YellowDog part of Bristol magic at Oracle Start-up Cloud Accelerator launch

Bristol-based tech top dogs, YellowDog,  took part as a ‘start-up expert’ at Oracle’s Q&A session during it’s UK launch of Oracle Start-up Cloud Accelerator (OSCA). The event took place on Tuesday 24^th January at the Engine Shed where Oracle showed its commitment to tech start-up’s in Bristol by establishing the UK programme base in the city and working with SETsquared.

With some of the south west’s best tech heads gathered, the event was kicked off by Phil Bates, Architect, Oracle Cloud, who, in explaining Oracle’s choice of Bristol as it’s UK programme base, commented ‘There is an enviable level of collaboration between large and small tech enterprises that makes the city stand out and work in a way not seen elsewhere’.  This was further echoed by Oracle’s SVP Product Development and serial entrepreneur, Reggie Bradford, who said ‘Bristol is the place to be for innovation.  There is a city ecosystem to support next generation start-ups with ingenuity and development’.

The panel, made up of Reggie Bradford, Sue Daley (TechUK), Monika Radclyffe (SETsquared), Becky Sage (Interactive Scientific) alongside YellowDog’s Founder and Managing Director, Gareth Williams, discussed the opportunities for Bristol to lead the world when it comes to tech start-ups. They conversed over the history of innovation in Bristol and the UK, and why accelerator programmes are vital to nurture the next generation of tech companies and the importance of investments outside of our capital; the consensus answer being the importance of driving sales.

Commenting on the event, Gareth Williams, YellowDog, said:

“As a start-up business, we wouldn’t be where we are today if we weren’t based in Bristol and able to use the services provided by SETsquared and the Engine Shed.  Bristol makes things happen, allows innovators to do something different in the market place and succeed.  It’s also critical to be able to access the value and, for us, sheer computer power of large corporations such as Oracle.  Oracle has helped in accelerating YellowDog and helping us achieve our targets.  It’s really fantastic that Oracle recognises the talent in this city and the magic therein to set up their UK accelerator base here.”

Phil Bates, Oracle lead for Bristol’s Cloud Development Centre said:

“Bristol is one of the most vibrant and exciting startup ecosystems in the world. There is a thriving community here that is helping to nurture and grow the next wave and talent and development. Oracle is committed to supporting these new businesses as they take their first steps, and build on our heritage in driving innovation.”

Monika Radclyffe, SETsquared Bristol:

“We are delighted that Oracle has chosen to base its UK Oracle Start-up Cloud Accelerator here in Bristol.  The city has an enviable tech start-up scene and success rate particularly those who come through the SETsquared doors.  Seeing innovators from small and large businesses working to develop next generation technology through accessible programmes like Oracle’s is at the heart of what we do here at SETsquared.  Our members such as Interactive Scientific and YellowDog both showcase how start-ups can access and intelligently use Oracle’s expertise and technology.  All companies joining OSCA will have full access to SETsquared’s award winning business support. We’re looking forward to seeing what exciting developments the programme will deliver.”

YellowDog has already been recognised for their innovative use of Oracle Bare Metal Cloud. In 2016, YellowDog ended the year on a high walking away with two Oracle awards: Oracle Excellence Awards – Platform Innovation and Oracle UK Customer Excellence Awards – Disruptive Technology.