We released this update early due to wanting to improve speed, SEO and the core security of our platform.

Kind regards,

James

We have enabled Google Sign in temporarily, maybe indefinitely to make sure you're able to sign in as easy as you are used to!

All for now, thanks guys!

We’ve been keeping pretty quiet about what’s going on here, as we’ve been working diligently in the background on some very interesting projects.

After careful deliberation, we have decided to release our roadmap for the rest of 2024.

Without further adieu, here is our planned updates, integrations and more!
 

April to July

Site Changes:

• New home page release with enhanced UX/ UI
• Site tweaks/ design changes/ UX/UI improvements

Grants:

• Working with new grant volunteers to upload grants to the forum to help you with raising capital
• New grant forum to promote grant related conversation
• New Q&A sections for grants to help with info-sharing

Video Directory

• Rolling out new custom API for thumbnails to maximise quality and sharability
• Connecting new providers as currently we're YouTube, Vimeo & DailyMotion
• Roll out of new fields for fundraising videos (What is your startup, are you raising, current stage, EIS/SEIS etc

Link Directory

• Sitemap changes to help with SN growth and sharability
• New category's and optimisation to help refine the user journey and flow of information for you all
• Categories to be refined to: Accelerator Programmes, Co-Working Spaces, Startup Incubators, Pre-Accelerators, Active Seed/VC Funds, Creative Studios, Grants & Miscellaneous

Downloads

• Implementing a new system called Downloads, where users can download templates such as business plans, pitch decks and more
• Integration with Virus Total to help secure members

July - September

SN Support

• Revamping SN Support, a new support system and knowledge base for startups, as well as website support for users with site issues.

Clubs

• Rolling out new update called Clubs, which are small pocket communities on our forum which have access to create/host their own forums, as well as events, links, resources and more
• Clubs will have their own manageable sections, they can add members, remove, own user roles
• Club own events, Club own links, Resources
• Paid, or Free, everyone can create free clubs.

Events

• Planned updates to integrate more into EventBrite and create guest logs, user logs and more to help event hosts on our platform

Jobs

• Job Directory creation and roll out to help people to post jobs, hire new talent etc
• Potential integration to LinkedIn Easy Apply
• Custom Job Syndication system that cross-posts to LinkedIn, Indeed etc

Startup Networks Admin

• As we are growing, and our hosting costs etc are increasing, we will be rolling out potentially one sponsor for the forum, in the form of a banner on the forum. This is just a thought right now and nothing is set in stone
• Partnering with Universities, Government, and Colleges to provide courses for startups

September - December

Founder Forums

• New Forums to stimulate conversations and provide value such as: Idea Validation, Find A Co-Founder, Joint Ventures

Mentor Directory

• Full directory to create a literal mentor directory where you can filter by mentors, experience, background, credentials etc

Supplier Directory

• Supplier Directory for release in November/ December to allow Startups to sell their services, generate leads and more.
• Will run alongside Marketplace
• All providers to be vetted/ tested

Staff Ranks: These are staff ranks on the forum.

Special Ranks Note: Special Ranks are granted by the administration based on exceptional contributions, leadership, or achievements.

•  Staff Discretion Excellence Award
•  Active Grants Section Contributor
•  Project Investor Recognition
•  Vetted Mentor Badge
•  Most Valuable Participant (MVP)
•  Social Media Influencer (100,000+ Followers)
•  Premium User Role
•  Premium User Role
•  Premium User Role
•  Available to official sponsors of Startup Networks & The Startup Events.
•  Featured Video Contributor
•  Registered Startup Member
•  Recruiter
•  Proven Seller Achievement
•  UK Council Member Recognition
•  Government Official Acknowledgement
•  Official Event Provider Badge
•  Prominent Podcaster Recognition
•  News Section Contributor
•  StartupTV Presenter (Upcoming)
•  Accelerator Program Participant
•  StartupTV Streamer (Upcoming)
•  Given out to members considered thought-leaders by community Poll.

