HCR’s leading technology law expert has been supporting growing companies being developed by Malvern-based tech accelerator BetaDen, which is now looking for its next group of entrepreneurs and tech companies to apply to join Cohort 4.0.
Nicola McNeely, who has worked with tech companies throughout her career, has been giving a day a month to the companies pro bono. An acknowledged expert in her field nationally, she offers legal advice on everything from their contracts and the structure of the companies, to negotiations with investors and suppliers and their market strategy.
She said: “It’s hard work, but I get the opportunity to work with really interesting tech businesses; I have spent my career with this kind of business and I really enjoy it. Their issues are very varied, and it is great to be able to help them set a course towards success.”
The current cohort of businesses are developing products and services using blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), drone mapping, 5G and thermal sensors. BetaDen is now keen to recruit more early stage technology entrepreneurs to benefit from its support – based at Malvern Hills Science Park, it offers nine months of free office space, mentorship, and access to Worcestershire’s 5G testbed. Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership also provides a £10,000 ‘proof of concept’ grant.
Linda Smith, CEO and founder of BetaDen, said: “We’re delighted to have Nicola on board; her background in IT and intellectual property is invaluable for the founders here. We have just started recruiting for our new cohort who will come on board in March next year, and I hope that HCR will continue to support us.”
The new Cohort 4.0 will benefit from BetaDen’s link up with high-performance tech company Steatite, and from enhanced access to 5G. To apply, visit BetaDen’s website here.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys has more than 500 staff and partners based at offices in Worcester, Birmingham, Cheltenham, the Wye Valley, Hereford, London, Thames Valley, Cambridge and Cardiff, who provide a complete spectrum of legal services to both business and private clients regionally and nationwide. The firm also has a number of highly successful teams specialising in individual market sectors, including health and social care, education, technology, agricultural and rural affairs, finance and financial services, defence, security and the forces, and construction.
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Award-winning firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys provides a complete spectrum of City-quality legal services to business and private clients across the South and West Midlands, Thames Valley and Wye Valley corridors, the southwest of England and in Wales. The firm has grown through several mergers, both locally and with specialists, all answering client demand. It has more than 500 staff and partners operating out of offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Hereford, London, Thames Valley, Worcester and the Wye Valley, and a turnover of c£35m. The firm has specialist expertise in health and social care; defence, security and the forces; finance and financial services; construction and engineering; education; technology, and agriculture and rural affairs. Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ work in all aspects of law is nationally and internationally recognised. Clients’ comments about the quality of its work has led to the firm being listed in Tier 1 of the prestigious Legal 500 and Chamber and Partners directories of the major law firms in England and Wales. For more details, visit www.hcrlaw.com