Guernsey Grown, Globally Focused
The rapid evolution of technology has reshaped the landscape of entrepreneurship, enabling new businesses to innovate, test and scale products to international markets faster than ever before.
Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced data analytics are no longer just buzzwords but pivotal tools that can enable a startup to quickly prototype solutions that otherwise would have taken months to develop.
These new advancements allow businesses to test and validate their ideas rapidly, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional prototyping methods. This enables startups to make improvements based on real-time feedback. The ability to test and refine ideas swiftly is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment, where market conditions and consumer preferences can quickly change. In turn, this agility provides a significant competitive advantage, especially compared with larger more established businesses that are slower to adapt – It can be the difference between success and failure.
Here in Guernsey, we are witnessing this new wave of digital businesses, each developing products for globally faced challenges. Through Digital Greenhouse programmes, like the Guernsey Venture Challenge and Startup Academy, we have seen a growing number of businesses that are looking to leverage Guernsey as a strategic base whilst targeting global markets. Keen to build on the success of these programmes, we are constantly looking at how we can strengthen our offer to support Guernsey-based tech businesses.
We are pleased to announce the launch of Guernsey’s first Global Growth Programme, specifically designed for the types of businesses who have developed products and are looking to reach international markets. This pilot programme will accelerate the growth of locally developed tech ventures. In partnership with venture-building experts Blenheim Chalcot, six Digital Greenhouse businesses have joined the programme which will run for the next six months.
The programme focuses on developing and implementing growth strategies to break into new markets. Each business is paired with an expert mentor and will take part in a series of workshops focusing on key areas, including marketing, building strategic partnerships, and more. The programme will culminate in the businesses attending WebSummit – the world's largest tech festival – in Lisbon in November of this year. This opportunity enables them to hear from leading experts, as well as giving them the ability to meet with key industry leaders, businesses and investors.
Each of the participating businesses is a graduate from Digital Greenhouse programmes, including the Guernsey Venture Challenge 2023, represent the essence of Guernsey's entrepreneurial spirit. While rooted in Guernsey, these businesses share a collective vision of reaching global markets. Spanning industries such as healthtech, eventtech, and marinetech, each business brings a unique proposition, reflecting the breadth of innovation emanating from the Guernsey ecosystem.
For businesses who are looking to embrace innovation and scale their operations, here at the Digital Greenhouse we offer a range of programmes designed to support and accelerate your growth journey. From the Global Growth Programme to mentoring programmes and bootcamps, our initiatives are tailored to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey.
