Please read page 6 and 7 of:

The headline is “leaders of the region’s £16 billion digital and creative industries are intensifying their efforts to establish the North West as one of the world’s most innovative production centre’s for digital entertainment and new media”.

As part of the initiative to grow regional output by £1bn from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by 2015, the North West Development Agency (NWDA) is in the process of establishing a number of Media Enterprise Centres (MECs) where production companies, broadcasters, small digital companies and universities can collaborate. Phase 1 includes opening of the MediaCityUK in Salford Quays and Liverpool Innovation Park later this year.

The article further states that the sector currently generates 16% of Gross Value Added (GVA) and 10.6% of the workforce. Clearly, some outstanding figures, and NWDA and others are to be congratulated for their vision and execution. Article also states that the creative industries cover 18 market segments from advertising and design to television and publishing. At the heart of this is £300 million a year GVA from computer games industry.

However, the article does not extend to mention any internet based companies such as our own Northern Stars. Does this mean that the NWDA do not see the potential upside that Northern Stars could create? Just imagine the birth of Bebo, Skype, YouTube and Last.FM in the North West. Companies such as those cannot be ignored. Problem is that at present, none of the Northern Stars have attracted significant opportunities to warrant the attention of NWDA. The number of startups has not reach the critical mass. At present, there are a small number of companies. The most successful digital product based businesses to emerge out of the region are Freeserve, Plus.net and recently moneysupermarket.com, all of which were setup during the dot.com era.

Instead of complaining, I believe it is our duty to create the next wave of giants. In this process, Northern StartUp 2.0 continues to serve those companies that are taking the initiative. And in this process, it is vital to understand the needs of Northern Stars beyond the need for capital injections. What help would you be needing?

I am happy to report that we had the best Northern StartUp 2.0 event ever on the 15th of July at KPMG Manchester. In case you missed it, here is a teaser:

At the core of Northern StartUp 2.0 is the Northern Digital Entrepreneurs, that is people like me (Founder of edocr), Anish Kapoor (Founder of Yuuguu) and other Northern Stars. The purpose is to serve their needs, mostly in the areas of:

1. Capital injection
2. Exposure
3. Reduce loneliness – You are never alone in your journey to hit that massive Vision

We address Item 1 above by bringing Venture Capitalists. Here is a list of VCs we have entertained:

1. Liverpool Ventures/Merseyside Special Investment Fund/Liverpool Seed Fund – North West (Liverpool)
2. Enterprise Ventures/Rising Stars – North West (Preston, Manchester) & Yorkshire and Humberside
3. YFM Private Equity – North West (Manchester) and UK
4. Advent Ventures – South East (London)
5. DFJ Esprit – South East (London)
6. Seedcamp – South East (London) and Europe
7. MTI Firms – North West (Manchester) and World

We now need to expand above by exposing Business Angels and Debit Financiers to Northern Stars.

Item 2 is addressed through providing a platform for short pitches, and on-line (private messaging) and face-to-face events.

We have also started to campaign to both Regional Development Agencies and the Central Government. So, do let us know what specific help you require.

On 15th, we had great line up of panelists from New York, London and Manchester. See event page for more details

I would also like to make a request. Please check the website before writing that e-mail. Check the FAQs on footer. Your time and my time are both precious.