VentureCrowd’s Post

Last night's reverse pitch event had potential to get spiky!!! But all in all in it was such a valuable back and forth - kudos to all the founders with their bold questions and challenge to the investor panellists 👊 The event was hosted by KPMG UK, as part of Leeds tech week, and it was a fascinating insight into the founder ecosystem in the region. Well done to Ben Taylor for organising and the panelists, YFM Equity Partners, Par Equity, Lifted Ventures, and NatWest. You definitely had a grilling! Some observations for the next one.. It's worth considering whether investors should be more direct in their advice to founders with a few more hard truths when it comes to the need for traction and a target of venture scale returns? Some of the questions posed from founders last night were thought-provoking, such as "Have investors lost their balls when it comes to risk?" (!!) and "Why do we feel the need to have different criteria in the north?" - these questions are clearly in response to a challenging fundraising environment and were well answered with clarity on the VCs process and criteria. While these events are clearly beneficial, a more direct approach from investors in describing their role as a fund manager, their business model, and how their decision-making engine works would provide invaluable educational insight and could avoid some of the questions posed on the night. Not only that, let's bring some nationwide VCs on tours to the regions to participate in these panels. Optically it would show the breadth of capital available to founders, from around the UK, and provide a varied perspective to benefit the founders seeking to learn. Maybe something we can help with at KPMG | Acceleris ? What are your thoughts on reverse pitch events? Share in the comments below! #reversepitch #startupevents #founders #investors #startupadvice

Reflections on the Funds and Founders Event in Cardiff last night… Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Funds and Founders event in Cardiff with Dan Newman cofounder from BALDILOCKS. It was a fantastic evening filled with inspiring conversations, valuable insights, and an honest look at the opportunities and challenges facing startups in Wales. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces like Joe Wells who is thriving in business, and Paul Tomotas whose exciting product development and factory plans are truly inspiring. Meeting James Campbell and catching up with Richard Lee added to the experience, as did hearing from the knowledgeable panel they hosted, who shared their expertise on creating relationships between investors and founders. One key takeaway was the need to attract more investors to Wales and support Welsh founder companies. The panel highlighted how critical it is to strengthen connections between investors and first-time founders and to encourage those who have exited their first businesses to reinvest their time and expertise back into Wales. However, what struck me most was the underrepresentation of women in the room. The reality is that only 2% of women receive funding from investors in the UK, and last night reflected this stark disparity—there were very few women investors or founders present. This statistic is a call to action. Women in business, we need to collaborate, connect, and showcase the incredible value we bring to teams and businesses. The soft, empathetic, and intuitive qualities women bring to leadership are not just complementary, they’re essential for innovation and success! To all founders and investors, let’s work together to create an ecosystem where diversity thrives and everyone has the opportunity to grow. Wales has so much potential to lead the way in this, by nurturing valuable and aligned relationships, sharing knowledge, and encouraging collaboration, we can create something truly transformative. Thank you to the panel and everyone at the event for your guidance and support. I’m excited to see what’s next for Wales, for BALDILOCKS and for all of us working to make a difference. 🙏 #FundsAndFounders #BusinessGrowth #Collaboration #DiversityInBusiness #WomenInBusiness #InvestingInWales

1 Week to Go Until CapitalHQ Annual Investor Day! 🚨 The countdown is on for CapitalHQ Investor Day—a must-attend event designed to scale growth, maximise value, and unlock new opportunities. Join this exclusive gathering of investors, business leaders, and founders, tailored to provide high-net-worth individuals, fund managers, executives, and professional service providers with the tools and insights to elevate their investment strategies. 📈 🗓 Date: Monday, 28 Oct 2024 🕘 Time: 9 AM - 5 PM 📍 Location: Level 2/11 York St, Sydney NSW 2000 What to Expect: 🔹 Access to Private Market Investment Opportunities 🔹 Insights from Leading Entrepreneurs, Fund Managers, and Industry Experts 🔹 Strategies for Maximizing Returns and Navigating Market Trends 🔹 High-Value Networking Opportunities 🔹 Exclusive Knowledge on Innovative Financing and Exit Strategies Key Panel Topics: 1️⃣ From Seed to Scale: Strategies from founders who achieved successful exits. 2️⃣ Innovative Debt Instruments: Discover financing options for growth and acquisitions. 3️⃣ Inside the Buyer’s Mind: Learn what acquirers seek in businesses. 4️⃣ Maximising Exit Value: Unlock higher returns with effective exit strategies. 💥 Access the Insider's Playbook: Gain real-life insights and strategies that have driven some of the most successful exits and acquisitions. 👥 Who Should Attend? 🔸 High Net Worth Investors 🔸 Fund Managers and Family Offices 🔸 Founders and Executives 🔸 Advisors and Consultants 🔸 Professional Service Providers 🔸 Institutional Investors Spaces are filling up fast—secure your spot today! This is your opportunity to gain a competitive edge and reshape your investment strategy for 2024 and beyond. ✨ Steve Torso Andrew Shute Phoebe Teo Sam Riley Rob Neely Vanessa Hayes Timothy Davis Giles Karhan Chris Flavell Stephanie Hamlyn Lel Smits GAICD Phil Tran Rob Antulov #CapitalHQInvestorDay #InvestmentOpportunities #PrivateCapital #Scaleup #Networking #SydneyEvents #BusinessLeadership

Looking forward to meeting like minded individuals chasing their dreams. We are all on the same journey, just different goals. CAPITALHQ, thanks for the kind invite. Can't wait. Venture.ly #investment #successionplanning #capitalraising

