CHASE is an association of small businesses in the Cambridge area working in, or associated with, high technology. The Cambridge area hosts some 25,000 people employed in more than 1,200 technology based companies and CHASE is one of a number of networking groups which aims to bring together like-minded people working in the high tech arena.

Since its foundation in 1987 by a group of technology enthusiasts, CHASE has retained its focus on technology start-ups and small enterprises, particularly catering for the needs of those with fewer than 10 employees.

Mission

CHASE aims to provide a support structure for the individuals and start-up enterprises who will be the key to the technology that shapes our lives tomorrow; and to foster a networking culture that can provide entrepreneurial thinkers with links to those who can provide the technical, financial, marketing or legal backing needed to drive their ideas forward.

Events

CHASE usually holds a couple of events each month. On the first Tuesday of most months we invite a speaker on an issue of interest to our members. On the third Tuesday of the month we hold a pubmeet at the Free Press in Cambridge.

In summer we usually hold a puntmeet in place of the normal pubmeet, punting up the Cam from Cambridge to Granchester, where we have a barbecue.

In December we usually hold a Christmas dinner and drinks at one of the Cambridge colleges. We have a speaker and eat delicious food. In 2000, 2001, and 2002 we held it in the Queen's College Old Hall. In 2003 we had dinner by candlelight at the Magdelene College Hall.

From time to time we hold conferences when we have a topic that we think demands more attention than a normal meeting. In 2002 we held a day-long conference with 120 delegates about the interplay between business angels, venture capitalists and company founders, titled 'Where Angels Dare - and VCs also Tread'. At the time of writing, the website for the conference was still active.

Our primary means of communication with members is through our email newsletter which gives information about CHASE events, and other events that may interest members. Find a sign-up form on our home page.