The Angel Group Symposium 2025

The Angel Group Symposium is an exclusive event bringing leading angel groups and angels together to discuss practical steps for launching and growing a successful angel group – from different group structures and principles behind leading a group, to professionalising and forming a fund.

If you’re interested in hearing from industry leaders on a range of exciting topics, as well as networking with your fellow investors over drinks, this event is for you!

If you’d like to partner with us on this event, you can check out our partnership opportunities here.

Please note, those this event is focused solely on those with ambitions to grow their existing angel group, or take practical steps to forming one.

AGENDA

1:30 pm – Registration

2:00 pm – Welcome remarks
Glenn Waters, Head of Early-Stage Banking, HSBC Innovation Banking UK

2:05 pm – UKBAA Update
Roderick Beer, Managing Director, UKBAA

2:20 pm – Keynote: Scott O’Brien, Chief Investment Officer, Innovate UK

2:30 pm – Plenary: Mark Barry, Investment Director, British Business Investments

2:45 pm – Market Pulse
An update on early-stage investing and the venture flywheel from Henry Whorwood, followed by Q&A with Roderick Beer.

Henry Whorwood, MD – Research and Consultancy, Beauhurst
Roderick Beer, Managing Director, UKBAA

3:05 pm – Innovate UK and Investor Partnerships

Sara Palmer, Head of Investment, Innovate UK

3:35 pm – Networking Break

4:05 pm – Fireside Chat: Embracing Diversity in Angel Investing
Susan from British Business Bank and Michiel from Apollo Informal Investments will explore the ‘Embracing Diversity’ programme, which aims to broaden access to angel investing and build inclusive portfolios. The discussion will address challenges and successes in engaging diverse investors and founders, the importance of EIS/SEIS schemes, and Apollo’s journey to increase diversity within their syndicate.

Michiel Smith, Gate Keeper and Angel Investor, Apollo Informal Investments
Susan Nightingale, Director UK Network – Devolved Nations, British Business Bank

4:25 pm – Panel: Regulatory and Tax Considerations: What’s Changing?
This panel will cover key updates in regulatory frameworks, changes to EIS/SEIS schemes, and inheritance tax considerations, providing crucial insights into the evolving landscape of angel investing.

Alison Caulfield, Senior Manager, Philip Hare & Associates
Jo Bateson, Private Client Tax Partner, Mercer & Hole
Ollie Blears, Partner, RW Blears LLP

4:55 pm – Panel: Syndication Strategies: Strengthening Co-Investment Networks
This session will explore strategies for enhancing co-investment between angel groups and venture capital firms, focusing on best practices for sharing deal flow, structuring co-funding opportunities with family offices and institutional investors, and the role national organisations could play in supporting and fostering co-investment collaborations.

Helen Oldham, Co-Founder, Lifted Ventures
Jonathan Keeling, Partner, Haatch
Tim de Vere Green, CEO, Origin Capital
Triin Linamagi, Founding Partner, Sie Ventures
Moderator: Glen Waters, Head of Early-Stage Banking, HSBC Innovation Banking UK

5:30 pm – Panel: How Tech is Changing Angel Investing
This session will examine the transformative impact of technology on angel investing, including advancements in deal sourcing, due diligence, and valuation. It will explore the risks and opportunities associated with data-driven investment models and provide best practices for angel investors to support startups in implementing AI responsibly.

Richard Hoskins, Co-Founder, Kin Group
Umerah Akram, COO, Floww
Patrick Ryan, Co-Founder, Odin
Moderator: Roderick Beer, MD, UKBAA

6:00 pm – Drinks and canapes – kindly provided by our hosts, HSBC Innovation Banking

SPEAKERS