ABOUT
EXCHANGE
Exchange is a leading UK tech accelerator supporting the next generation of high-growth businesses.
Supporting Founders, Start-ups & Scale-ups
The Exchange Programme supports ambitious tech, digital and creative businesses by giving them access to the tools, knowledge and the community they need to scale and succeed. Based in Campfield, Manchester’s pioneering tech and media campus, Exchange provides founders with a home at the centre of a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Members work directly from Campfield, connecting with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs while building the technologies and creative ventures shaping tomorrow’s digital economy.
MISSION
As one of Europe’s leading start-up hubs, Exchange is an award-winning independent accelerator programme supporting early-stage and scaling businesses across the tech, media and creative industries.
Based in Campfield, Manchester’s pioneering tech and media campus, Exchange nurtures two distinct cohorts – Start-ups and Growth – providing the tailored support, resources and connections businesses need to scale with confidence.
Established in July 2020 as part of St. John’s, Exchange fosters innovation, collaboration and business growth by providing access to an ecosystem of industry leaders, mentors, and state-of-the-art workspaces.
The programme was founded with the ambition of creating and sustaining 2,000 jobs over 15 years. To date, Exchange has already facilitated the creation of 1,300 jobs, achieving over half of its target in a third of the timeframe. Its success is evident in its role as a cornerstone of Manchester’s innovation economy, providing a critical launchpad for emerging and growth enterprises.
Over the next 15 years, the Campfield Exchange programme aims to create 1,600 new jobs and sustain 2,400 existing ones, contributing to a total impact of 3,600 jobs created and 2,400 sustained, cementing Exchange’s role at the heart of Manchester’s innovation economy.
Exchange provides ‘grow-on’ space for businesses at every stage, ensuring both emerging and scaling enterprises can thrive within a single, connected ecosystem within the Campfield Campus. It runs two structured six-month accelerator programmes – one for Start-ups and one for Growth-stage businesses – combining mentorship, networking, workspace and investment support to drive business success.
1,119
INDIVIDUALS
across over 298 businesses
361
JOBS
361 jobs have been created whilst on the programme.
1,300
JOBS
Exchange alumni have gone on to create 1,300 jobs.
£21
MILLION
Businesses have raised over £21m funding during their time on the programme.
£78.1+
MILLION
Our alumni have gone on to raise over £78.1m in funding.
TWO
LOCATIONS
Manchester / Campfield, St. John’s
Leeds / Leeds Dock
OUR SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE NETWORK INCLUDES:
35+ Mentors & advisers
18 Industry partners
14 Venture partners
WHY
EXCHANGE
We support businesses by providing the space, resources and connections they need to grow. This includes flexible workspace, access to wellness and social facilities, and support from a network of industry experts, venture partners, mentors and advisors.
We also run a varied programme of events, from hands-on workshops and upskilling sessions to talks led by experienced speakers. At the heart of the programme is a collaborative community of ambitious entrepreneurs. As businesses develop, we continue to support them through ongoing access to space and community as part of our alumni offer.