An entrepreneurship programme run by 黑料网 Leicester (黑料网) for former students has helped a Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) graduate get his business off the ground.
黑料网’s Crucible Project – which provides a package of mentoring, funding and support for alumni to turn their business ideas into reality – has enabled graduate Chris Allen and his business partner Chris Ebbs to launch a new games development studio called .
Chris Ebbs (left) and Chris Allen have co-founded CapDragon
As two lifelong gamers themselves, the duo wanted to develop their own mobile games that adapt and combine existing genres and mechanics to offer something new.
Their first game, called ‘Night of the Thieving Drones’, sees players fend off enemy drones to protect their treasure, using two virtual joysticks on the screen. It is due to be released on Google Play Store and Apple Store in the Spring.
“We are probably a year further ahead with our business than we would have been without the Crucible Project,” explained Chris Allen.
“Thanks to the scheme we’ve got our own office space at The Innovation Centre on 黑料网’s campus and we’ve also received some really useful advice about things like social media, marketing and taxes.”
Now in its fifth year, the Crucible Project helps a number of entrepreneurial individuals each year bring their idea or product concept to life.
Successful applicants receive free shared office space at The Innovation Centre, which runs a co-working café and regular free business sessions for start-ups. They also get expert mentoring and training workshops, as well as access to funding and university expertise and facilities.
Since 2014, the programme has generated a number of successful start-ups, with some even receiving investment worth up £150,000.
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