Tech for Good Bristol Breakfast with Angel Investors Bristol
Tech4Good South West
Addressing technology response to societal & environmental issues and debate unintended consequences of the digital age
This morning, Tech4Good South West hosted an engaging Tech for Good Bristol Breakfast with Angel Investors Bristol, hosted by Runway East Co-working space.
Expertly facilitated by Briony Phillips and her deep knowledge of the investment landscape, the session featured valuable insights from Jon Bonnick and Pete Lockett, both representing Angel Investors Bristol (AIB). With over 120 members, AIB provide vital equity funding and expertise to early-stage ventures in the South West and South Wales, focusing on SEIS/EIS-qualifying investments of £50,000 to £500,000 to help them scale successfully.
Why Are We Here?
Tech4Good South West events stand out for the diversity of skills, experiences, and perspectives in the room. This morning’s attendees included software developers, advisors, marketers, and social entrepreneurs, all with a shared interest in tech for good. Our session created a space for questions, new knowledge and importantly making connections with each other.
Angel Investing: A Human Connection
A central theme of the morning was that angel investing is deeply personal - many of the AIB members are exited founders who want to give back. Angel Investors are not just evaluating your business; they are looking to connect with your story. Angels want to know the “why” behind your business, to feel your passion and authenticity. As Jon put it, “We are emotional, passionate people, and we want to connect with your story.”
Pete added insight into how Angel Investors Bristol operates. With around 120 members, of which 25% are actively investing at any one time, AIB acts on behalf of its members to identify opportunities that align with their values and offer sustainable returns. This responsibility ensures that the group’s decisions benefit the wider investor community while supporting impactful, scalable ventures.
Resilience: The Key to Investment Readiness
The importance of resilience came through as the one key factor investors want to see - founders who are ready for the long haul, who have the grit and determination to continue despite the inevitable setbacks. Resilience is not just a desirable trait; it’s essential. Founders need to demonstrate they are not only passionate about their mission but also prepared to face challenges head-on and thrive in the face of adversity. Without this resilience, it’s difficult to inspire the confidence investors need to commit for the long term.
Key Fundamentals of Angel Investing
Jon provided a practical “101 on Angel Investing,” outlining what founders need to know:
Creating an Investor-Ready Deck
Pete and Jon shared actionable advice for crafting an investor deck that stands out:
Angels and Impact: A Perfect Match
Jon and Pete emphasised the alignment between angel investors and tech-for-good ventures. Many angels are exited founders who want to give back by supporting businesses that reflect their values. They’re not just looking for returns—they’re looking for ventures that make a real difference and resonate with their desire to contribute to something bigger. The human connection and the feel-good factor are as important as the numbers, which is hugely hopeful for the growing community of social entrepreneurs and impact driven founders. Whilst Jon and Pete offered optimism, the wider equity funding landscape is hugely varied with levels of interest and activity in impact-led businesses ranging from zero to 100.
The Magic of Connection
This event wasn’t just about sharing knowledge—it was about creating connections. The magic of Tech4Good South West events lies in the relationships that form and the opportunities that arise from them. This morning, you could see that magic in action, with conversations sparking ideas and collaborations. Whether attendees came to explore funding, share their story, or gain insight, everyone left with a sense of purpose (and a good breakfast!) and new connections to continue their tech for good journey.