Special Progressive Ranks: These are ranks you can achieve for doing things on the forum such as referring people, writing articles and uploading files.

Default Rank: These are ranks you start with when you join the forum.

Robot Rank: These are ranks for systems, bots & spiders.

Coming Soon:

We are going to be looking at new ranks in the future for Forum Posts, Shoutbox Chats, Pitch Uploads, Events, and more.

We are wanting to create some progressive user titles like Rookie being for people with less than 10 posts, no user badge just a title - which as you increase your posts, submissions on the forum it increases via a progressive list. This way you get some titles for your submissions - look cooler, and stand out on the forum!

New Special Ranks:

• Attendee - for people who have attended startup events on the forum
• Christmas - for users who were on the website for Christmas 2023.
• Reporter - for users who posts active news on our forum.
• Bug Fix - for users who have had a bug fixed on our website.
• Idea Man - for users who have had website feedback implemented.
• Thanks - for users who have had a lot of thanks on the forum. X Value
• Thanks+ - for users who have had a lot of thanks on the forum. X value
• Thanks++ -for users who have had a lot of thanks on the forum. X value
• Spotlighted - for users appreciated and recommended by the community.

We've taken the time to add these amazing offerings to the website.

• Accelerators

• Co-Working Spaces

• Co-Working Space +

• Incubators

• Pre-Accelerators

• Active Seed / VC Funds

• Virtual Accelerators

• Virtual Incubators

• Makerspaces

• Other

We have more and more being added by the day - so take the time to check the Link Directory out!

We are going to eventually have a section there for grants too! We'll be scowering the web to produce the biggest grant list that can help you raise funds!

🚀 For Job Seekers: Discover Your Next Challenge Are you passionate about working in the startup ecosystem? Our Job Directory is the perfect place to find exciting opportunities in a range of startups - from emerging businesses to well-established players in the industry. Whether you're a developer, marketer, designer, or fill any other vital role in the startup world, our directory has something for you.

💼 For Startups: Find Your Ideal Candidate As a startup, finding the right talent is crucial for your growth and success. Our Job Directory allows you to reach a diverse and talented pool of candidates who are specifically interested in startup culture and the unique challenges it presents. Post your openings and connect with potential team members who share your vision and enthusiasm.

🔗 Connecting Talent with Opportunity Our goal is to make this directory a thriving hub where talent meets opportunity. We believe that the right match can propel both individuals and companies to new heights. This is more than just a job board; it's a community-focused platform that understands the startup ethos and the importance of every team member's contribution.

🌟 Features of the Job Directory:

• Easy Posting: Startups can easily post job listings to reach qualified candidates.
• Tailored Searches: Job seekers can filter opportunities by role, location, and startup stage to find their perfect match.
• Community Engagement: Engage with potential employers or candidates directly through our platform.
• Regular Updates: Keep an eye out for new listings and opportunities that are constantly being added.

Join Us on This Exciting Journey Whether you're looking to advance your career in a startup or seeking the right person to join your team, our Job Directory is here to facilitate these connections. We invite you to explore this new feature, engage with our community, and take a step towards your next big opportunity or find your next star team member!

Happy job hunting and recruiting!

🚀 What's in the Link Directory?

• Business Accelerators: Dive into a world of rapid business growth and development opportunities.
• Incubators & Innovation Centres: Discover hubs of creativity and innovation that nurture early-stage ideas.
• Universities: Access a wealth of knowledge and resources from top academic institutions.
• Venture Funds: Find the financial backing you need to take your startup to the next level.
• & More - we are planning on creating several directories and useful links!

🌟 Building a Vibrant Ecosystem:

Our Link Directory is more than just a list of links. It's a dynamic environment designed to foster connections, growth, and innovation. Whether you're seeking knowledge, partnerships, or investment opportunities, this feature is your gateway to a world of entrepreneurial resources.

💡 Your Gateway to Opportunities:

Uncover the tools and connections you need to thrive. Our Link Directory is a stepping stone to a richer, more connected business experience.

