Springboard IoT (internet of things) is, as the name suggests, a business accelerator based in Cambridge and targetted at IoT/M2M technology companies. Springboard holds investor days which bring venture capitalists and angel investors together with budding tech entrepreneurs - but that's just a start. Successful applicants get mentors and other facilities alongside start-up cash.

Already successful companies such as ARM, Unilever, Bosch, Neul (Weightless), Cosm and Raspberry Pi are programme partners in Springboard.

The inclusion of Kickstarter adds 'crowdfunding' to the acceleration options available to Springboard start-ups. Crowdfunding allows very small investors and those interested the actual product (ideally both) to become early investors and be assured that they'll be amongst the first get their hands on it as, when and if it arrives.

For entrepreneurs it's a route that doesn't rule out conventional VC funding (although it can in some circumstances) and it especially suits leading edge, specialist product launches because, done properly, it both funds production and acts as a marketing vehicle.