Confluent for Startups Program launches in the UK to make real-time data easy for startups

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The program offers a risk-free way for the UK’s rapidly growing startup community to deploy the power of Apache Kafka on Confluent Cloud, giving access to advanced real-time data streaming for up to a year, at no cost.

The program enables seed and A-round startups to deploy the power of Apache Kafka while maintaining the speed and agility that early-stage businesses need. Using fully-managed Confluent Cloud, early-stage businesses can set their data in motion to build smart, real-time applications, and bypass the pain of in-house development, or using fewer flexible alternatives with fewer features.

Tim Graczewski, Head of Confluent for Startups, commented: “The first 12-18 months is a pivotal stage for startups, yet too many have to rely on inflexible, makeshift data stacks that can’t support fast growth and rapid product development. Through our program we’re making real-time data really easy for these ambitious businesses, empowering them with the fully managed Confluent Cloud platform at a crucial stage.”

In addition to free access to the Confluent Cloud, startups benefit from ongoing account management and technical support, which includes:

Two hour-long sessions with specialist Kafka systems engineers to review their current data architecture.
Access to Confluent’s technical office hours online drop-in sessions, where questions will be answered by senior technical experts.
Ability to learn Apache Kafka and Confluent with access to all Confluent self-paced and instructor-led training, and certification guidance.

Startups will also be welcomed to the Confluent Community, where other program members share experiences and help with infrastructure and business-related challenges.

Carlos Roman, VP EMEA Commercial Sales, added: “Many startups face big challenges with budgets and small teams with limited in-house Kafka expertise. Through this program, we’re empowering early-stage businesses across the UK to get their infrastructure right from the start, with access to Kafka and Confluent experts to accelerate product and service development while dramatically reducing the in-house technical work.”

Startups across a range of sectors have already started to maximise their potential through the new Confluent program, including cybersecurity, fintech, crypto, and agritech.