CMS launches new initiative for high-growth Northern start-ups

International law firm CMS today announces the launch of ‘CMS equIP North’, an initiative aimed at helping tech start-ups and fintechs based in Northern England scale up and maximise their full potential.

The award-winning equIP programme, established in London four years ago and with offerings across the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, operates like a curated incubator, investing in start-ups through industry introductions, exclusive training, discounted legal services, and an active peer network. Since its establishment, CMS equIP has worked with over 100 leading start-up businesses including UK legal tech start-up Apperio; Behavox; Crowdicity; Echo; Middle East's leading at-home hair and makeup service blowout&go; and rising star of the fintech ecosystem Quantessence.

CMS is now inviting Northern-based tech start-ups and scale-ups to apply.

CMS Corporate Partner Matthew Davies, who heads up equIP North, comments: “The North has a rapidly growing status as a key centre for the international tech economy, with a £10 billion Northern digital tech turnover, major digital hubs throughout the region and vibrant and dynamic start-up and scale-up communities and initiatives. Providing the right legal advice and additional added-value services through our global network has been a key factor in helping many businesses to scale successfully and attract investment. Given the synergy between the North’s tech ecosystem and the CMS equIP programme, it is exciting to launch a dedicated programme for Northern-based businesses. We are well-placed to help nurture great ideas, develop innovation and foster business growth, supporting the rich, dynamic and thriving tech-led ecosystem in the North.”

CMS’ Head of the North, Mark Haywood, adds: “Following CMS equIP’s success in London, and recent launches in Scotland, Europe, Singapore and Dubai, we are confident it will also benefit and inspire our rich community of entrepreneurs and young businesses here in the North.”

To find out more, including details of how to apply to join equIP North, please go to: https://cms.law/en/GBR/Insight/Start-ups/equIP-North