- It is aimed at potential angel investors interested in contributing to the growth of the West Midlands economy
- Angel investors are private investors focused on financing small business ventures in exchange for equity
- The event, in collaboration with Minerva Business Angels, will take place at John Cadbury House on Thursday 8 February 2024.
The Aston Centre for Growth is set to host a symposium with Minerva Business Angels at the Aston University's Enterprise Hub in John Cadbury House as part of its strategy to support more high growth entrepreneurs in the region.
The event aims to offer expert help and guidance to potential angel investors interested in contributing to the growth of the West Midlands ecosystem.
An angel investor is someone who invests their own money in a small business in exchange for a minority stake. They must be an existing member of a club of angel investors, or a business angel syndicate, with a professional background in private equity, venture capital or the provision of finance and have prior experience of investing in unlisted companies.
Speakers will include Professor Mark Hart (Aston University), Alex Toft (Minerva Business Angels) and Kameese Davis (founder, Nylah's Naturals). There will also be panel discussions with industry experts chaired by Jenny Tooth (UKBAA) and Lisa Smith (CEO, Mindforge).
Professor Mark Hart, associate director of the Aston Centre for Growth, said:
“The importance of appropriate sources of external finance is crucial for small business growth and while there are many debt and equity options available across the West Midlands the willingness of angel investors to get involved in the initial scaling of micro-enterprises, allied to their expertise, makes the role of Minerva Birmingham in the finance ecosystem an essential one.”
Kameese Davis, founder of Nylah’s Naturals and the winner of the Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up 2023 competition, said:
“I'm thrilled to have secured an angel investor via Minerva. My investor is incredibly friendly and has been instrumental in refining our pitching process.
“I am also looking forward to speaking at the Minerva Symposium event at Aston University on 8 February to share my story.”
The event will take place on Thursday 8 February from 0900 – 1300 hrs.
You can book your place at the symposium here.
- Notes to Editors
-
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk