Online idea takes the world of comics by storm (From The Northern Echo)

Online idea takes the world of comics by storm

12:26pm Wednesday 30th December 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

PUTTING comic book superheroes online has sent a North-East computer expert on the path to world domination.

Kevin Mann, founder of Middlesbrough-based Take Comics, was one of a handful of experts worldwide chosen to participate in a US digital business development programme usually only open to North American companies.

Take Comics has developed software that allows comic books to be displayed on a mobile phone or computing device, and has an online store to sell the digital editions.

After being one of only ten companies chosen from 650 applications to attend the TechStars programme, in Colorado, the business now has the backing of Microsoft and is in negotiations with six major publishing firms.

On the programme, Mr Mann received mentoring support from Yahoo, Google and AOL. The event culminated in a Dragons’ Den style pitch to 150 representatives from the digital technology industry.

Mr Mann, a Teesside University computer science graduate, said: “It was a privilege to have the chance to attend such a high-profile event and to get my product noticed by some of the best people from the technology industry.”

He first came up with the idea for his business when he was commuting from Middlesbrough to Durham City, to his then job with an architectural design firm.

He said: “During the long bus journey I used to read comic books to occupy my time, but I became frustrated with how hard it was to get hold of them, when it was so easy to get hold of other products like music on MP3 players.

“This was when the idea developed for digitalised comic publications which could be extended to other markets.”

He praised the help he received from the region’s business support network, including Business Link, Teesside University, Digital- City, One North East and NorthStar Equity Investors, to get his company up and running.

He said: “As the idea developed, I decided to contact Business Link for advice, and the enthusiasm and support for the idea from my business advisor gave me the push to eventually leave my job and concentrate on the venture full-time.”

After securing an initial investment from NorthStar Equity Investors to get the business up and running, he has received further funding from the North-East England Investment Centre, financed by regional development agency One North East and the Learning and Skills Council, towards the software prototype design and build.

Mr Mann added: “Without the financial support from NorthStar, One North East and Business Link to develop the prototype, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to showcase the product in such a high0profile arena.”

Having initially been based at one of Teesside University’s on-campus graduate business incubation units, the company has now moved into Middlesbrough’s Boho Zone, the area of Middlesbrough earmarked as a digital quarter under the DigitalCity project.

Mr Mann said: “Being a part of the DigitalCity hub has provided access to other likeminded businesses in the digital industry, which has been useful in sharing ideas and contacts.”