Monday, October 27, 2008

Opportunities: 4iP

4ip is a new investment fund from Channel 4 that responds to the UK’s growing online user base. It “aims to deliver publicly valuable content and services on digital media platforms with significant impact and in sustainable ways. It represents one of the biggest and most exciting calls-to-action for new and emergent digital media companies in the UK”. They are likely to be supporting “really big ideas” and risky smaller ones with the pilot fund over the next three years.

In a joint package with AWM and Screen WM, Channel 4 are making the biggest investment in the West Midlands of £10 million. Birmingham is likely to become the first major commissioning centre for the project. At the launch, 4iP indicated they would be trying to bring ideas together, encouraging collaboration, partnerships and matching people with skills. The creative sector are starting to discuss their networking needs across the West Midlands.

Examples given of projects that might be supported include websites, games and mobile services. They have also indicated that they may support start-up ideas if they are powerful enough as well as funding networking events, showcases and development support.

Links
• West Midlands network set up by 4iP & Screen WM
• Notes from the West Midlands launch
• FAQs
• Useful links from 4iP’s social network
• An example of a social network already formed in relation to 4iP in Scotland

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