[A] competition has been launched to find the North’s most innovative high-growth businesses to win a chance to pitch to a roomful of London investors.
Entrepreneurs of the North, organised by the North East Innovation SuperNetwork and supported by UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) and British Business Bank, is a bespoke event offering ambitious companies throughout the region the opportunity to travel to London and meet investors who are proactively looking to expand their portfolio.
The successful entrepreneurs, who will be chosen following a rigorous selection process based on adherence to the below criteria, will be invited to attend the special event at the Bank of England’s headquarters in London on Wednesday 21 February between 3pm and 6.30pm.
Last year’s event attracted 75 investors ranging from angel investors interested in early stage ideas through to large international funds, and potential deals were identified for many of the companies.
Businesses across all sectors and of any size can apply, however they must comply with the below criteria to be eligible for consideration. They must be:
- based in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber or Tees Valley
- on the second or third stage of finance (looking for £250,000 to £2.5m in equity investment)
- doing something innovative.
On the day of the London event, the selected 30 entrepreneurs will each have one minute to pitch their business and funding requirements to potential investors. This will be followed by a networking session to allow investors to speak to businesses in more detail.
Companies wishing to be considered to take part in Entrepreneurs of the North 2018, must visit https://supernetwork.org.uk/entrepreneurs-of-the-north/ to complete the application form by noon on Friday 26 January and email it to: estelle@supernetwork.org.uk
The event forms part of the Innovation SuperNetwork’s objectives to support innovative businesses to access the finance they need to grow and innovate in the region.
Simon Green, CEO at the Innovation SuperNetwork, said: “Entrepreneurs of the North provides a unique platform for investors to come face-to-face with a large number of exciting businesses all in the space of one afternoon.
“The North of England has a thriving business community with great potential waiting to be unlocked. We know from our work with the North East LEP over the past years that it can be difficult for northern businesses to raise the finance they need locally. This event offers the opportunity for growth plans to be realised by broadening access to finance to enable businesses to continue to develop within the North.
“I’m really pleased that the Bank of England is hosting this event and helping to showcase the ambition and talent that we have in the North with a view to developing long-term, meaningful partnerships between local and national investors.”
Entrepreneurs of the North is part of the wider Innovation SuperNetwork programme, developed with around 50 partner organisations to support innovation in the North East. The SuperNetwork is supported by the North East LEP, Innovate UK, Engie, Northumbrian Water Group, Reece Innovation and the North East BIC, with part funding from the European Regional Development Fund.
