Delivered by Innovate UK Edge, Pitchfest provides an opportunity for our most ambitious and innovative growth companies to hone their pitch so they are ready for investment. The programme is looking for SMEs with international ambition and looking to raise £500k plus of investment. If successful, companies will receive the support and training required before providing a platform to pitch to a prestigious panel of investors.
For this first time, Innovate Edge UK will also be offering help to companies who are not successful – so there really is nothing to lose by applying!
D2N2 is committed to helping our businesses access the finance needed to promote growth from early stage. The East Midlands stills lags behind in attracting alternative private sector investment into our SMEs, so turning the dial on increasing the levels of equity and debt finance remains a key component of achieving our growth ambitions.
Fran Horsley, Head of Business and Innovation at D2N2 said “Encouraging our businesses to secure active finance to help them achieve their ambitions is a key driver for D2N2. The region still does not punch its weight in terms of SME equity investment levels and programmes such as Pitchfest really help us showcase what we have to offer to attract investors to the area.”
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 21 September and applicants will be notified of the outcome on Tuesday 28 September. The full schedule is available via the Pitchfest Website.