Innovative businesses invited to pitch to key influencers and investors
Innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs with high growth potential seeking investment are being encouraged to apply to take part in Pitchfest 2016, a pitching competition being run as part of the inaugural Venturefest South West on 18th October 2016 at Sandy Park, Exeter.
Pitchfest offers innovators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase the profile of their business in front of investors and influencers. Successful applicants will have access to free, regional workshops and support in investor readiness and pitch coaching prior to the main event. Those making it through to the final will pitch to a panel of experts including Jenny Tooth, CEO of the UK Business Angels Association, the trade body for angel and early stage investing and Darren Westlake, founder of Crowdcube, the world’s leading investment crowdfunding platform. The winner will receive a package of business support and the opportunity to connect with investors and those who can help grow their business.
Venturefest South West is the flagship event for the region’s innovators, entrepreneurs and investors, championing the most cutting edge innovation, technology and entrepreneurship coming out of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset in 2016. The October event, the first of its kind in the South West, brings together talented small enterprise innovators and entrepreneurs from across the region along with investors on the lookout for emerging talent. Attendees can make valuable new connections and take away insights and advice from world-class speakers and the region’s trailblazing technology companies.
Robin Jackson, lead for Pitchfest 2016 and director of the Exeter Science Park Centre said: “Pitchfest offers the South West’s most exciting high growth potential innovative companies the opportunity to promote their businesses through Venturefest South West and pitch to potential investors, industry leaders and those who can help grow the business
Pitchfest is an integral part of any Venturefest and for the South West it’s no different. Pitchers can expect investor readiness and pitch training in workshops before the event as well as support from experts such as Crowdcube and Innovate UK. Pitchers will also have the opportunity to network with investors at Venturefest as well as fellow entrepreneurs and innovators.”
The founder of Exeter-based international success story Crowdcube, Darren Westlake said: “It’s hugely exciting to be involved in Pitchfest 2016 here in the South West and to hear from the innovators and entrepreneurs in the region who may just be developing the next big thing. I am very proud of our region and the talent and vision we have here and am looking forward to seeing the pitches.”
Pitchfest is free to enter, applicants should visit – www.venturefest-sw.co.uk and complete an application form.
Venturefest South West is on 18th October 2016 at Sandy Park, Exeter. The event is free to attend and is sponsored by Innovate UK. Those wishing to attend need to register at www.venturefest-sw.co.uk
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