Data enablement startup founder selected as a “high-potential” leader in government-backed programme.
Data enablement startup WCKD RZR’s CEO is one of just six startup founders to be selected as a high-potential leader on the largest government-backed cyber startup accelerator in the UK.
Earlier this year, the London-based business was one of just 35 cyber companies chosen to join the Cyber Runway accelerator backed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and delivered by Plexal.
The accelerator is part of the government’s mission to make the UK a responsible and democratic cyber power, as laid out in its National Cyber Strategy 2022.
The new Ignite programme aims to help some of the cohort upskill in areas that’ll enhance their leadership and subsequently grow their businesses to unlock prosperity for employees and communities, inspiring other early-stage entrepreneurs in the process.
Today, founder and CEO of WCKD RZR, Chuck Teixeira, said: “I’m honoured to have been chosen for this additional Cyber Runway programme, which is designed with a specific leadership enhancement focus.
“I’m in esteemed company as part of the Ignite cohort, and I’m proud to have been selected. This will help us to unlock our full potential, and provide the rocket fuel for WCKD RZR’s next stage of growth.”
Six ambitious founders have been chosen to form the first Cyber Runway Ignite intake of innovative security talent from Plexal’s extensive cyber community.
Cyber Runway Ignite will provide founders with mentoring, workshops and networking opportunities tailored to their goals, with business support from Plexal’s innovation services team, alongside the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) and Deloitte. The programme is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which also backs Cyber Runway.
Saj Huq, CCO and head of innovation at Plexal, said: “The Cyber Runway Ignite launch is a continued part of our mission to close the gap between organisations – small and large, private and public, local and global – and unleash technology that can strengthen our national security and enhance our socioeconomic prosperity.
“We’re excited to work closely alongside these six founders and be a part of their growth journey.”
UK cyber minister, Julia Lopez, said: “As part of our multi-billion pound cyber strategy, we’re unleashing the potential of the UK’s top security talent to ensure they have the skills they need to successfully grow their business.
“Our investment in these tech founders will create new job opportunities and strengthen the country’s cyber defences.”
WCKD RZR was also recently selected from hundreds of European startups to take part in the inaugural Amazon Web Services (AWS) FinTech Accelerator programme.
WCKD RZR’s pioneering Data Enablement software, Data Watchdog, unlocks the potential of any multinational organisation’s data by allowing them to find, govern and access data in each country, in real time, fully compliant with relevant data sharing, privacy and governance rules.
