Runway East Launches Birmingham Hub: A Nexus for Tech Innovation and Growth
By Anushka Malhotra
1 minute 22 seconds
Tech

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Quick Read: Embracing Birmingham's dynamic tech ecosystem, Runway East unveils its latest workspace hub at the Arca building in Temple Row. With 20,000 sq ft designed for collaboration, this expansion marks a decade of commitment to nurturing the UK's tech community. As Runway East reimagines workspaces, the £5.5 million refurbishment promises not just offices but a vibrant ecosystem fostering innovation, community, and the future of tech in Birmingham.
Birmingham welcomes a new haven for tech innovators as Runway East expands its footprint to the vibrant city. Nestled in the Arca building at Temple Row, this 20,000 sq ft hub is not just a workspace; it's a catalyst for collaboration and growth in Birmingham's thriving tech scene.
Choosing Birmingham aligns with the city's momentum under the Big City Plan, making it an ideal backdrop for Runway East's vision. The Arca building, set to undergo a £5.5 million refurbishment by Oval Real Estate, is more than a space; it's a curated environment where ideas flourish. From rooftop terraces for rejuvenation to breakout spaces fostering spontaneous collaboration, every corner is designed for the modern tech entrepreneur.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024, Runway East brings not just experience but a profound commitment to the UK's tech ecosystem. Originating as a tech collective in London, Runway East has evolved into a community builder and a supporter of dreams. CEO Natasha Guerra's excitement about Birmingham echoes a shared belief in the city's potential. The hub accommodates teams of various sizes, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in fostering innovation.
The Arca building's refurbishment is not merely cosmetic; it's a strategic move to create an ecosystem supporting work-life balance, sustainability, and innovation. Beyond amenities like cycle storage and showers, the emphasis is on cultivating a community. As the summer opening approaches, anticipation builds not just for physical spaces but for the collaborations and breakthroughs that will shape Birmingham's tech narrative.
Runway East's Birmingham expansion transcends business; it's a pivotal moment in Birmingham's tech evolution. In a city reinventing itself, this workspace hub emerges as a nexus for the next generation of tech pioneers. As the doors open this summer, Birmingham stands on the brink of a remarkable fusion of space, community, and innovation.
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Greater Things Secures Seed Funding to Scale Support for Idea-Stage Founders Across the UK

Greater Things, the organisation behind one of the UK’s most inclusive early-stage founder support models, has secured seed funding from a group of strategic business angels. This raise marks a significant milestone in their journey to empower non-technical, idea-stage tech founders and scale their impact nationally.
Since launching, Greater Things has focused on removing traditional barriers to entry in tech entrepreneurship. Their programmes combine pre-seed capital, structured guidance, and AI/no-code-powered MVP development, enabling founders to build and launch ventures without requiring a technical co-founder.
Over the past three years, Greater Things has delivered high-impact support to more than 55 founders, working in partnership with regional authorities and universities across the West Midlands. Their efforts have been backed by organisations such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham City University, and SuperTech WM, laying a strong foundation for scalable, inclusive innovation.
Jof Walters, Founder & CEO Greater Things said:
With 75% of Seeds Programme founders still active, the data speaks for itself: this partnership works.
Hilary Smyth-Allen, CEO, SuperTech WM said:
We’re proud to be recognised as one of the most inclusive and effective early-stage investors in the UK—and we’re just getting started.
This seed investment will allow Greater Things to accelerate the pace and reach of their investment programmes, with plans to expand operations across the UK. The focus remains on founders at the earliest stage — those with promising ideas but limited access to capital or technical teams — offering them a structured path from concept to product.
By Anushka Malhotra
29 May