This summer Pembridge Partners launched two new funding programmes, Gateway2Finance – aimed at companies seeking bank loans and debt finance and Gateway2Investment – which focuses on helping companies looking for business angel and venture capital investment.
They are looking for 4,500 ambitious firms that want finance to accelerate their growth and will work with more than 100 investment groups in the UK and overseas to help secure funding. Both programmes are designed to provide a significant boost to economic growth and employment in the capital.
Both programmes have the support from some of the UK’s highest profile business figures to help propel companies with high growth potential, including Brent Hoberman, founder of lastminute.com and mydeco.com and Deborah Meaden, a highly successful entrepreneur and investor who will be working closely with both programmes to ensure their success.
As part of the Gateway2Investment program, there is an upcoming intensive two day workshop for those looking for equity finance – which runs on the 29th July and 3rd August 2010. It costs £200 plus VAT to attend for up to 3 people from a business.
On Day One you will hear from the industry experts and on the second day you will have a chance to practice what you have learned, and pitch to a panel of experienced investors. You will also have the opportunity to sit in as your peers pitch to the panel and receive a video record of the experience. As they say, practice makes perfect!
I was recently travelling with our sister video production site, Newspepper.com as media partner for Innovate100′s search for the hottest startups in Europe, and host Mike Segal re-told a story about when he asked the CEO of PepsiCo, ”What is the single most important activity that you do?’, to which she responded, ”I spend about an hour a day on improving my communication skills and practicing my pitch.’
There is also a free Information Seminar – ‘your guide to funding business’ on 29th July 2010, for anyone who is looking to raise finance in London -be that debt or equity. This is a great opportunity to hear from real-world experts and practitioners who will guide you on what the different finance providers will look for in your business and what that might mean for you and your small business.
Gateway2Investment and Gateway2Finance, is delivered by consortium of private sector experts including Grant Thornton UK LLP, Pembridge Partners, E-Synergy Ltd, Quotec Ltd and East London Small Business Centre Ltd. For more information or register your interest interest please visit www.ufblondon.org
