Reflecting the growth in tech for good companies in the North of England, Bethnal Green Ventures and Leeds-based investment non-profit NorthInvest are partnering to increase the access to funding for early stage businesses in the sector.
The partnership brings together the expertise and funding base of BGV, who are Europe’s leading early-stage tech for good VC, with the northern connections and well-established angel network of NorthInvest.
The two organisations will collaborate to deliver two training workshops on preparing for investment, culminating in a dedicated Tech for Good pitch event. This will prepare up to 30 businesses to be ready for investment, with a selected group pitching to a business angels and funds with a specific interest in the sector. They will also share and promote tech for good investment opportunities across the region.
Tech for good companies are often defined as those who drive significant positive impact for people and the planet, addressing social & environmental challenges. ‘Tech for social good’ companies were worth £2.3 billion in 2019, with a turnover of £732 million. Nearly half (45%) of the 490 companies identified are at seed stage.’ (Tech Nation Tech for Social Good report, April 2019)
The two organisations will start their collaboration with an online Q&A webinar on 3 December on the upcoming BGV Tech for Good programme, which provides tools and services targeting supporting those in low income or precarious work. This will be followed by workshops for tech for good companies at the ideation stage in January, those near to being investment ready in April and a dedicated pitch event in early May 2021.
Helen Oldham, Founding Board Director at NorthInvest, said:
‘We are excited to be working in partnership with Bethnal Green Ventures. We have many share values around diversity and a passion to support Tech for Good businesses in the north of England. BGV bring a wealth of experience in this sector and are keen to invest and support our region.’
Paul Miller, CEO and co-founder at Bethnal Green Ventures, said:
‘We are excited to partner with NorthInvest to help talented entrepreneurs in the North on track to build purpose-driven tech businesses, launch and scale their businesses. Connecting our communities will ensure more capital is available for tech for good founders across the UK. ’
To register for the 3 December Q&A event or find out more, please click here.
