Ben Voysey is the new Incubation and Acceleration Manager at SETsquared Exeter.

Welcome Ben Voysey, Incubation & Acceleration Manager

This month we welcome a new member to the SETsquared Exeter team, Incubation and Acceleration Manager, Ben Voysey.

We caught up with Ben to discover more about his new role, what SETsquared Exeter is all about and his passion for startups and cycling.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what drew you to working for SETsquared Exeter?
"I trained as a research scientist and after spending 12 years working in the biotechnology sector I went on to set up and run my own company. The business developed and manufactured specialist high integrity research products (‘reagents’) for early stage drug discovery research and we sold to pharma companies, universities and charitable research organisations in over 20 countries. I was really keen to use my experience of setting up and growing a STEM business to help others do the same, and the role of Incubation and Acceleration Manager with SETsquared at the Science Park offered a really good fit for this."

What’s different about SETsquared Exeter’s offering?
"SETsquared Exeter offers a comprehensive package of business acceleration services to clients at all stages of development. The support pathway mapped out by the team is developed specifically for individual clients and is built around the core SETsquared programme offering. Businesses can also access a range of ‘Experts in Residence’, ‘Professionals in Residence’, contacts, experienced business mentors, investor networks and a range of events, workshops and seminars."

Can you explain a bit more about the Entrepreneurs’ Programme?
"The SETsquared Entrepreneurs’ Programme focuses on the essential elements to consider when starting a business. This includes identifying and defining the problem/solution fit for the product or service, identifying the market opportunity and identifying target customers and customer groups. The programme is open to all, so it works really well for early-stage start-ups, as well as for more experienced entrepreneurs who are considering launching a new venture or product / service within an existing business. We run Entrepreneurs’ Programmes for a variety of different sector areas.  On the 27 and 28 June 2019 we will be running a Satellite Data and Space Tech themed version which welcomes applications from across the space industry including satellite technology, communications, tracking and earth observation, as well as areas within the space supply chain. The programme will culminate with the delivery of a pitch to a panel of investors."

What makes you tick?
"Running a business is an all-encompassing activity that is full of highs and lows and, as someone once said, being an entrepreneur can be the loneliest job in the world! Being able to help people on this journey and seeing tangible results is hugely rewarding and I get a lot of enjoyment out of doing this. Outside of work I am a keen cyclist and enjoy long distance riding. I’ve just returned from a trip to Spain which involved some really beautiful rides in the Málaga region, including a stunning climb up to the historic town of Ronda."

To contact Ben directly about SETsquared Exeter email: b.j.voysey@exeter.ac.uk

Date: 5 June 2019