Forty businesses from the South West and Wales met in Bristol last week to seek £200 million in investment at a flagship event hosted by the British Business Bank. The Investor Roadshow at City Hall involved businesses presenting directly to a panel of investors, venture capital firms and industry figures.
The participants included businesses from sectors such as life sciences, clean energy, digital, creative industries and fintech. Health innovators and advanced manufacturers also took part, seeking backing to support expansion and job creation.
The event, which received support from the West of England Combined Authority and Innovate UK, is intended to increase regional investment and support the venture capital ecosystem outside London and the South East.
The roadshow is linked to the new £400 million Investor Pathways Capital initiative. This programme supports early-stage investors from various backgrounds in launching venture capital funds. The initiative intends for at least 50 per cent of investment to reach female fund managers and supports regional innovation clusters. It also aligns with the £200 million South West Investment Fund, which has provided more than £120 million to regional businesses since 2023.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “The West of England is bursting with ambition, talent and ideas, and this showcase is a brilliant opportunity to put the country’s fastest growing regional economy on display. Bringing 40 high-growth businesses together with around 180 investors here in Bristol sends another strong signal that our region is open for business. From clean energy and advanced manufacturing, to creative industries and digital and tech, we are building on our reputation as the best place to invest. Guided by our ten-year Growth Strategy, we’re backing innovation and working with partners like the British Business Bank and Innovate UK to unlock investment that helps more businesses start, grow and stay here in the West.”
One participant was Bristol-based Milbotix, which has developed technology to track distress and help prevent falls for people living with dementia.
Dr Zeke Steer, Founder and CEO, said: “Opportunities like the Investor Roadshow are invaluable. Bringing together such a concentrated group of active investors in one room gives us a rare platform to showcase the impact of our technology and our vision for scaling it across the UK and beyond. Access to the right capital at the right time is critical for health innovation. Events like this not only open doors to investment, but also to strategic partnerships and expertise that can help accelerate growth, strengthen our proposition and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with dementia and those who care for them.”
Image source: West of England Combined Authority(Credit: British Business Bank)
