Dorset Business Angels Pitch Event – 30th September

Dorset Business Angels Network Limited provide quality, private equity investment opportunities to local self-certified High Net Worth and Sophisticated Investors.

We help early-stage businesses, especially in southern England our local area, to find equity capital. We do this by bringing our investors and entrepreneurs together to accelerate the growth of early-stage businesses.

Lead Angel Investor Workshop (optional)

Seasoned investor, and Chairman of Dorset Business Angels (DBA) Don McQueen, leads this 3-hour workshop for existing angel investors who wish to learn more about the lead investor process. This interactive workshop will equip angel investors with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully lead investment rounds.

The workshop runs from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, and the pitch event will follow at 5.30 pm. We encourage those attending the workshop to also book and stay for the pitch event in the evening.

The workshop is suitable for experienced, self-certified angel investors. All the workshop details can be found here on our website.

Please note: you will need to purchase a ticket for the workshop AND the pitch event if you want to attend both.

Pitch Event

Join us for networking from 5.30pm in the Causerie Suite, enjoy refreshments whilst meeting and catching up with fellow investors, DBA sponsors and the DBA team.

The pitch presentations will start at 6.10pm with an introduction from our Chairman, Don McQueen.

Five carefully selected companies seeking investment will make a 10-minute pitch each, after which there is time for Q&A. Then, expressions of interest from angel investors are registered for further action. Once the pitch presentations are finished, those staying for dinner will enjoy a 2-course private meal with wine and a chance to start new conversations and continue those started earlier in the evening.

Five pitch presentations are confirmed as follows:

Market Sector: Air Traffic Control

A digital platform designed to streamline Air Traffic Services by replacing paper-based processes and reducing reliance on radio and telephone communications.

This Company claims a ‘world’s first’ for their new SaaS Air Traffic Control platform. It is designed for small to medium-sized airports and operates a subscription model depending on the number of ATCs required.

It avoids the huge CapEx necessary for installing existing systems and provides the flexibility to handle a mix of commercial and general aviation flights – something that current systems are not designed to handle. The management team are all ex-NATS employees.

With 3 airport customers and MVP, the product has been approved by the regulator (CAA) for live operational trials.

Management now seeks 500K to complete the trials, after which installations will commence.

Market Sector: Sportswear

A rapidly growing women’s sportswear company, specialising in highly rated sports bras, seeks investment to expand its successful D2C business into new markets.

In 2018, this Company identified and then met the needs of individuals who have struggled to find supportive sportswear.

In revenue, and enjoying an average YOY growth of 80%, its products are now sold in 55 countries and have connected with 65,000 women.

Turnover is now running at £1.5M and the products have consistently earned high acclaim with a rating of 4.6 out of 5. In addition, they have received 10 “Best in Test’ sports bra awards and 3 “Sports Bra of the Year” titles.

Until now sales have been exclusively D2C, but the Directors now believe the time is ripe to move beyond the initial bootstrapping phase.

They are seeking 400K to scale up the business and extend their support to an even broader community of women.

Market Sector: Multi-cultural Catering

A rapidly expanding multicultural catering platform connecting diverse local chefs with corporate clients, seeking investment to scale its successful model of authentic global cuisine delivery.

This Company’s view of the modern catering industry is that it is not fit for our multicultural society. Management believes that there is a growing appetite for varied and authentic worldwide cuisines.

They have therefore launched a platform that seeks to foster workplace diversity by celebrating cultural heritage through food. It aims to showcase the authentic cuisines of minority ethnic groups, thereby championing the expertise of local culinary artisans.

During the past 18 months, YoY revenue growth is running at 228%, 125 chefs are registered on the platform, 60 different cuisines are available and 75 corporate clients have signed up. Repeat order rate is over 80%

The Directors now seek 500K to scale up the business.

Market Sector: Bespoke Electrical Accessories

An innovative company revolutionising the electrical accessories market with patent-pending designs that simplify installation, enhance safety, and significantly reduce installation time for professionals and DIY users alike.

