Operated in partnership with BeTheSpark and Inspire Wales, Pitch It took place at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus in Cardiff on Wednesday 17th October.
[aoa id=”1″]An audience of over 120 guests from across all BeTheSpark’s five stakeholder groups, academia, risk capital, corporate, government and entrepreneurs joined the event to show their support, share invaluable business expertise and highlighting the importance of creating a visible, simple and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem within Wales.[/aoa]
“Pitch It Wales was designed to make the investment landscape more accessible to SME’s in Wales. Innovation-driven entrepreneurship is imperative to the fund and we hold great importance on supporting Welsh entrepreneurs as they are the wealth creators of our economy.
“This was a unique opportunity for our panel to support SME’s to increase their business growth within Wales by providing not only immediate equity investment but their skills and expertise.
“We hope this event is the first of many as we continue to play our part and foster BeTheSpark’s vision of creating a more visible, simple and connected ecosystem within Wales” said Matt Wakerley, Fund Manager, Inspire Wales.
This one of a kind event facilitated six of Wales’ most innovative entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business live to an esteemed panel of judges made up of investors from the Inspire Wales consortium.
Opening today’s first #PitchItWales event here at @CardiffMetEnt we welcome none other than the electric @wynneevans who gives our audience a brief info to each of our investors ✨ #BeTheSpark pic.twitter.com/Occvp9vkC0
— BeTheSpark (@BeTheSpark) October 17, 2018
The judging panel consisted of Hayley Parsons, Ashley Cooper, Simon Powell, Huw Morgan, Matt Wakerley, Roger Gambrini, Miles Morgan, Jon Baldwin and Steve Dalton.
Commenting on the event, Hayley Parsons said
“Congratulations to all six businesses who made it to the final of Pitch It Wales. The panel witnessed a high calibre of pitching and entrepreneurial talent during the event. Being involved was a thrilling opportunity to exercise my passion for entrepreneurship and investment within the Welsh entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Pitch It was not only valuable to the finalists but also gave the audience great insight into the workings and thought processes of a vibrant investor network.
“I’m looking forward to observing and playing an active role in the growth of the SME’s that secured equity investment during the event”
The investors agreed two deals during the event worth a total of £100k.
Hannah Saunders, Founder and Director of Toddle succeeded in securing £50k of amount from the panel providing her the capital she needs to accelerate her business growth.
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Daniel Shepherd, Founder and Managing Director of CanDo Laundry thrilled the panel with his vision to expand and add more machinery to his thriving business. Dan was successful in receiving £50k worth of equity investment.
The panel expressed great interest in both Disberse and Health & Her and have arranged to meet with Ben Joakim and Kate Bache separately following the event.
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Whilst James Bryan from Clipr was unsuccessful in securing equity investment from the panel, Simon Powell has agreed to spend time with James to provide mentorship and expertise.
The panel has invited Four Minutes to come back to them once their business has developed further.
Steve Aicheler, Entrepreneurship Engagement Manager at Cardiff Metropolitan University said:
“Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud of its record in supporting and working with Welsh businesses.
“Our Centre for Entrepreneurship drives a variety of events and projects throughout the year to inspire a new generation of students to follow their business aspirations.
“Hosting Pitch It has been a fantastic opportunity for our students – enabling them to develop critical business skills and connect with great role models.
“We are delighted to support this fantastic event and are always looking to develop similar partnerships with business, investors and the other stakeholders who make up the Welsh entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
