pilot stage, Duke will soon be inviting an initial 50 people to test the app. Soft launching in Newcastle, app founder and lead developer Duke says he’s been meticulous in listening to the wants and needs of users in putting the idea together.

With the app almost ready to go live, Duke revealed he is currently in talks with investors to get behind the innovation.

“The app will be rolled out in November”, Duke continued, “when we will have also finalised the list of corporate partners, providing perks for our first batch of members. I am currently working on recruitment to expand the team for when we secure our first round of investment.”

Duke says his revenue model will come in two ways.

He explained: “First, for access to this community and its membership benefits, Associates will be required to pay an annual fee of £150. The second stream of revenue will come through sponsored events and campaign by our corporate partners.”

According to Duke, one of the app’s key selling points is its focus on the diversity of its member base.

“A lot of young professional networks end up with a very similar group of people especially by occupation. Our focus will be to actively ensure diversity of our members by industry, gender etc.

“Another differentiator will be that users will be rewarded for making active contributions to the network by gathering points that can be renewed on further discounts to events and various other benefits.”

Duke added: “We would also protect the privacy of our members to make sure that their personal details are not shared with third party companies for marketing purposes.”

With Duke’s immediate challenges involving final app refinements and investor relations, the up and coming entrepreneur believes The Associates isn’t far from taking off across the nation.

Aiming to have a 10,000 user base across the UK within 18 months, Duke insists a cap would ultimately be put on the membership to ensure an offering of quality over quantity.

Should The Associates prove a success, Newcastle’s ever-swelling list of tech royalty may soon find it has a new Duke amongst its ranks.

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