TEAM SY

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TEAM SY (Technology Ecosystem Acceleration and Market-Making South Yorkshire) is an ecosystem coordination project in the South Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom.
What are the main aims and objectives?

TEAM SY aims to build a connected and collaborative tech ecosystem in South Yorkshire by accelerating the development and market-making of regional tech startups. The project is designed to boost startup creation and investment by leveraging public sector funding and private sector investment to foster a thriving early-stage tech ecosystem. Key objectives include supporting digital and tech businesses to explore new ideas and markets, helping startups scale up, creating high-value jobs, and bridging gaps between startups and funding bodies. TEAM SY also focuses on developing entrepreneurial leadership, creating sustainable growth engines for businesses, and fostering a collaborative community.

How does the program work?

TEAM SY takes a multi-faceted approach to connecting and strengthening the startup and tech ecosystem in South Yorkshire:

Delivering dedicated startup programs

TEAM SY runs various pre-accelerator and accelerator programs tailored to the needs of tech entrepreneurs in the region. These include:

  • Transform SY - A 6-month accelerator focused on entrepreneurial mindset and business growth
  • IoT Engine - Supporting startups developing IoT products with mentoring, validation and events
  • P4SY - A precision medicine accelerator for healthtech and medtech startups
  • Decarbonise SY - An accelerator for net zero and cleantech startups

These programs help fill critical gaps in the ecosystem by supporting founders to scale their businesses and secure investment

Building networks and community

TEAM SY works to increase the strength of networks within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This includes:

  • Ensuring entrepreneurs are accurately signposted to resources
  • Facilitating regular information sharing between ecosystem players
  • Partnering with organizations like Capital Enterprise to deliver programmes
  • Hosting events and festivals to showcase the ecosystem

Super Connectors

TEAM SY employs Super Connectors who act as neutral brokers within the ecosystem. These individuals facilitate connections among stakeholders, provide guidance, and signpost businesses to appropriate support resources, thereby creating a more cohesive and supportive environment for tech startups

Ecosystem Mapping

TEAM SY continuously updates and expands its Tech Startup Ecosystem Map, helping to identify and connect with new people, businesses, and organizations. This mapping effort ensures that the ecosystem remains dynamic and inclusive.

What is the overall cost?

TEAM SY has received a mixture of public sector funding and private sector investment. This includes £4.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and additional financial support from Capital Enterprise and Barnsley Council. 

How was it implemented?

Launched in 2021, TEAM SY was initiated as a joint project between Capital Enterprise –

a non-profit organization focused on making the UK an optimal place to start a business – and Barnsley Council with additional support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and UKSE. As a result of the funding it receives, TEAM SY offers its services free of charge to participants.

In its first phase from October 2021 to June 2023, TEAM SY delivered 17 dedicated programmes tailored to the needs of tech entrepreneurs in South Yorkshire . These included:

  • Pre-accelerators like Transform SY, IoT Engine, OneTech SY
  • Accelerators like P4SY (precision medicine), Decarbonise SY (net zero), JUMP (sports tech)
  • Funding readiness initiatives like Get Funding Fit, South Yorks Angel Hub
What impact has been measured?

Data analysis shows that the number of tech startups in South Yorkshire has increased by 18% since TEAM SY began with the region is now home to at least 3,000 active tech startups in total. Sheffield, the largest tech hub, experienced a 16% increase with 435 new tech startups formed. Doncaster, the second largest hub, had a 22% jump with 151 new tech companies created. Barnsley witnessed the highest growth rate of 49%, with 73 new tech startups emerging since TEAM SY began operations. In Rotherham, where tech startup numbers were previously declining, there was a modest 3% increase, bringing the total to 82 new startups formed after TEAM SY's implementation.

Furthermore, as of July 2023, TEAM SY had supported 290 early-stage startups which had created over 100 new jobs and launched 96 new technology products. Likewise, investment in tech startups rose to £52.6 million in 2022, a 42 percent increase on the previous year. 

However, no detailed impact studies have been published on the activities of TEAM SY meaning that we cannot determine the direct impact the program has had on the ecosystem. 

What lessons can be learned?

The implementation of TEAM SY (Technology Ecosystem Acceleration and Market-Making South Yorkshire) offers several valuable lessons that can be applied to other startup ecosystems:

Collaborative Partnerships:

TEAM SY's success is largely due to its collaborative approach, involving multiple stakeholders such as Capital Enterprise, Barnsley Council, and various private sector partners. Building strong relationships with key stakeholders is crucial for creating a supportive and resource-rich environment for startups.

Addressing Ecosystem Challenges:

Identifying and addressing major challenges in the local ecosystem is essential. TEAM SY tackled issues such as the lack of tech startups, a coherent mature ecosystem, startup acceleration programmes, and investor activity. Understanding and focusing on these challenges can help other regions develop targeted strategies for ecosystem growth.

Super Connectors:

Employing Super Connectors to act as neutral brokers within the ecosystem is highly effective. These individuals help build relationships, provide guidance, and connect startups with necessary resources. This model can be replicated in other ecosystems to ensure effective communication and support.

Diverse Programmes:

Offering a variety of quality programmes, such as accelerators and market-making activities, tailored to different sectors (IoT, GovTech, HealthTech, etc.), helps to support a wide range of startups. This diversity ensures that the ecosystem can cater to varying needs and foster innovation across multiple fields.

Community Engagement:

Active engagement with the startup community through events, workshops, and social media is vital for maintaining a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem. Regular communication and updates help keep all participants informed and involved, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Long-Term Vision:

Ecosystem development requires a long-term vision and sustained efforts. TEAM SY is not a quick fix but a step towards creating a sustainable and successful startup ecosystem. Other regions should adopt a similar long-term perspective, focusing on systemic changes that support continuous growth and development

CURATED BY

Tom Hancock

Research Associate
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United Kingdom