The wiring accessories market has seen little innovation in recent years and traditional electrical installations are usually labour-intensive and time-consuming.

This Company’s patent-pending designs introduce new features and improvements that set a higher standard for the industry, by addressing the need for more advanced, user-friendly solutions.

The product range includes innovative wiring accessories that exceed current industry expectations, making electrical installations simpler, safer, and more accessible for everyone.

As a result, installation times can be reduced by as much as 50%, significantly enhancing efficiency for both professional electricians and DIY users.

Market Sector: Charitable Donating

A tech start-up is developing an innovative platform to revolutionise charitable giving by connecting donors directly with causes, allowing targeted item donations.

This Company is in the process of creating a technology platform that revolutionises the way donations can be made to worthy causes.

Rather than simply seeking monetary donations, the platform offers users a ’one-stop-shop’ to be able to connect with the cause that resonates with them most, shop on their own essential item wish list, or simply seek a particular product. This approach makes giving not only more accessible but also more meaningful by allowing donors to see the direct impact of their generosity.

It also eliminates the perceived risk of donating money and ensures that supplies are received in the quantities that are required.

By adopting this approach, the Company aims to disrupt traditional giving methods, ensuring that even the smallest worthy cause receives the support it desperately needs.

A temporary site is currently hosted on Shopify to test market traction and generate initial revenue.

Management is now seeking 500K to further develop the platform.

_____________________________________________________________________

The Menu

Mains

• Pan-fried salmon, creamy pommel puree, buttered asparagus, garlic and coriander cream sauce (GF)
• Spinach and ricotta cannelloni, Pomodoro sauce, rocket leaves with garlic bread (V)
• Pan-fried chicken supreme, fondant potato, green beans, Bordelaise sauce (GF)

To Finish

• Warmed chocolate brownie, chocolate sauce served with vanilla ice cream
• Honeycomb cheesecake, chocolate sauce
• Selection of ice cream (GF)

Tea & Coffee

_____________________________________________________________________

Member and Non-Member HNW/SI Self-Certification is Required to Attend the Event

On 27th March 2024, the Treasury imposed new rules. The changes mostly relate to the content and style of the two investor statements required to be completed by HNWI and self-certified sophisticated investors respectively prior to receiving unapproved financial promotions. There were also updates to risk warnings and disclaimers.

Please ensure that before you book your ticket for this event, you meet the criteria below.

This event is specifically for:

• Dorset Business Angel Members (*see explanation below)
• Self Certified High Net Worth (HNW) or Sophisticated Investors (SI) (**see explanation below)

Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended 2005) investors must “self-certify” by meeting simple criteria as “High Net Worth” or “Sophisticated” Investors.

*Members of Dorset Business Angels must ensure we hold a valid and up-to-date HNW/SI certificate before attending the event. If in doubt, please contact us: membership@dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk

**High Net Worth and Sophisticated Investors who are not members are welcome to attend the event but must complete and submit a self-certification form to Dorset Business Angels, before attending. Updated forms, in force 27/03/2024, are available to download on the About page. Please complete and return to membership@dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk

_____________________________________________________________________

This event is not suitable for:

• New business networking
• Finding new clients
• Entrepreneurs considering a future pitch to investors

If you have a specific requirement to attend or if you are unsure whether this event is right for you, please email contact@dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk and we will be pleased to assist.

_____________________________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

Any information provided on the website or other communication is for information purposes only. The website and other communications and their content are not, and should not be deemed to be an offer of, or invitation to engage in any investment activity. The website and other communications should not be construed as advice, or a personal recommendation by Dorset Business Angels Network Limited. Dorset Business Angels Network Limited is not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The content of this promotion is not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). Reliance on the promotion for the purpose of engaging in any investment activity may expose an individual to a significant risk of losing all of the investment. UK residents wishing to participate in this promotion must fall into the category of sophisticated investor or high net worth individual as outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

If you have any issues booking your ticket. Email our Events Manager: Debbie Frith debbie.frith@dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk