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Running the Gauntlet

The East of England Development Agency's 'running the gauntlet' investment competition and education programme received over three hundred entries fromthe East of England's most ambitious entrepreneurs.

Many of those participating chose to do so because of the range of learning and networking opportunities available, while others have their sights set on gaining equity funding from the competition's four investors. The ten finalists selected will now go forward for further scrutiny by the programme’s four investors – CREATE, Low Carbon Accelerator, NW Brown and SEP. They will have access to advice covering negotiating term sheets, building the right team, technology exploitation and media awareness courtesy of Grant Thornton, Taylor Vinters, Bailey Fisher, Sagentia and BBC East respectively.

From the six Suffolk companies originally shortlisted (listed below), Coracle Online Ltd has been selected as a finalist.
Coracle Online Ltd - IT
Market Talk Television - Creative/New Media
On Demand Technology Ltd - Creative/New Media
See-Comms - Telecommunications
Snapz Crisps - Consumer
TORPEDO GOLF - Consumer

This years 'Running the Gauntlet' reaches its conclusion at Destination Growth.

The final session, hosted by Richard Ellis, Chairman of East of England Development Agency and Doug Richard of Library House, will be devoted to announcing the results of this year's competition, the companies that look set to secure investment funding (subject to due diligence) and the other by-products of the programme e.g. partnership opportunities.

EEDA chairman, Richard Ellis, said:
"With 'running the gauntlet' now in its third year it is encouraging to see that demand for the programme remains strong.  The East of England is highly innovative and the numbers coming forward for this competition are a testament to this.  We are delighted that more entrepreneurs are benefiting from the opportunities this competition presents and especially pleased to see that more women are recognising this."

To find out more contact Nicholas Boole on 01223 484564 or 07877 223280, or email nicholasboole@eeda.org.uk.
www.runningthegauntlet.com