We are delighted to announce our soon to be open incubator in the centre of Norwich City.
When we started reviewing the concept, we wanted to set out to create a space where any businesses accepted to the incubator would receive support to achieve their full potential. We understand that full potential may mean different things for different people and companies. Not every new venture can be a unicorn, but they can still be a solid business for the owners, it’s employees, customers and the local community. It is from this world view that we wanted to make an incubator with a difference. Being accepted to the Akcela incubator gets you access to our team listed below, access to free office space in the heart of Norwich City Centre and support from our great partners. Our lead sponsors include Ashtons Legal, Farnell Clarke Accountants and FUEL Studios.
You can register your interest in the Norwich City Centre based incubator on our website.
We would also love to introduce you to the team who will be on hand to support companies working within the incubator.
James Adams BA, MBA, DiPC – Director/Shareholder
James has 8 years with Fortune 200 US firm ITW, experience of managing projects in China, USA, and throughout Europe. James has worked with companies such as Tesco, Vauxhall, ITW, Serco and McDonalds. James has experience in supporting start-up and scale up companies such as Readingmate, Gorilla Juice and The Forest of Memories. James completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
Martin Yapp BSc – Director/Shareholder
Martin worked within KPMG for over 10 years, has experience with building and exiting multi-million-pound businesses, a case in point being DMW group. Martin has worked with companies such as Network Rail, Virgin Media, TFL and Motorola. Whilst Martin still runs large scale transformational projects with blue chip clients, he is also extremely passionate about supporting and nurturing start up and scale up companies.
Kate Yarbo MBA, DiPC – Director/Shareholder
Kate is an experienced CEO, working with a Norfolk and Suffolk based group of schools and Children’s homes. Kate has many years working and supporting start-up and early-stage businesses. Kate is passionate about developing individuals and culture that deliver success. Kate completed her MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
Matt Lawley BA, MBA, DiPC – Director/Shareholder
Matt has extensive experience working within the FMCG environment with clients such as Waitrose, Tesco etc. Matt currently works with tech start-ups including Norfolk based Readingmate, Harvest London as well as others. Matt is also MD of £3m+ turnover company with 180+ staff. Matt completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
James Rix BA, MASt – Director/Shareholder
James has a wealth of business experience having started his career at Deloitte, before moving to an early-stage tech company as one of their first employees. James enjoyed several years working within the fast-paced and ever-growing company. This included VC investment before an eventual buyout. After a small amount of time out, James decided to create Readingmate with his wife Hannah, a company on an explosive growth trajectory and one of Akcela’s tenants within the incubator.
Mark Merrywest BSc, MBA, DiPC – Consultant/Shareholder
Mark is Director of Norfolk based marketing agency Flocc. Works within brand building and development. Has worked with companies such as MTV, Advance London, and the University of East Anglia. Mark completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
Once again, if you are interested in finding out more, get in touch or pop in for a coffee and take a look around the space.