Five Business Benefits for Startups Attending Leeds Digital Festival 2024

Leeds Digital Festival (#LDF24) has become one of the UK's most influential digital culture events, gaining international recognition as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and insight.

Running from Monday 16th to Friday 27th of September, the event will attract a diverse mix of technology enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, business leaders and founders to our wonderful home city of Leeds.

In this article, we'll explore five of the many reasons that startups should add this event to their calendar. From funding tactics to creative problem-solving, we've highlighted a selection of the founder-friendly topics on offer and pinpointed some of the events that cover them to make navigating the event all the easier.

1. Networking opportunities

Building a strong network can sometimes be challenging for startups, particularly in the early stages when you're juggling multiple job roles or tasks. However, making strong connections can be the difference between success and failure. So, it's important to try and get out and meet people where you can.

The good news is, Leeds Digital Festival is a goldmine for networking (and we speak from experience). The festival attracts thousands of attendees, including investors, industry leaders, and potential partners. And, thanks to the incredibly inclusive and inviting atmosphere that we enjoy here in Leeds, it's the perfect environment for making meaningful connections.

This year's lineup includes a range of different networking events, from a Whodunnit? Cyber Mystery to drinks in a land-based boat bar. There really is something for everyone. Plus, the sheer diversity of attendees means that, as a startup, you'll have the chance to meet people from a variety of business backgrounds. Whether you're looking for a co-founder, seeking mentorship, or hoping to pitch your startup to an investor, #LDF24 is the perfect platform.

Example events include:

• Networking Drinks Hosted by Lloyds Bank - 26th September 4-6pm
• Leeds Digital Festival Run - 27th September 8-8.30am
• GreenTech Gathering - 19th September 5.30-8.30pm
• Women in Tech Breakfast: Bridging the gap with technology - 18th September 8.30-10.30am
• Coffee sessions with our very own Saile

2. Access to cutting-edge knowledge and trends

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends and technologies is crucial for any startup aiming to stay competitive. Leeds Digital Festival is home to events, panels, and workshops that explore delve into the latest developments across various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), fintech, cybersecurity, and more.

For startups, attending these sessions can be incredibly valuable. It's not just about learning what's new; it's about understanding how emerging technologies and trends can be applied to your business model or objectives. This knowledge can help you pivot when necessary, refine strategies, and discover new avenues for growth. What's more, you'll hear from industry experts who provide actionable insights and forecasts, giving you a clearer picture of where the industry is heading, so you can plan ahead.

Example events include:

• AI: Stop Talking, Start doing! - 19th September 2024 5.30pm-8.30pm
• Unlocking the Human Potential of AI at Work - 17th September 12.30-1.30pm
• The role of technology in shaping ESG impacts - 16th September 11am-12pm

3. Opportunities to learn from others

Another major benefit of attending the Leeds Digital Festival is learning from fellow, successful startups who have navigated the challenges of building a business. Many of the speakers at the festival have been in the trenches, and faced the same hurdles you may be encountering. Hearing them speak allows you to fast-track your own learning curve and benefit from their experiences.

These stories provide invaluable lessons on what works and what doesn't in the startup world. For instance, hearing how a startup managed to secure funding, scale its operations, or pivot in response to market demands can offer practical takeaways that can be applied directly to your own business. Furthermore, these stories are often shared in an open, candid manner, offering insights that you might not find in books or online resources.

Example events include:

• Founders' Dos and Don'ts - 26th September, 5.30-7.30pm
• Why Digital Ideas Go Wrong - 25th September, 11-11.45am
• Confessions of a Cyber Security Founder - 25th September, 4-6pm

4. Funding insight and opportunities

If, like many startups, you're keen to learn more about funding tactics, tools and opportunities, Leeds Digital Festival 2024 is a great place to be. The festival attracts a wide range of investors. So, whether it's through formal pitch sessions or informal networking events, there are lots of opportunities to connect and gain valuable feedback.

Additionally, there are lots of sessions planned for this year that specifically focus on the topic of funding. From pitching techniques to valuing your business, there's plenty of insight on offer.

Example events include:

• Invest-ability – getting into the business of growth - 25th September 8.45-11am
• Women Backing Women: Securing investment in tech businesses - 19th September 12-11.00pm
• Get Investment Ready with Anthony Rose - 18th September 2-5pm

5. Exposure to innovation and creativity

Finally, Leeds Digital Festival is a hotbed of innovation and creativity. The diverse range of ideas, perspectives, and experiences present at the festival can inspire you to think differently and approach problems from new angles. This creative energy can lead to breakthroughs, whether it's in product development, marketing strategies, or business operations.

For startups, it's a chance to step away from the day-to-day grind, hear external perspectives, immerse yourself in the latest thinking, and return to your business with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm. The festival's collaborative nature also means that you'll be able to bounce ideas off others, receive feedback, and refine your concepts in real-time.

Example events include:

• Inside the Creative Process of Leeds' Top Creative Agencies - 26th September, 6.30-9.30pm
• Collaborate, Solve Problems and Make Decisions Faster - 26th September 12.30-1.30pm
• AI in Marketing: The dos and don'ts for success? - 17th September 9:30-11:00am

If you can't tell, as a Leeds-based business, we're incredibly proud of the Leeds Digital Festival and have enjoyed both attending and participating over the years. Through this article, we hope to have shared our passion for the event and provided some insight into the types of opportunities on offer for startups. However, if you'd like any more advice or you'd like to pop in and meet us during the event period here in our Bruntwood SciTech offices, do get in touch.

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