North East founders prepare to pitch for growth

An entrepreneurship programme is set to showcase the North East’s latest wave of women-led start-ups as part of a high-profile finale event.

ATHENA LABS will bring 14 female founders together to pitch their ventures to a panel of real investors in February at The Catalyst, in Newcastle Helix, marking the culmination of its 12-week Growth and Funding Programme. 

Delivered in partnership with the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Internet of Caring Things and Lifted Ventures, the programme supports innovators developing health, wellbeing, technology and impact-driven solutions.

Professor Lynne Corner, deputy director of the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, said: “Supporting women-led businesses in sectors that touch everyday life and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do at NICA and The Internet of Caring Things® Programme.

“Female Founder Demo Day is the culmination of this programme, where these pioneering founders showcase solutions that will transform how people connect, care, and live well. 

“We’re proud to support them as they scale with purpose.”

Jordan Dargue, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “The Athena Labs Growth and Funding programme is all about unlocking potential in the region. 

“The energy and innovation these founders bring is phenomenal, and Female Founder Demo Day is the perfect stage to showcase the talent and impact emerging from the North East.”

Helen Oldham, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “This is a celebration of vision, perseverance and entrepreneurship.

“We’re thrilled to spotlight these incredible women, support them on their investment journey and inspire the next generation of female founders in the North East region.”

Throughout the three-month initiative, founders have refined business models, strengthened investment readiness and connected with a wider network of funders, advisors and peers. 

The finale event will offer attendees the chance to experience live pitches, meet investors and learn more about the support available through Lifted Ventures.

Paula Merifield, co-founder of Triform Digital and one of 14 female founders on the programme, added: “I joined the programme to get investor-ready and learn how to navigate our fundraising journey. 

“The programme has done exactly that. 

“I’m feeling so much more confident and ready to pitch my business to investors in February.”

The showcase will also feature the announcement of funding for a second ATHENA LABS programme, beginning in March 2026.

Female Founder Demo Day will take place at The Catalyst on Tuesday, February 3, starting at 10.30am. 

You can buy tickets here.

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