D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Post

Covering real subjects such as SEIS - if you are thinking of starting a business and you don’t know what that is (as most people don’t) then you should probably attend

Two years that has gone by in a flash - then you reflect on what has been achieved in that time. Proud to be part of an investment programme that is designed to support and scale innovative businesses to get to next stage of their growth journey. Investments to date have been diverse by sector but all are true innovators in their respective spaces. Not only are they smart businesses, run by exceptional management but each one is truly looking to make a difference. I look forward to what the next 2 years and beyond brings! #innovation #alternativeinvestments #innovativeinvestments

...or maybe of more relevance: what comes first, entrepreneurs with an idea and ambition to scale a business OR investors and funders with the capital to back them? In reality a thriving ecosystem needs both.  The discussion on which comes first - honestly, I'm less interested in that and more interested that we have both at the same time, one fuelling optimism, growth and success in the other.  And that when you lift the lid on this ecosystem what you see is a diverse and inclusive space. Which is why I was really excited to speak at the launch of the (wait for it) D2N2 ESAIF Fund. What does this mean? It means there's a new £8m 'Early Stage Angel Investment Fund' for start-ups in the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire region.  It means Haatch (the Fund Managers) want to hear from you if you're in this region. And it means, given the Fund is now live, we need to raise awareness of it. So I have two asks: 1️⃣ if you live or work in this region, SPREAD THE NEWS. Like, share, comment because the more awareness = the more deal flow = the more growth we have the opportunity to realise. 2️⃣ if you're a Founder in this region, find out more and count yourself in - the team at Haatch want to hear from you (links in comments below). Shout out to the team who have spent 2 years developing this Fund D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire) British Business Bank British Business Investments Nicola Swaney Tom Goshawk Kiran Birring Lewis Stringer and to Charlie Weavers-Wright Fred Soneya and Scott Weavers-Wright OBE at Haatch 

Risk warning: Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more. We're super excited to announce that we're embarking on a new Crowdfunding campaign to raise funds with our new partner, Crowdcube. Sign up for early access now to get to the front of the line as we have limited equity available in this round: Early access for getting 'Dough in the Game': https://lnkd.in/eatf6c4Q

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Exciting news for Scotland In Q1 2024, high-growth companies in Scotland participated in 31 fundraising deals, capturing 6.4% of the total deals nationwide. This mirrors our strong performance from Q4 2023, where they also secured 31 deals. But what's truly impressive is the amount raised — £224m 🤯 That's a remarkable 9.4% of all UK investments and the highest amount invested outside of London and the South East, the usual heavyweights in the investment landscape. Find out more in our latest equity investment update: https://hubs.ly/Q02xypMq0 #BeauhurstInsights #ScottishStartups #EquityInvestmentUK

If I was a Venture Capital fund looking to understand the Lancashire Ecosystem - this is what I'd be doing. First, I'd be attending all four of the fhunded Founder X Funder events. It's the easiest way to navigate the Lancashire scene - all the Lancashire based founder's that are raising are there in one room. I'd reach out to fhunded and (as long as this hyperthetical investor is a professional investor) ask for some information about who is raising in the fhunded Community. I'd reach out to Jessica Wenmouth at Lancaster University (you can also meet her at all the fhunded events) to have my ear to the ground when it comes to Uni spin outs. I'd spend a day every few months working out of Fraser House Hub - the majority of equity investment has come from Lancaster in the county and the biggest chunk of that comes from Fraser House based businesses. It's a handy place to be known and to know. Just to be most efficient I'd try and pick a day that Praetura, Par Equity, YFM or Jenson Ventures weren't also there on, or do and see pals Finally I'd travel around the county of Lancashire and visit some (in my mind) key spots: - Ashton Memorial in Lancaster - The Hill (dry ski slope) in Rossendale - Winkley Square and Avenham Park in Preston - The Making Rooms in Blackburn - Laser Quest in Blackpool - Turf Moor in Burnley Ben Davies Kiran Mehta Matthew Currie Giles Moore Emma Cassidy Sarah Barber Jessica Jackson Laura Wiggins Niamh Donovan - anything I've missed? You all navigate Lancashire very well. #funding #investment #venturecapital

This is one of our two schemes through the Youth Investment Fund Framework

£10m of funding and counting 🎉 We recently celebrated the impact of our Investment Fund for Scotland has had on smaller businesses across the country. ✨ Here are some notable deals the fund delivered in its first year: 🍛 Perth-based ready meal producer Praveen Kumar has secured £400,000 via Maven Capital Partners. Founded by Praveen and Swarna Kumar, the business specialises in authentic Indian cuisine using spices from their family farm. The funding will support retail expansion, marketing, and the growth of their nationwide "Curry Club" subscription service. 🧘♀️ A clinic specialising in neurotechnology Kedras Clinics has received a £50,000 loan from the Investment Fund for Scotland via DSL Business Finance Ltd to open a second branch in Edinburgh. 🔬 Dundee-based life sciences recruitment agency, Entrust Resource Solutions has received £500,000 investment from the The FSE Group to expand its operations. The funding will help them tap into global markets and strengthen their position as a key player in sourcing top talent for the life sciences sector. Is your business ready to take the next step? Discover how our Investment Fund for Scotland funding options could support your growth and help you reach your full potential. https://lnkd.in/dRV24yZr

As part of the 2025 project year, Regional Economic Innovation (REI) has awarded the National Coalition for Community Capital (NC3) with support to host the upcoming event, "Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds." This event is an example of the fluidity within the REI model to support innovation in economically distressed regions. The model allows for technical assistance via the Student Led Faculty Guided projects, Co-Learning Plans for research and Innovation Fellows' that continue innovative work within their communities and regions. This in-person convening will take place on March 7, 2025, in East Lansing, Michigan. The event will bring together community builders, entrepreneurs, developers, and local investors to explore the transformative potential of community investment funds in fostering equitable and sustainable local economies. With REI’s support, this event will feature engaging workshops, expert-led discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities, providing participants with actionable tools and insights to advance the community capital movement. Early Bird Registration is now open, with discounted rates available through mid-January or until tickets sell out. For more information, visit www.nc3now.org.