How SETsquared Partnership leverages Hivebrite to connect its university-affiliated startups with investors and opportunities

SETsquared Connects University-Affiliated Startups with Investors, Funding, and Growth Opportunities

SETsquared is a world-leading business incubator and enterprise partnership between six leading UK research universities. Supporting thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, investors, academics, and business experts, SETsquared sought to create a digital hub that would strengthen connections across its innovation ecosystem and make it easier for members to access opportunities, resources, and one another. Hivebrite provided the foundation for a professional, scalable community platform that now serves as the central hub for collaboration and growth.

The challenge

As virtual engagement became an increasingly important part of how entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation communities connect, SETsquared recognized the need for a dedicated digital platform that could support its diverse network beyond traditional events and programs. The organization needed a solution that could bring together startups, investors, academics, funders, and business support providers in a single online environment.

Because of the wide range of audiences it serves, SETsquared required a platform that was intuitive for all users while maintaining a professional appearance aligned with its reputation as a leading business incubator. The organization also needed the flexibility to create tailored experiences, deliver targeted programming, and facilitate meaningful connections across its growing ecosystem.

The Hivebrite solution

SETsquared selected Hivebrite to build its Innovation Platform, a centralized online community designed to connect startups with funding opportunities, investors, industry experts, and peer networks. The platform was chosen for its user-friendly experience, customization capabilities, and ability to support multiple audience segments within a single community.

Hivebrite enabled SETsquared to create a professional, branded environment where members can easily discover opportunities, participate in programs, and connect directly with one another. Through targeted groups and dedicated community spaces, the organization delivers specialized content, resources, and programming to different member segments.

The platform also serves as the operational backbone for several key initiatives. Startups can apply for funding programs through the community, while investor showcase events allow companies to apply, participate, and connect with potential investors. By making networking and opportunity discovery more accessible, Hivebrite has helped democratize connections across the innovation ecosystem.

The outcome

Since launching its Hivebrite-powered Innovation Platform in 2022, SETsquared has created a thriving digital community of more than 1,500 users, including over 1,000 companies. The platform has become a central destination for networking, investment opportunities, funding programs, and collaboration across the organization’s innovation ecosystem.

The community achieved a 65% activation rate among incubator-affiliated companies and supports targeted engagement through multiple dedicated sub-groups. As participation increased and members began generating content and connections organically, the platform gained momentum and became increasingly self-sustaining.

Today, SETsquared uses the platform to deliver critical programs, facilitate investor engagement, and strengthen relationships across its network. By creating a centralized space where entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry experts can connect and collaborate, Hivebrite has helped SETsquared extend the reach and impact of its world-class startup support ecosystem.