👉 Start exploring now and unlock the potential of our vibrant community. Dive into the Link Directory and embark on a journey of discovery and growth: Link Directory

* Remember it's in Beta and has a few issues - if you encounter one we do not know about, please let us know!

Known Issues:

• Title will be changed to Link Directory along with Perma Links
• Duplicate linking occasionally - we're looking into this
• Thumbnails not automatically generating - they do over time, but not immediately as its queue system.

Big news for our community! We've launched an exciting new feature – a Pitch Directory on our website. It's not just a place to view pitches; it's a platform to showcase your own!

🗽 What Can You Do in the Pitch Directory?

• View Latest Pitches: Explore fundraising and idea pitches from events in London. Get a front-row view of innovation and creativity!
• Upload Your Pitch: Got an idea? Share your own pitch with a community eager to see what you’ve got. It’s your chance to shine and get valuable feedback! At the moment it uses Vimeo & YouTube
• Engage and Collaborate: Participate in discussions, offer insights, or gather tips. Our review and comment sections are perfect for constructive exchanges.

🤝 Creating a Supportive Ecosystem:

Our Pitch Directory is designed to foster a culture of support and collaboration. Whether you're seeking inspiration, advice, or connections, this feature is your gateway to the heart of London’s startup scene.

💼 Your Platform for Growth:

Bring your ideas to the table, or help others refine theirs. Every interaction is an opportunity for growth, learning, and networking.

👉 Experience the power of community-driven innovation. Check out the Pitch Directory now, and take your first step towards making an impact: Video Directory

#StartupNetworks #PitchDirectory #ShareYourPitch #StartupCommunity #InnovationHub #Entrepreneurship

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our latest feature, Chatbox! It's fresh, it's new, and yes, it's still in BETA - but it's all yours to explore.

🔍 What's Chatbox? Chatbox is our brand new chat feature that allows you to connect and chat with each other directly on our forum. It's easy, it's fun, and it's the perfect way to keep conversations flowing.

🔧 BETA Phase - We're Smoothing Out the Kinks As with any new feature, Chatbox is in its BETA phase. This means we're still working out the little quirks to ensure it's perfect for you. We appreciate your patience and feedback during this phase.

📍 Where to Find Chatbox? For now, you'll find Chatbox nestled snugly at the bottom of our forum. We believe this will help you get accustomed to it before its big move.

📣 Coming Soon: Front Page Integration! Once we've fine-tuned Chatbox and it's ready for the spotlight, we'll integrate it right into the top of the site. That's right - seamless chatting, front and centre!

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into Chatbox, start chatting, and let us know what you think. Your feedback is crucial in helping us make Chatbox the best it can be.

Happy chatting!

James

Startup Networks

Hey StartUp Network Community! We've got some exciting news that's just around the corner – the launch of our Pitch Directory! This is where your ideas take flight. 🛫

📢 What's the Pitch Directory? It's a unique platform where you can upload your business pitches and get invaluable feedback from our diverse community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.

But that's not all! 🌈

✨ Why Upload Your Pitch?

• Get Noticed: We'll feature your pitches on our social media platforms, amplifying your reach to a broader audience.
• Receive Constructive Feedback: Our community's insights can refine and strengthen your pitch.
• Showcase Your Startup: Let the world see what you're working on and attract potential collaborators or investors.

This is more than just a pitch submission; it's your gateway to maximising exposure and fine-tuning your business strategy.

🤝 Partnering with Investropist.com for Your Success! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce that we're collaborating with our very good friends at Investropist.com to ensure you get the very best out of the Pitch Directory. Their expertise and insights will be invaluable in helping your startup reach new heights.

👉 Be sure to check them out at Investropist.com and discover how they can help accelerate your journey.

Together, we're here to support your startup's growth and success!

🔥 Ready to Elevate Your Startup? Stay tuned for the official release of the Pitch Directory and get ready to showcase your innovation to the world.

