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Elliot Kaute - BSc Computer Science

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Computer Science student Elliot Kaute became a Corporate Associate at the University of Leeds Entrepreneurs Society and then a Spark Enterprise Scholar, which allowed him to broaden both his existing skillset and his opportunities

Becoming a member of the Entrepreneurs Society

Elliot found out about the enterprise opportunities at the University of Leeds during Freshers’ Week.

“I saw some adverts for the Entrepreneurs Society, and went along to their introduction event in Helix,” he explains. “They had loads of flyers explaining what Spark was, and how I could get involved with enterprise opportunities.

Though a student in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Elliot had always had a keen interest in entrepreneurship and was encouraged to fill in a form to express his interest in becoming a member of the Entrepreneurs Society, where he would be able to showcase his creativity in IT skills.

“Before university, I’d made a community website for a new housing development in my hometown, which gets a decent amount of traffic. I showcased this website on my application, and was accepted as a society member.”

Developing a business plan to win Spark Scholarship

Elliot began to get more involved in enterprise opportunities through the Entrepreneurs Society, and soon discovered the annual Spark Scholarship programme. “As soon as I saw the programme and everything it offered advertised, I knew I wanted to take part,” Elliot says.

“I didn’t have a business idea at the time, so I created Eventure: an app to integrate social media and events to help international students find activities and make friends (it’s a little like a blend between Eventbrite and TikTok). I was shortlisted for the programme, then had to pitch my ideas to a panel of judges. Thankfully, they liked it, and I was awarded the scholarship.”

Gaining experience of running a virtual business

“I’ve accessed so many new opportunities thanks to my time with Spark and the Entrepreneurs Society,” Elliot says. “As well as becoming a society Corporate Associate and a Spark scholar, I’ve also been part of the Leeds Venture Competition: a business simulation competition led by Spark’s Enterprise Discover co-curricular programming.”

“We get to feel what it’s like running a company, making decisions and growing profits,” explains Elliot

In the competition, the students had the opportunity to use SimVenture software, which simulates the experience of running a business. “We then compete against other students to get the highest value for our company. It’s been a great experience. I’ve entered twice, finishing in both first place and in second.”

Increasing connections within the Spark community

“Eventure has been through various iterations, but I’m now at the stage where I’ve received feedback on the first release, so can develop it further,” says Elliot. “I’m aiming for release in July 2025. There’s so much potential – I want to target international students, but I know I can market Eventure to a wider student audience, too.

One of the biggest benefits I gain from the Spark Business Start-Up team is access to their amazing knowledge. I can talk to them about any ideas or problems I need help with. The shared office space in Nexus is also really great. I enjoy meeting like-minded people – we really help each other out, and I’ve made connections I certainly wouldn’t have made if it wasn’t for the Entrepreneurs Society, and Spark.”