Connecting investors with innovators

Midlands Investment Forum | STEAMhouse, Belmont Row, Birmingham

An event designed to connect active investors from across the UK with the brightest high-potential scale-ups from the Midlands.

Event Roundup

Our inaugural forum, held on Thursday 14^th Nov 2024, had two primary goals:

In the morning, we discussed the challenges of transforming the Midlands from a traditional manufacturing base into a hub known for knowledge, innovation and AI, supported by an active investment community and one that is attractive to the best talent from within and outside the region.

In the afternoon, we hosted an exclusive pitch event featuring nine of the region’s most promising companies - a rare chance to invest in ventures not typically available to the wider investment community.

VIEW FULL IMAGE GALLERY HERE

Interested in future events?

Add your details below and we will be in touch:

In collaboration with some of the UK’s most prominent angel investors and leading regional universities and their supporting programmes, this event aims to spotlight the Midlands as a hub of innovation and investment.

For Angels and Investors

This invite-only event offers you the chance to hear pitches from a selection of the region’s most high potential scale-ups.

You'll also get the opportunity to network with fellow investors from across the Midlands and the rest of the UK and take part in interactive discussions that will help shape future plans and activities.

If you also know someone else who might benefit from attending, let us know by contacting [email protected].

For Founders and Leaders

Our goal is to connect you with the funding and expertise you need to scale your business. Meet experienced investors with proven track records, network with successful entrepreneurs who have scaled and exited businesses, and gain valuable insights from companies with expertise in scaling. You'll also get the chance to meet other advisors and potential partners to help propel your business forwards.

During the event, you’ll have the chance to pitch your business to a room full of potential investors!

Want to stay updated about future events? Register interest using the link below.

For Partners and Facilitators

This is a unique opportunity to elevate your brand by engaging directly with attendees. Limited speaking and sponsorship opportunities are available to align with your ambitions and budget.

Why join us next time?

Discuss, Engage and Debate

Join our distinguished panel of experts as we explore ways to support innovation and foster a knowledge-based economy in the Midlands.

Connect with Investors

Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with seasoned Angel investors from both within and beyond the region—an exceptional chance you won't want to miss.

Exclusive Investment Opportunities

Eight exciting regional scale-ups will pitch to Angel investors—but these investment opportunities are available to all attendees, so this opportunity is not to be missed.

Proudly sponsored by:

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.

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.

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.

Craig McVoy

Craig is the founder of Turnkey - a company focused on helping startups become successful scaleups. He provides startups with guidance from an experienced board in exchange for equity. His expertise includes scaling startups, driving business growth, and developing unique selling propositions.

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.

Interested in future events?

Add your details below and we will be in touch:

Organising the organisers...

Charlie is a strategic advisor, investor and leadership coach based in the Midlands who excels at building individual and team capacity. He helps leaders unlock their potential and make a 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 of Mandarin, 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.