Elevate Your Experience: Unveiling the iCFO Capital Virtual Investor Conference! Are you an entrepreneur seeking to take your company to new heights? Or an investor in search of innovative opportunities? Look no further! Experience a groundbreaking approach to connecting entrepreneurs with investors - ICFO CAPITAL GLOBAL PRESENTS DealConnect 360 - Your no-nonsense approach to getting deals done! April 23, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PST) What to Expect: Company Presentations: Gain insights directly from CEOs of growth, early, and later-stage companies as they present their cutting-edge ideas and future plans. Live Connect: Engage with investors through virtual booths or curated introductions by our expert team, fostering meaningful connections. Networking Lounge: Seamlessly connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors in our dynamic virtual lounge. Guest Speaker: Don't miss the opportunity to hear from investors sharing valuable industry insights. Please register at the following link to have access to the virtual booths:  https://lnkd.in/gnuJTGeC #investment #networking #entrepreneurs #dealflow #starups #angelinvesting #angelinvestors #entrepreneurs #funding #seedfunding #seedcapital #growthcapital #venturecapital #privateequity #familyoffices #seekinginvestmentopportunities #seekingdealflow

Elevate Your Experience: Unveiling the iCFO Capital Virtual Investor Conference! Are you an entrepreneur seeking to take your company to new heights? Or an investor in search of innovative opportunities? Look no further! Experience a groundbreaking approach to connecting entrepreneurs with investors - ICFO CAPITAL GLOBAL PRESENTS DealConnect 360 - Your no-nonsense approach to getting deals done! April 23, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PST) What to Expect: Company Presentations: Gain insights directly from CEOs of growth, early, and later-stage companies as they present their cutting-edge ideas and future plans. Live Connect: Engage with investors through virtual booths or curated introductions by our expert team, fostering meaningful connections. Networking Lounge: Seamlessly connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors in our dynamic virtual lounge. Guest Speaker: Don't miss the opportunity to hear from investors sharing valuable industry insights. Please register at the following link to have access to the virtual booths:  https://lnkd.in/g-g7X3Jq #investment #networking #entrepreneurs #dealflow #starups #angelinvesting #angelinvestors #entrepreneurs #funding #seedfunding #seedcapital #growthcapital #venturecapital #privateequity #familyoffices #seekinginvestmentopportunities #seekingdealflow

Elevate Your Experience: Unveiling the iCFO Capital Virtual Investor Conference! Are you an entrepreneur seeking to take your company to new heights? Or an investor in search of innovative opportunities? Look no further! Experience a groundbreaking approach to connecting entrepreneurs with investors - ICFO CAPITAL GLOBAL PRESENTS DealConnect 360 - Your no-nonsense approach to getting deals done! April 23, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PST) What to Expect: Company Presentations: Gain insights directly from CEOs of growth, early, and later-stage companies as they present their cutting-edge ideas and future plans. Live Connect: Engage with investors through virtual booths or curated introductions by our expert team, fostering meaningful connections. Networking Lounge: Seamlessly connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors in our dynamic virtual lounge. Guest Speaker: Don't miss the opportunity to hear from investors sharing valuable industry insights. Please register at the following link to have access to the virtual booths:  https://lnkd.in/gS7eHi6K #investment #networking #entrepreneurs #dealflow #starups #angelinvesting #angelinvestors #entrepreneurs #funding #seedfunding #seedcapital #growthcapital #venturecapital #privateequity #familyoffices #seekinginvestmentopportunities #seekingdealflow

Elevate Your Experience: Unveiling the iCFO Capital Virtual Investor Conference! Are you an entrepreneur seeking to take your company to new heights? Or an investor in search of innovative opportunities? Look no further! Experience a groundbreaking approach to connecting entrepreneurs with investors - ICFO CAPITAL GLOBAL PRESENTS DealConnect 360 - Your no-nonsense approach to getting deals done! April 23, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PST) What to Expect: Company Presentations: Gain insights directly from CEOs of growth, early, and later-stage companies as they present their cutting-edge ideas and future plans. Live Connect: Engage with investors through virtual booths or curated introductions by our expert team, fostering meaningful connections. Networking Lounge: Seamlessly connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors in our dynamic virtual lounge. Guest Speaker: Don't miss the opportunity to hear from investors sharing valuable industry insights. Please register at the following link to have access to the virtual booths:  https://lnkd.in/gS7eHi6K #investment #networking #entrepreneurs #dealflow #starups #angelinvesting #angelinvestors #entrepreneurs #funding #seedfunding #seedcapital #growthcapital #venturecapital #privateequity #familyoffices #seekinginvestmentopportunities #seekingdealflow

Elevate Your Experience: Unveiling the iCFO Capital Virtual Investor Conference! Are you an entrepreneur seeking to take your company to new heights? Or an investor in search of innovative opportunities? Look no further! Experience a groundbreaking approach to connecting entrepreneurs with investors - ICFO CAPITAL GLOBAL PRESENTS DealConnect 360 - Your no-nonsense approach to getting deals done! April 23, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PST) What to Expect: Company Presentations: Gain insights directly from CEOs of growth, early, and later-stage companies as they present their cutting-edge ideas and future plans. Live Connect: Engage with investors through virtual booths or curated introductions by our expert team, fostering meaningful connections. Networking Lounge: Seamlessly connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors in our dynamic virtual lounge. Guest Speaker: Don't miss the opportunity to hear from investors sharing valuable industry insights. Please register at the following link to have access to the virtual booths:  https://lnkd.in/gikF4i-j #investment #networking #entrepreneurs #dealflow #starups #angelinvesting #angelinvestors #entrepreneurs #funding #seedfunding #seedcapital #growthcapital #venturecapital #privateequity #familyoffices #seekinginvestmentopportunities #seekingdealflow