Unique investment opportunities in the heart of the Midlands
Join top Angels, VCs, and founders for an exclusive event in Birmingham to foster growth, innovation, and a stronger business network across the Midlands.
Connecting Funders to Founders
The Midlands Investment Forum is an exclusive event designed to connect you with active Angel investors from outside the region. By bringing in reputable Angels from London, Oxford, and Cambridge, and connecting them with local investors, founders, partners, and suppliers, we aim to provide the crucial support you need to scale your business.
Join us to explore funding opportunities and grow your business with the backing of a strong, interconnected regional network.
Has your scale-up faced any or all of these challenges?
Lack of fundingÂ
Founders find it challenging to secure funding due to a lack of access to a robust Angel and VC network.
Geographical disadvantages
Unlike London or Silicon Valley, the Midlands is underrepresented by the Angel/VC community, making it harder to find investment opportunities.
Limited networking
Entrepreneurs in the Midlands lack sufficient formal and informal networking events to connect with potential investors.
Isolated from key resources
Founders miss out on essential support services such as legal advice, PR guidance, and mentorship that are readily available in bigger cities.
Inadequate exposure
Scale-ups struggle to gain visibility among influential investors and partners.
Lack of emotional support
The entrepreneurial journey can be lonely, and founders in the Midlands lack a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Event highlights and schedule
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Here's an example schedule of the day so you can get a feel for the format and flow of the event.
Whether you want to present a formal pitch, gain insights from seasoned professionals, or participate in informal networking, there are ample opportunities to benefit you and your business:
The morning session is open to all—angels, founders, and partners alike.
The afternoon session offers select founders the opportunity to pitch to 6-8 guest angels from outside the region.
Note: This schedule is subject to change and will be updated once we have confirmed key details.
Meet the organisers
The event is organised and supported by a distinguished group of individuals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
David Davies, OBE
David, the former Head of the FA, is a distinguished British broadcaster and proud Midlander. As a supporter and partner of the event, he brings senior-level expertise gained from his work spanning North America, Africa, and the Middle East, leveraging his influence for positive impact.
Sam Reader
Sam, the CEO of Wondr, leads a network of impact-driven leaders focused on businesses addressing environmental and social challenges. Based in Birmingham, Sam is a well-connected leader passionate about supporting enterprises that are redefining the future of work.
Mike Kelly
Mike, born and raised in Birmingham, is a seasoned professional in the financial sector. As a member of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Council and a trustee at Millennium Point, he now dedicates his expertise to consulting and business development for local enterprises.
Andy Yeoman
Andy is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and investor with extensive experience in transforming insurance businesses through technology. In 2012, he co-founded Concirrus, using his success in fast-growth business strategies. He also holds several non-executive directorships and Chairman roles, and often advises the VC and PE community.
Geoff Cousins
Geoff served as both Chief Financial Officer for Jaguar Land Rover North America and as Managing Director of Jaguar UK. He is currently the Chairman of G&P Quality Management Group, Regional Board Member of MAKE UK and a Member of the Transatlantic Board of Chamber of Commerce. Geoff is also Chairman of Cure Leukemia.Â
John Cooke
John is an entrepreneur, coach and mentor, currently serving as Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Birmingham Enterprise, Birmingham Energy Institute, and Bruntwood SciTech. Additionally, he is a business coach at Aston University and a board member and investor in various scale-up ventures.
Richard Little
Richard Little is an experienced entrepreneur and investor in software companies, especially in fintech. Associated with Cambridge Angels, he joins our team of angels with extensive expertise in investment and scale-up growth.
Nigel Ford
Nigel has been a major player in the agricultural and horticultural sector for over 40 years primarily in the seed trade. His main interest is land use and how seed can be used - in its many forms – as a tool to solve a myriad of problems and improve the environment.
Supported by our Independent Professional Partners...
Why join us?
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Connect with top Angels, VCs, and fellow founders in a classy, curated environment. Build meaningful relationships that can propel your business forward.
Valuable Insights and Mentorship
Gain advice from seasoned professionals, including lawyers, PR firms, and successful entrepreneurs. Our clinic sessions provide you with the guidance needed to overcome business challenges.
Pitch Your Vision
Present your scale-up to a room full of potential investors. Receive immediate feedback and recognition, with the chance to win the 'Pitch of the Day' award.
Organising the organisers...
Charlie is a leadership coach based in the Midlands dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and organisations to think strategically, act decisively, and create meaningful impact. With nearly 25 years of experience in business, strategy, and innovation, he is passionate about supporting and investing in environmentally conscious scale-ups.
As the founder and director of Mandarin Associates, Charlie heads a global team of experts who run regular leadership development programmes that cover essential and advanced topics, designed to help modern leaders maximise their potential and enhance their businesses.
Accelerating Founders & Leaders Programme
Our Accelerating Founders & Leaders Programme is a meticulously crafted, continuously running course that offers comprehensive training and support for founders and leaders. This proven programme provides an essential framework and expert guidance to help you scale your business effectively.
"The Accelerating Founders & Leaders Programme was a game-changer for my business. The insights and mentorship I received were invaluable."
Register interest now
Coming Soon: Midlands Cohort for Q4 2024
We’re excited to announce that we’re scheduling a special cohort of the Accelerating Founders & Leaders Programme in the Midlands for Q4 2024. This exclusive programme will have limited places, so register your interest now to secure your spot.