The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub and Lifted Ventures have launched the ‘North Yorkshire Stars’ pilot project, an initiative aimed at making start-ups and early-stage businesses ready for investment.
Offering a pathway to pitch ideas and attract angel investment, the programme is a fully-funded 12-hour support initiative, with in-person and virtual events and workshops. Open to all sectors, the pilot project will support diversity and founders from all backgrounds.
Lifted Ventures, Co-Founded by Helen Oldham and Jordan Dargue, exists to increase the flow of early-stage capital for diverse founders outside London.
Helen Oldham said: “As ‘North Yorkshire Stars’ takes flight, we want to ensure that every business owner, with their unique vision and background, has a place to shine and thrive.”
Lifted Ventures will guide participants through the process of making their businesses investment ready. This includes specialist advice and finishes with in a unique opportunity to pitch to seasoned investors.
The comprehensive programme covers several key aspects for investment readiness. These include developing business plans, exploring options for funding, preparing financial projections, legal considerations, support structures, and governance.
Participants will create a winning elevator pitch and their own investor ‘pitch deck’. One-to-one coaching sessions will help refine this and prepare for investor meetings. The programme concludes with the opportunity to present to a panel of angel investors, featuring Q&A sessions and valuable feedback.
The overall goals of the project include introducing businesses to local investors, directly preparing them for investment, and boosting angel investment in North Yorkshire.
Simon Middleton, Delivery Manager for the Growth Hub, said: “I’m really pleased to be working with Lifted Ventures to deliver this first of its kind programme in North Yorkshire. We look forward to hearing from business owners when application open at the end of this month.”
