Hundreds set to mark 10 years of Venturefest West Midlands

Six hundred entrepreneurs and innovators from across the West Midlands will get together for this year’s  as the popular business gathering celebrates 10 years.

Venturefest West Midlands will provide an opportunity to connect with potential investors, partners and support organisations at the landmark event on Wednesday, March 19 at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is sponsoring and co-hosting the event which provides a platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors to share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration, with a focus on science and emerging technologies.

There will be panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition of innovative products throughout the day.

This popular event is also backed by headline sponsors British Business Bank, intellectual property investment bank Piece Future, the European Capital of Innovation West Midlands Partnership, and Medilink Midlands.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “There will be no shortage of entrepreneurial energy at this year’s Venturefest.

“Bringing together some of our region’s brightest minds to connect and share ideas is part of my plan to make the West Midlands the best place in the UK to do business.

“Already 600 businesses have signed up to the event. It’s another way we are supporting growth in the region – showcasing all of the bright and innovative businesses we have in the West Midlands.”

Keira Shepperson, investment director at British Business Bank, said: “The British Business Bank and the Midlands Engine Investment Funds seek to break down barriers in access to finance, creating opportunities for new and growing businesses across the West Midlands.

“We’re delighted to support this year’s Venturefest WM and help connect the region’s most talented and innovative entrepreneurs with the information and networks they need to help their businesses scale and grow.”

Jason Loh, Piece Future CEO, added: “At IPHatch, we believe in empowering startups with not just innovative ideas, but also the intellectual property and strategic partnerships with multi-national corporations needed to scale globally.

“Our mission is to bridge the gap between ground-breaking innovation and real-world commercialization, creating a thriving ecosystem for deep-tech entrepreneurs.”

Running alongside Venturefest WM for another year will be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up.

The ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition has put more than 200 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors and helped secure £65 million of investments to the region's small businesses.

The businesses chosen to pitch for this year's prize on the day are LeicSurvey, PortalZero Ltd, RACE Software, WasteProjekt, and Neo Air Ltd.

Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up is run by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, University of Birmingham Enterprise, and Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick Science Park.

Register to attend Venturefest West Midlands at www.venturefestwm.co.uk.