Celebrating Turkish Women's Entrepreneurship on a Global Stage
WearTechClub is honored to be one of the 11 exceptional companies selected by the Trade Minister to participate in the prestigious 6-week Innogate UK program. This recognition marks a pivotal moment in our journey to revolutionize health and fitness through innovative wearable technology.
During the program, we gained invaluable insights into the UK technology ecosystem and the strategic steps required for international expansion. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including setting the strategy, establishing a presence, opening a business account, scaling up, and growth and fundraising. Learning from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders was truly inspiring.
Our adventure began with an inspiring kick-off event at ITU ARI Teknokent. This gathering of visionary entrepreneurs and dedicated organizers fueled our excitement and set the tone for the transformative weeks ahead.
The cohort is composed of brilliant minds and trailblazers from the tech industry, each poised to achieve remarkable heights. We are eager to witness the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead.
Cohort Members
Four Weeks of Immersive Education and Mentorship
The first phase of our journey involved four intense weeks of education and online meetings with UK mentors. These sessions were enlightening, offering profound insights into the UK tech ecosystem and strategies for global expansion. The guidance and support from our mentors were invaluable, helping us refine our approach and prepare for the next steps.
Two Weeks in the Heart of Innovation: The UK Experience
Our time in the UK was a whirlwind of inspiration and growth:
Daily Meetings with Mentors and Potential Customers: Engaging in discussions and networking provided us with practical insights and valuable connections. Throughout our two-week journey, we engaged in numerous discussions and networking sessions that provided us with practical insights and valuable connections.
Each day, we had the opportunity to:
Engage with Industry Experts: We met with experienced mentors who offered tailored advice on market entry strategies, business scaling, and fundraising. Their guidance helped us refine our approach and align our strategies with the unique dynamics of the UK market.
Explore Market Opportunities: Visits to potential customer sites allowed us to gain firsthand knowledge of the local market needs and preferences. These interactions were crucial in understanding how our smart sportswear could best serve UK consumers.
Network with Local Entrepreneurs: We participated in roundtable discussions and networking events with local entrepreneurs, providing a platform to share experiences, challenges, and solutions. These interactions fostered a sense of community and collaboration, enriching our understanding of the UK tech ecosystem.
Receive Feedback on Our Pitch: Pitching sessions with mentors and industry leaders were particularly enlightening. We received constructive feedback that helped us improve our presentations and better communicate the value of our innovative solutions. These sessions also opened up potential collaboration opportunities, further enhancing our market entry strategy.
Key Events:
Pitchflix Event: Engaging with the CEO of Pitchflix was incredibly motivating. The shared experiences and advice we received were pivotal in shaping our vision and strategy. Why should startups always be the ones pitching? This time, accelerators and VCs took the stage with #reversepitching. This innovative approach allowed startups to laser-focus their time and efforts, making the process more efficient and targeted. Thanks to Shane Smith and the incredible Pitchflix team for making this unique experience possible!
Consulate Visit: We are thrilled to share that WearTechClub had the incredible opportunity to attend the "Department for Business and Trade Event, Investing in the UK: Springboard for Growth!" on 12 June 2024 as part of the Innogate UK program. Visiting the Turkish Consulate was a deeply enriching experience, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the UK market and its opportunities. We were honored by the presence of Mr. Kenan Poleo, His Majesty’s Consul General Istanbul and Trade Commissioner Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. His visit highlighted the importance of international collaboration and support for businesses looking to expand into the UK. We also had the pleasure of meeting Eamon Tuhami, Founder Hwyl, whose feedback and insights were immensely valuable.
Pitching to Our Mentors: Pitching our smart sportswear to our mentors was a thrilling and rewarding experience. The feedback and potential collaborations discussed have opened new avenues for growth.
London Tech Week Visit: Attending London Tech Week was the pinnacle of our journey. The event was a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration, and it was an honor to showcase our technology alongside global industry leaders.
London Tech Week 2024 was an inspiring showcase of how technology is poised to revolutionize sports and health tech. The event underscored the vital role of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in driving progress. As we look to the future, it's clear that the advancements discussed during this week will shape the landscape of healthcare and sports for years to come.
Highlights of London Tech Week
Day 1: Discussions centered on AI innovation in health tech, emphasizing the transformative power of technology and collaboration in healthcare.
Day 2: Focused on the future of Fem Tech and the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare.
Day 3: Sessions advanced women's health through technology and celebrated women redefining sports with tech.
Empowering Women's Entrepreneurship
As a leading example of Turkish women's entrepreneurship, WearTechClub is proud to participate in the Innogate UK program. Our innovative smart sportswear, which integrates sensors into fabric to monitor health data and provide personalized fitness experiences, continues to gain recognition and success. Our participation in Innogate UK, alongside ten other pioneering companies, underscores our commitment to shaping the future of health and fitness through technology.
WearTechClub founder and Industrial Designer Özgül Dalkılıç shared her excitement:
“As a woman entrepreneur, I founded WearTechClub with immense passion. This journey has been about leveraging the power of technology, science, and research to create personalized smart sports experiences. Our participation in the Innogate program, which supports the international growth of tech companies, is a wonderful acknowledgment of our dedicated efforts. We are confident that this program will significantly aid our entry into the UK market and support our global ambitions. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved and all our stakeholders and colleagues for their efforts.”
Reflections and Gratitude
The Innogate UK program has been a transformative experience for WearTechClub. We have gained strategic insights, formed invaluable connections, and are now poised to expand into the UK market with renewed vigor and vision. Our heartfelt thanks go to ITU ARI Teknokent, the Trade Ministry, Nbt Digital and all our mentors and partners. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success.
Join Us on This Exciting Journey
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and expand. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our vision to revolutionize health and fitness through wearable technology.
For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media for the latest news and developments.
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