Keep an eye out for more updates and prepare to make your mark! 🌍

#StartUpNetwork #PitchDirectory #InnovationShowcase #FeedbackMatters #GetNoticed

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates with you as we continue to evolve and enhance your experience on our platform. The Startup Networks is all about growth, innovation, and community building, and we believe it's time to take our user journey to new heights!

🌐 Introducing Our New Special Ranks: (Carry on reading for an update on MORE special ranks)

Administrator: The architects of our network, steering us towards success.
Developer: The tech maestros shaping the digital landscape of our community.
Moderator: Guardians of harmony, ensuring a positive and respectful environment.
Influencer: Trendsetters and thought leaders making waves in the startup realm.
Mentor: Guiding lights, sharing wisdom, and fostering growth within our community.
Investor: Visionaries supporting and investing in the innovative ventures within our network.
Premium Member: Our valued members enjoying exclusive benefits and privileges.

🚀 Introducing Rank-Up Titles:

In our quest to make your journey with us even more engaging, we're thrilled to announce new titles for rank advancements. These titles reflect not just your status but also the dynamic and progressive nature of your journey within The Startup Networks.

🌟 Unleash the Legend Within: New Ranks and Posting Requirements! 🌟

• Legend - 30,000 Posts
• Dominator - 25,000 Posts
• Seasoned Veteran - 20,000 Posts
• Mythic Champion - 15,000 Posts
• Supreme Elite - 10,000 Posts
• Battle-hardened Warrior - 9,000 Posts
• Ultimate Champion - 8,000 Posts
• Annihilator - 7,000 Posts
• Supreme Commander - 6,000 Posts
• Undefeated Hero - 5,000 Posts
• Forum Aficionado - 4,000 Posts
• Forum Challenger - 3,000 Posts
• Forum Enthusiast - 2,000 Posts
• Forum Expert - 1,000 Posts
• Forum Veteran - 900 Posts
• Forum Mastermind - 800 Posts
• Stellar Achiever - 700 Posts
• Rising Talent - 600 Posts
• Sage Advisor - 500 Posts
• Mighty Force - 400 Posts
• Ascending Climber - 300 Posts
• Distinguished Resident - 200 Posts
• Tenacious Challenger - 100 Posts
• Apprentice Member - 50 Posts
• Novice Contributor - 25 Posts
• Fresh Recruit - 2 Posts
• Singular Success - 1 Post
• Silent Observer - 0 Posts

🚀 Upcoming Ranks Include:

• Thanks Maestro: Earn thanks and ascend to new heights of gratitude.
• Download Dynamo: The more downloads, the higher you climb!
• Course Connoisseur: Master courses and rise to the top of the knowledge pyramid.
• Event Virtuoso: Attend, organize, and shine as the ultimate event maestro.
• Uploader Extraordinaire: Elevate your status by sharing valuable content with the community.
• Lifestyle Luminary: Embrace lifestyle ranks that celebrate your unique contributions.

🌟 Get Ready for a Thrilling Experience:

We're crafting a universe where every action, every engagement, and every contribution propels you forward. It's not just about posting; it's about a holistic journey where your impact is felt across various dimensions.

We believe that these new titles add a dash of excitement to your experience and further reflect the vibrant and innovative spirit of The Startup Networks. As always, your contributions and engagement are what make our community thrive, and we're grateful to have you on this journey with us.

Stay tuned for more updates, more opportunities, and more reasons to be part of The Startup Networks family!

Let the journey continue, and may your ranks and titles inspire and reflect the amazing things you bring to our community.

Kind Regards,

James

Startup Networks

#StartupJourney #CommunityUpdate #Innovation #NetworkEvolution 🚀✨

We are delighted to invite you to explore the beta version of the Startup Networks Forum—a dedicated space crafted exclusively for the startup community. This forum is a testament to our passion for fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and supporting each other's entrepreneurial journeys.

🚀 Beta Launch: Startup Networks Forum

What to Expect:
Experience a brand-new forum designed with care and appreciation for the dynamic world of startups. Engage in meaningful discussions, discover valuable resources, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs who share your passion.

