Following the success of Pitchfest 2019, where angel investors pledged more than £1m to South West SMEs - applications for Pitchfest 2021 are now open.
Innovate UK EDGE is looking for 15 South West innovators aiming to fast track their route to investment.
What is Pitchfest?
Pitchfest supports the UK's most ambitious and innovative SMEs in getting investment ready and in honing their pitching skills.
Successful applicants will receive fully subsidised 1-2-1 training and support from our specialist finance team before pitching to a panel of investors.
What have previous participants achieved?
We’ve helped a huge variety of businesses raise substantial investment at Pitchfest, from custom-fitted headphone providers to fan engagement videographers to manufacturers of real-time asbestos warning systems.
In 2019, The Bunch, a Bristol-based company that helps ease the burden of sharing household bills, raised more than £70,000. The company has since gone from strength to strength, raising £900,000 just this month.
Founder, Elliot Herrod-Taylor, said: “the expert advice and support we received as part of Pitchfest was instrumental in helping us to secure angel investment. I would highly recommend Pitchfest to South West businesses looking to innovate or grow in new markets.”
Ed Tellwright, Innovate UK EDGE Finance Specialist and Pitchfest Champion South West, commented:
“Pitchfest South West has proven to be the business opportunity of a lifetime for companies such as The Bunch. We’re now looking to hit new investment heights at Pitchfest 2021.”
What’s included?
- Two-days of comprehensive pitch training
- Access to leading pitch and investment experts
- Bespoke support from a dedicated innovation and growth specialist
- An opportunity to build a clear, compelling and credible investment proposition
- Introductions to active investor networks in your region and across the UK
- Supercharging your elevator pitch and building a persuasive investor pitch
- Constructive no-risk feedback from a panel of real investors
Am I eligible?
Innovate UK EDGE is looking for UK registered, high-growth innovative SMEs interested in internationalisation and seeking to ultimately raise £500k+ of investment over the next two years. If you are seeking to raise less initially, please make this clear when describing your investment plan.
Your business will have a clear sales pipeline and route to market secured.
You will want to pitch to investors including Business Angels and Venture Capitalists.
What are the time scales?
•Applications close: Tuesday, 23 March 2021
•Training Day 1: Tuesday, 27 April 2021
•Training Day 2: Tuesday, 11 May 2021
•Investor Session: Tuesday, 25 May 2021
•Ongoing Bespoke Support: After 25 May 2021
How do I apply?
Click here to find out more and scroll down to ‘South West of England’ where you can begin your application.
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Pitchfest applications are open!
In 2019, angel investors pledged more than £1m to South West Pitchfest participants.