Investment Showcase
High net-worth investors listen to spin-out and technology companies' business pitches at the 2006 Investment Showcase. (Photo: RIXphotos.com)
Each autumn in London, the SETsquared Partnership hosts an annual showcase of its best companies to potential investors. Attracting over 200 investors, the showcase has generated significant venture capital for their early-stage, high growth science and technology businesses.
Highlights of funding raised by SETsquared companies who presented and networked in previous Investment Showcases:
- Revolymer Ltd – raised £0.75m
- Bac2 Ltd – raised over £0.5m
- Symetrica Ltd – raised approx. £0.9m
- Lime Microsystems Ltd – raised £325k
- Ilika Ltd – raised £1.5m
- Identum Ltd (formerly called Argelcom) – closed series “A” round
2006 Investment Showcase Companies
A high net worth investor speaks with University of Southampton Business Manager, Sue Sundstrom, about life-science spin-out company, Capsant. (Photo: RIXphotos.com)
Investor Readiness Programme - giving new companies tools to attract funding
In order to prepare themselves to answer investors’ interests at the SETsquared Partnership Investment Showcase, the new companies thoroughly investigated their business concept and value proposition, completed a succinct one-page company profile, fine tuned their elevator pitch, and mapped out their sales strategy and key milestones for success.
“The SETsquared Investor Readiness programme gives companies the opportunity to hone their business plans, and sharpen their competitive advantages so that they bring those competitive advantages to bear in the marketplace to maximum effect.” said David Bream, Director of the SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre at the University of Southampton and one of the co-organisers of the Investor Readiness Programme. “The companies are quality new start-ups and spin-outs. Through the Investor Readiness programme run at our Business Acceleration Centres, we facilitate access to experienced entrepreneurs and professional service providers who can make a vital difference in the critical early-growth stages of companies.”
Member of the University of Southampton’s SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre, fuel cell component company, Bac2 successfully attracted £500,000 investment following investor readiness training last year. Company founder Dr Graham Murray said 'Taking the time out to review both the content and delivery of our presentation proved invaluable. With the input and advice we received from experienced entrepreneurs, SETsquared staff and other start-up companies, we were able to present a focused message and secure significant early-stage funding.'
