Our first panel of the day, hosted by Innovate UK, brought together Scott O’Brien Innovate UK, Lorna Green, LYVA Labs, Andy Caulton, Energy Systems Catapult, and Lizzy Young PXN Group to explore how aligning private investment with the UK’s Industrial Strategy can unlock new opportunities across clean growth, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. The panel highlighted how clearer strategic alignment can open pathways to co-investment, grant funding, and stronger public–private partnerships.

Live insights pointed to both momentum and challenge: Andy Caulton emphasised the need for greater support from local funds and VCs, while others warned that early-stage businesses risk being lost without stronger regional investment.

The fireside chat with Mark Roberts, founder of Beer Hawk and chair of Leeds Angels, and Richard Hoskins, Kin Group explored Mark’s journey from startup founder to angel investor. He shared insights on scaling Beer Hawk, navigating an exit, and how his entrepreneurial experience shapes his investment approach.

Mark emphasised the value of co-founders, noting he would “100%… recommend having a co-founder, especially in the early years,” and reflected on the unpredictability of scaling, sharing that their exit came as a surprise. His story highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of growing early-stage businesses in Leeds and the wider North.

In an engaging discussion moderated by Helen Oldham, Lifted Ventures, David Foreman, Praetura Ventures and Paul Munn, Par Equity shared the story behind their landmark merger, one of the most significant consolidations in the UK early-stage investment landscape. They explored the motivations driving the deal, the opportunities it creates for scaling regional venture investment, and what it signals for the future of collaboration among regional funds and angel networks.

Dave Foreman explained that the merger came together quickly, “We were of a similar size but we were complementary… it came together really quickly, in about a year” and that decisions about roles were seamless, as both partners were “very self-aware of what we are good at and what we are not good at.” Paul Munn highlighted the focus on diversity, noting that Par Equity has “a very strong contention of women all the way through Par” and that the industry is evolving. The conversation offered a unique insight into strategic growth, culture, and the future of regional venture investing.

In a lively discussion moderated by Daniel Hayhurst, Brabners, Richard Hoskins Kin Group, Tim Mills ACF Investors, and Khadija Ashfaq Northern Gritstone, explored evolving exit routes and liquidity for early-stage companies. The panel highlighted the growing role of private secondary markets as IPO and M&A activity shifts.

Khadija Ashfaq noted exits via private equity, particularly in DeepTech, while Richard Hoskins emphasised the UK’s strengths and cautioned against a “doom loop” narrative. Tim Mills reflected on what attracts founders to the UK, including some tax frustrations. The conversation offered key insights for navigating exits in a changing market.

Closing out the day, our final panel on The Policy Landscape: Live Reaction to the Budget Announcements, moderated by our very own Jenny Tooth, brought together David Smith Founder, DSW Ventures and Henry Whorwood, Managing Director, Beauhurst to discuss the Chancellor’s Budget and its impact on early-stage investment.

Live reactions highlighted both concern and opportunity: Henry Whorwood noted, “There’s not a lot of meat in the Budget for Entrepreneurs,” while David Smith warned that tax changes could make high-net-worth investors “less liquid,” even as early-stage investment may benefit. The discussion offered a timely snapshot of the opportunities and uncertainties facing the UK ecosystem.

We are immensely grateful to our sponsors and partners, Brabners LLP, Kin Group, and Innovate UK, whose support made the event possible. Thanks to their support we were able to bring together expert speakers, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, providing attendees with key insights into the UK’s early-stage investment and innovation landscape.

Delegates had the opportunity to network throughout the day, building meaningful connections across the early-stage investment ecosystem and expanding their professional networks. Attendees also explored the exhibition area, engaging with our event partners and speakers.