Member Article

High society - new student app receives funding

STUDENTS will be able to make the most of their time at university thanks to an app and website designed by a North East graduate.

A team of students led by Stephen Irvine, all studying at Durham University, created Threesixty Campus which enables students to keep tabs on social events via their mobile phones.

Now, following a £250,000 investment led by the Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund, which is managed by Newcastle-based Northstar Ventures, he can further develop the app in time to launch it at Freshers’ Fairs later this month.

Through Threesixty Campus, students can find out more about extra-curricular opportunities available at groups and societies at their particular university and even make payments for membership and events.

The app also allows those running student societies to manage their membership more efficiently and, by streamlining payments, removes the need for cash and cheques on campus.

Stephen, 24, CEO of Durham-based Threesixty Campus, said: “It is something that started as an idea in my room at Durham which then progressed over the summer after I managed to entice fellow students to join me on my journey. We all lived together and worked together, and in return for their help I offered my team free rent whilst keeping them well fed with plenty of takeaways!

“I have been a Fresher at three different Universities – New York, Nottingham and, most recently, Durham – so I have a real insight into how the student market works.

“The investment will enable us to develop our product further in response to student needs and to scale-up for our wider UK and US launch early next year.”

Alex Buchan, investment manager at Northstar, said: “This product has the real potential to effect a radical change in how student societies are run, making them much more accessible and vastly improving communications between the committees and members.

“The team is currently marketing the product into three target Universities – Durham, York and Nottingham – and has so far had an excellent response. I am looking forward to seeing how the company progresses over the coming months.”

The Accelerator Fund is backed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Investment Bank.

To find out more about Threesixty Campus visit www.threesixtycampus.com For further information about funding opportunities available through Northstar Ventures, call 0191 229 2770 or visit www.northstarventures.co.uk

For further information, pictures, or interviews, please contact HFPR Ltd on 0191 285 7100.

Notes to Editors: Pic caption- Front: James Rutherford, Emma Robinson, Tom Johnson, Emily Armstrong, Malcolm Campbell Back: Alex Buchan, Stephen Irvine, Diwaker Singh, Spencer Debson

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by HFPR .