Active investors seeking to expand their portfolio are invited to attend an event hosted by Entrepreneurs of the North aimed at linking up ambitious and growing Northern businesses with South-based investors
In such occasion, organised by the Innovation SuperNetwork and supported by UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) and British Business Bank, will see a delegation of 30 ambitious Northern businesses visit London to deliver quick-fire pitches to investors. The event provides the opportunity for London-based investors proactively looking to diversify their portfolio to meet growing entrepreneurs that represent the best of the North’s high-potential businesses. The Bank of England is hosting the exci ting event at its Threadneedle Street headquarters on Wednesday 21 February. Lea Paterson, the Bank of England’s Director of Independent Evaluation, will be one of the speakers at the event. The 30 entrepreneurs, who cover a wide range of sectors, will each have one minute to pitch their business and funding requirements to potential investors.
This will be followed by a networking drinks reception to allow investors to speak to businesses in more detail. 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.
Rich McNally, Chief Research and Investment Officer at City of London-based Niche Invest, said:
“We identified a couple of really interesting companies through the event that we wouldn’t otherwise have met. It’s a great format to see lots of Northern businesses in one afternoon.”
The northern region plays a key role in the national and regional productivity, growth and innovation agenda. Entrepreneurs of the North allows the Innovation SuperNetwork and UKBAA to demonstrate the strength of the North and encourage investors to capitalise on the untapped resources within 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 takes place on Wednesday 21 February at the Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AH, between 3pm and 6.30pm and is open only to active investors.