Built for You:
Our forum is tailored to meet the unique needs of startups, offering diverse categories, from business advice to funding opportunities. We've created this space with your success in mind.

Why Beta? Your Feedback Matters:
As we embark on this beta journey, your feedback is invaluable. Your insights will play a crucial role in refining and enhancing the forum experience. Share your thoughts, report any issues, and let us know how we can make this forum your go-to resource.

How You Can Contribute:

Explore the Startup Networks Forum.
Engage in discussions, share your experiences, and discover valuable content.
Provide feedback and report any issues to help us improve.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting new chapter. Together, let's build a thriving community that supports, inspires, and elevates each other in the startup world.

Start your journey on the Startup Networks Forum today!

Kind Regards,
James

Exciting news! We're thrilled to announce the beta launch of our Courses Section, a dedicated space for learning and skill development. Here's what you need to know:

🚀 Beta Launch: Courses Section

What's In Store:
Discover a diverse range of courses, both free and premium, designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in the startup landscape. From entrepreneurship essentials to advanced strategies, there's something for everyone.

Free Courses for All:
Access a selection of free courses available to all members of the community. Dive into valuable content curated to support your startup journey without any cost.

Premium Access:
For our premium members and exclusive clubs, unlock access to a premium catalogue of courses. Elevate your learning experience with in-depth modules and expert insights, available at your fingertips.

Feedback Welcome:
This section is in beta mode, and your feedback is crucial! If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvement, please share your thoughts with us. We're dedicated to refining the user experience based on your input.

How to Get Started:

Visit the Courses Section on Startup Networks.
Explore the available courses.
Enroll in free courses!
Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey as we continue to enhance our Courses Section for your learning success!

We have some amazing ideas coming up for the courses sections that we'll introduce in our Q1-Q2 roadmap coming December!

Kind Regards,

James

Startup Networks

We're thrilled to unveil our latest feature in beta mode—the Events Section! Now, you can seamlessly upload and discover events within our dynamic community. Here's what you can expect:

🚀 Beta Launch: Events Section

What's New:
Explore a dedicated section where you can upload and discover events relevant to the startup ecosystem. From pitch nights to workshops, this space is designed to keep you informed about exciting opportunities.

Your Input Matters:
As we embark on this beta journey, your feedback is invaluable. If you encounter any issues or have innovative ideas to enhance our events section, please let us know! We're committed to refining and expanding based on your input.

How to Get Involved:

Head to the Events Section on Startup Networks.
Explore upcoming events or upload your own.
Share your feedback or report any issues you encounter.
We appreciate your support and enthusiasm as we work to make the Events Section a vibrant hub for all things startup-related.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Startup Networks community!

Attached is an image of what it's looking like so far!

Kind regards,

James

Startup Networks

Exciting times are upon us as we prepare to introduce the much-anticipated Clubs & Guilds feature! Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

🛠️ Under Construction: Clubs & Guilds Feature

Access-Level Monitoring:
Ensure utmost privacy and control over your club with access-level monitoring. Tailor membership access to specific sections, ensuring that only authorized individuals participate in your exclusive network.

Private Forums Hidden Away:
Delve into discussions away from the public eye! Each club will have its private forum, providing a secluded space for members to engage in focused conversations, collaborations, and knowledge sharing.

Custom Userbars:
Personalize your club's identity with custom userbars. Display unique badges that distinguish your members and signify their roles within the club.

Own Resources Section:
Centralize resources within your club's dedicated section. Whether it's documents, tutorials, or exclusive content, create a repository that caters to the specific needs of your community.

Paid Access Options:
Explore the possibility of offering paid memberships within your forum. Monetize your club by providing exclusive access to premium content, resources, and benefits. A flexible way to support and sustain your community.

Stay tuned for the grand unveiling of this feature, designed to empower your organization's networking and collaboration within the Startup Networks community.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing your clubs thrive!

Kind regards,

James

Startup Networks