StartupCafe

Dear diary, and readers,

I typically highlight other people’s news so this feels a little strange, but as you may have gathered, I have an update I wanted to share with you guys… I’ll be moving to Cambridge very shortly for a job I just couldn’t resist.

Who/what/when… huh?

Remember the Springboard programme we announced last month? The one that’s partnered with TechStars and started by Jon Bradford of the Difference Engine? Well I was offered a chance to help with the Springboard runnings, and while at first I was flabbergasted at the thought of crossing the Scottish border, I came to realise it was too neat an opportunity to pass up.

After meeting Jon at TechMeetup last year and at a couple Launch48 events since then, I thought he’d be an awesome person to work with and learn from. I’ve got to give a big thanks to Tech Meetup & Launch48 for making our paths cross, and thanks Jon for making the offer.

Essentially the role will entail organising and attending events, facilitating connections, and blogging about startups… oh how unlike me, I know! I realised it’s all the things I love doing in my spare time, so I think that’s a pretty good sign. If I get to do all that for work, I suppose I’ll have to find some “real” hobbies!

So… plan is I’ll be moving to Cambridge this Saturday, running off to the USA for my gran’s 90th, catching a TechStars conference in New York, and then starting with Springboard mid-April.

Ups and Downs

A funny challenge I’m encountering is dealing with my personal identity, both online and actually mentally. I don’t think my JessicaInScotland email or my @JessInScotland twitter will fly down South. Kate threatened to register @JessInCambridge so I couldn’t move, which was remarkably paralyzing, but I think I’m going to go for a location-neutral identity and opt for a more permanent identifier – my monochromatic wardrobe. I’m still delaying action on this one but I think you’ll catch me @JessInBlue starting soon, unless I get a clever suggestion…?

I’m really sad to be hopping away from the Edinburgh community, the Appleton gang, the Tech Meetups and E-Clubs and endless events I’ve had fun crashing. And I want to thank everyone for making me feel so at home here in Edinburgh. It’s been a real honour to learn from all of you and I’ve really enjoyed helping out where I’ve been able to.

At the same time, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t quite excited now to get involved with Springboard (@springboardnews) and explore the startup scene in another capacity. The 10 teams taking part will be from around the world, so I think it will be valuable to see startup life outside the Scottish bubble I love and adore.

Edinburgh love… and bubbly on Friday this week!

I also hope that my activities down South can still be helpful to the Scottish community, so don’t expect me to disappear off the grid. I am keeping my Edinburgh flat for goodness sake, and I hope you’ll drop me a line if you find yourself in Cambridge in the near future.

So that’s my news, and thanks for all the good wishes already. If you’re around Appleton Tower this Friday, bring your lunch to the 6th floor kitchen area 1-2pm and I’ll bring some bubbly for a little lunch before I take off. I’ll really really miss you guys, but I’ll make sure all of Cambridge knows how fabulous you are.

Cheers, and thanks for listening,

~ Jess