News / SETsquared Bristol
Uni incubator strengthens team with three key appointments
SETsquared Bristol, the University of Bristol’s tech incubator, has strengthened its team with the appointment of three high-profile figures in the sector.
The appointments include Caroline Thompson as centre manager, and Dr Becky Sage and Dr Kam Pooni as entrepreneurs in residence (EiRs). They join this month as part of Bristol Innovations, the university’s hub for innovation.
Thompson brings a wealth of experience over a decade in building entrepreneurial ecosystems, having previously served as programme manager for SETsquared Partnership and South West enterprise director at NatWest.
The three key appointments at SETsquared Bristol are (L) Caroline Thompson, (Top R) Dr Becky Sage (Lower R) Dr Kam Pooni
As centre manager, she will oversee business support, member activities, and ecosystem engagement.
On her appointment, Thompson said: “I am thrilled to join SETsquared Bristol and become part of its dynamic and impactful team.
“Supporting high-tech, high-growth startups and scaleups to thrive is a passion of mine, and I look forward to working with the talented founders and emerging ventures from the University of Bristol and the regional innovation ecosystem.”
Joining as EiRs, Becky Sage and Kam Pooni will support more than 75 companies at SETsquared through strategic mentoring, business reviews, investor readiness, and access to networks.
Sage, a University of Bristol PhD graduate and former SETsquared member, is a seasoned founder and leadership expert.
Pooni, who brings over 27 years’ experience in life sciences, has held senior commercial roles at Eli Lilly and Astellas and specialises in scaling healthtech ventures.
SETsquared, a collaboration between six UK universities, has been a pioneering platform in the region for the past 20 years, helping turn prototypes and theoretical frameworks into scalable, sustainable business models, supported by mentoring and networking opportunities with key players along the way.
“We’re delighted to welcome Caroline, Becky and Kam. Their expertise and complementary skills will strengthen our support for innovation-driven startups and scaleups,” said Rosie Bennett, innovation lead at Bristol Innovations
The new appointments are expected to further strengthen the tech incubator’s support capabilities.
Rosie Bennett, innovation lead at Bristol Innovations, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Caroline, Becky and Kam. Their expertise and complementary skills will strengthen our support for innovation-driven startups and scaleups.”
All photos: SETsquared
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