Partner Article

Investment conference aims to connect tech start ups

A major investment conference is to take place in the North East later this month aimed at bringing science and technology start-ups together with investors. Newcastle’s Centre for Life will host the Connect North East Investment Conference on April 24 - which will be headlined by entrepreneur and Bluetooth inventor, Glenn Collinson.

The aim is to drive deal making in the region by showcasing investment opportunities, sharing ideas and encouraging start-ups to network with investors and professional service providers.

Bluetooth inventor Collinson will be the keynote speaker, talking about his business story and his own experiences in trying to attract investment. Kate Partridge, from The Bridge Club, which is helping to organise the event, said: “There’s a strong appetite to invest in the North East and we want to improve the flow of deals. Bringing entrepreneurs and start-ups together with investors and deal makers is the best way to do this. There are significant opportunities and we need to share our experiences and expertise.”

A Dragon’s Den style pitch for investment will be made by several businesses on the day. Each will receive feedback on their ideas from an investment panel.

There will also be a strong international flavour with the Swedish Ambassador opening the afternoon session and a group of Swedish bio-tech companies looking for partnership opportunities and joint ventures in the North East. This will mirror the experience of firms such as UK Haptics, which has a mutually beneficial relationship with the Swedish company, Reachin Technologies, from Stockholm.

Kate added: “Connect is a strong international network and we want to tap into that in the North East. Sweden has strong bio-tech and ageing & health sectors and we can learn lessons from that as well as generating business links with the North East.”

For more information about the event visit www.connectnortheast.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .