Michael Wood

techUK recently asked me to share views on #scaleup #investment challenges, which are condensed into a 3 minute blog post below. Hopefully an interesting read for UK tech entrepreneurs, VCs and policy makers... The opportunity to improve the landscape is clear. 🇬🇧

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The UK has a world-leading start-up ecosystem. Now is the time for the government to deliver the conditions for these businesses to scale and be the Growth Engines the economy needs. Growth Engines is the CBI's new scale-up playbook which sets out recommendations the government can implement to support businesses to scale. Developed with members at various stages of scaling, the playbook spans four areas: pro-innovation regulation, unleashing investment, harnessing our national assets and access to the best talent.  As Rain Newton-Smith says in her op-ed in today's City AM: “With bright spots emerging in our economy and a new government geared towards change, this can and must be the time for growth: a moment when we turn from the short-term shock-absorption of recent years to the long-term, sustainable growth we so badly need. Seizing that moment starts with looking not just to the businesses of today, but also those of tomorrow: the scale-ups that will be the engines of our future growth and the source of innovations that will help solve the problems of tomorrow.” #GrowthEngines Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/482kwrz  

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Lemon Raises £500K in Pre Seed Funding Round to Enable SMBs to Save Thousands on SaaS Spending Co-Founder and CEO of Lemon Matt Bird commented: “It’s clear that we’re going through a really interesting period for SMBs at the moment,. Taking into consideration the challenging economic landscape with funding drying up everywhere you turn, SMBs now need the tools and services to help them build better businesses as cost-efficiently as possible. With software being the third largest spend for an SMB, we really think Lemon can become a core part of how an SMB uses SaaS. https://lnkd.in/eHzkqN5v Koen Christiaens Edward Stevenson #fintech #finance #banking #paytech #payments #fintechnews #paymentsnews

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**Key Market Insights** **VC Investment** Some great commentary from Patrick Molyneux of KPMG | Acceleris at the Lancashire Digital Hub event on Friday, outlining VC investment over the first quarter of 2024. AI & ML is still front and central in tech, with 10 of 24 global unicorns sitting in the field. Huge investment has been seen in Cleantech, with regulations dictating necessity for products. The re-emergence of Crypto & Blockchain (5 of 24 global unicorns), with Blockchain tech being adopted in to antiquated/legacy industries. B2B and SaaS products are still sitting top of the tree when it comes to investment. Key takeaways from the current market: 1) A lot of capital is flowing 2) Deal value is ahead of 2019 market 3) Deal volume is behind 2019 market (more being invested in fewer businesses) 4) M&A market looking busier and the first signs of the IPO window starting to creep open. A read through KPMGs Venture Pulse, would be advised; https://lnkd.in/dpTZSJZ6 #tech #AL #ML #Cleantech #Blockchain #VC #Investment [email protected] Building teams that deliver.

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As a pre-seed startup in the UK, my experience mirrors this new strong data. I was lucky enough to find some fantastic first round investors who were willing to go on a capital-intensive journey to innovate, but an astonishingly few VCs in the UK - and the EU - were excited to take outsized risks for our outsized returns. Instead, many were looking for revenue at pre-seed on a tech-centric build: low risk, medium reward. (There were of course other reasons that some people passed, some excellent concerns & feedback, and some stellar funds in the UK, but I am 90% sure that my round as a whole would have been much easier in the USA.) Given my experience, the fact that I'm a US citizen as well, and the experience of nearly every other founder, I strongly predict that my next raise will be skewed to the USA. I will definitely be putting more energy there in the beginning. The UK has amazing SEIS and EIS, which moves money from the wealthy individuals into innovation, but the industry as a whole isn't there yet. (And those of you with SEIS and EIS with us, don't worry - if I do a flip, I'll do it correctly to protect you!)

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The October issue of Entrepreneur UK is out, and it’s packed with invaluable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage! 💡 This month features interviews with top business leaders like Antony Jenkins CBE of 10x Banking, Kevin Gaskell on scaling businesses, Joseph Valente with actionable advice for ambitious founders, and Mike Greene (Success Is A System) on embracing failure as a catalyst for success. Gaia’s Nader AlSalim busts the myth that co-founders are essential, and Alexandra Depledge, MBE, CEO of Resi, shares how community accelerates growth. In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month, Alex Wright, CEO of DASH Water, talks about how his dyslexic thinking helped create a planet-friendly brand. 🌍 Don’t miss out on this inspiring read! #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth #EntrepreneurUK

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Navigating the capital landscape can be a make-or-break challenge for startups. Our latest blog post dives deep into the world of startup funding in the UK, exploring: > The diverse funding ecosystem, from bootstrapping to VC > Government schemes that could boost your startup > Key challenges in accessing capital > Strategies to improve your chances of securing funding > Emerging trends shaping the future of UK startup finance Click the link to read the full article! 👇 https://wix.to/EI7D55M #UKStartups #StartupFunding #EntrepreneurialJourney #VentureCapital #InnovationFinance #BeYourOwnBoss #Pulse #PulseIsHere

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🚨NEWS: FinTech West launches new funding initiatives to support startup growth on the South Coast 🚀 Two new funding initiatives have been announced by FinTech West’s South Coast Hub for FinTech startups based in the region which aim to bring together potential investors with the next generation of FinTech entrepreneurs from Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the surrounding area. The funding initiatives, announced today at the FinTech West South Coast Summer Showcase make money available to support the early growth of FinTech businesses in the region. The first funding initiative will establish a FinTech-focused group of angel investors with the specific purpose of providing pre-seed funding, writing the first cheques for founders with breakthrough ideas. The second initiative will bring a group of early-stage venture capital firms to the region to showcase the FinTech ecosystem and the firms that are operating locally. This will help to further develop early stage businesses with initial traction into fully fledged businesses, and put the region firmly on the UK FinTech map. With 48% of FinTechs now based outside London, this initiative is specifically focused on providing more startups with access to the funding and support needed to locate and grow their operations on the South Coast. Commenting on these initiatives, Joe Parkin, Managing Partner of FinTech Growth Fund who is leading the programme said: “Over the last two years, foundations of a successful FinTech ecosystem have been laid in the area, and now is the time to bring capital and expertise to help the successful development of these early stage businesses” Matthew Stammers, Chair of FinTech West South Coast Steering Group Board also commented: “In the past, there have been few technology-based funding vehicles specific to our region. The South West has been known for its thriving FinTech community, so fostering growth here is vital. “We’re looking to connect successful entrepreneurs who have experience of scaling high-growth businesses themselves and who have a strong connection to the region, with the next generation of founders looking to establish their businesses here. We’d love to hear from anyone looking to invest, or anyone looking to start their businesses here.” FinTech West - South Coast was launched in September 2023 supported by BCP Council and Dorset LEP (hosted by Barclays Eagle Labs). The Steering Group was formed in early 2024 and is composed of an eight-strong team who represent local areas of expertise or need. Claire Main Bournemouth and Poole College iplicit David Mutton FinTech Compliance

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We’re delighted that our Founder & CEO, Chris Gregg 🚀, had a voice in Whitecap Consulting's new report on “Scaling UK Regional FinTech’s”. Some very interesting results from the research conducted and great insights from leaders of scaling UK FinTech businesses. Read the report here 👉 https://bit.ly/3vQwndB #FinTech #ScalingBusiness #FinancialTechnology

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In the competitive landscape of UK business, attracting and retaining top talent is paramount. For small business owners, tech startup founders and corporate executives, this challenge is particularly acute. One solution lies in the strategic use of EMI Share Option Schemes. https://lnkd.in/exXDT7AB #startupuk #emischeme #shareoptionscheme #jpplaw #commericallaw #commercialsolicitor

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Who is the Carbon13 Venture Launchpad for? The Venture Launchpad works with teams who are looking to raise their first round of investment. This ranges from teams work shopping early-stage ideas, all the way to established businesses with revenue. We’re seeking applications from: • Teams of two or more founders • UK-registered businesses • Businesses working on direct carbon removal or products or services that aim to reduce emissions, from robotic recycling to soil health measurement • Scalable innovations working on the future of food systems or on the use of land, sea and nature for Net Zero. If your business meets these criteria, and you’d like to join a programme that helps support early-stage founding teams to work intensively on their carbon impact, investment readiness and go-to-market strategy then apply now. https://lnkd.in/ezjFJ-mQ

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🇬🇧 An essential session for founders & investors alike! 🌟 As part of the UK Business Angels Association's (UKBAA) Friday Focus series, our very own Elliott Gaspar will be leading a webinar on "How to Value an Early-Stage Business". 📅 Date: Friday 14 June 2024 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM BST Understanding how to value a business is crucial at any funding stage. Whether you are preparing for your next funding round or looking to invest, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of valuation. 👉 Sign up now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/4bmhhf4

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As Prime Minister Keir Starmer gets ready to present a challenging budget this October, businesses across the UK are likely to be watching closely to see how these new fiscal policies will reshape the landscape. While Starmer promises that the wealthiest will shoulder most of the financial load, there are growing concerns about the broader impact on the UK’s innovation sector. Some fear the proposed measures by The Labour Party could hinder growth, while others believe they are necessary steps to address past economic issues. What does this mean for investment opportunities and scalability in an already challenging market? Our CEO Dan Buckley had the chance to share his perspective alongside other startup leaders in this latest feature by TechRound Read more here https://lnkd.in/g2U-rSBE #UKBudget #Startups #EconomicStrategy #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartupCommunity #Investing #TechStartups #Leadership #EconomicOutlook #FounderLife #AgileBusiness

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Manchester, the country’s biggest tech ecosystem outside of London, is also home to nearly two thousand high-growth companies. No wonder Venture Capital firms are looking to Manchester to find the next big thing. 📈 Learn what VCs look for in companies, what the most well-known startups from Manchester are, and discover 5 Manchester-based VC firms worth watching. Praetura Ventures, DSW Ventures, GC Angels, B7 VENTURES LIMITED, KM Capital 👏 #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #startup #startups #investors #manchester Read more 👇  https://lnkd.in/dmZTmur9

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As part of Manchester City Council's strategy around investment in Digital and Technology, I'm working with Manchester Digital to get input from founders, investors and accelerators in Greater Manchester (or those supporting businesses in Great Manchester). This piece of work is intended to document where each of the major pieces within the eco-system sit, identify any gaps and make recommendations to public sector stakeholders as to how they can support Manchester in its ambition to becoming a major force for UK startups. Your views are key to getting this right, so we would highly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete the short Founder survey whether you have received investment or not, and ensure we get the best outcomes for the tech startup scene. 🔥 Founders - https://lnkd.in/ewGHbxPM 💰 Investors - https://lnkd.in/e7yadFH8 🚀 Accelerators - https://lnkd.in/eTpGUsKf

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📈 Invest in the Future! We’re on Our Way… The countdown is on! Invest Connect Marketplace isn’t just another investment platform – it’s a complete, end-to-end ecosystem built to connect investors with the most promising UK entrepreneurs. Unlike other platforms, we provide a holistic marketplace experience with exclusive, fully vetted opportunities, backed by a network of professional service providers to support every stage of the investment journey. 🚀 From discovery to due diligence and beyond, we make it seamless to connect, collaborate, and invest in startups positioned to make a real impact. If you’re a game-changer looking for a marketplace designed with your goals in mind, stay tuned for updates as we gear up for launch! 🔥 #Investing #StartupFunding #EndToEndSolutions #ProfessionalServices #ComingSoon #InnovateWithUs #InvestConnectMarketplace #FutureOfInvestment #UKEntrepreneurs #Startup

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Venture investment is a critical component of the UK's economic growth, particularly in fostering innovation and supporting startups. For entrepreneurs, understanding how venture capital works and what it entails is the first step towards successfully securing funding and growing their business. While the path of venture-backed growth is challenging, the potential rewards in terms of resources, expertise, and financial gain are considerable. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or an investor looking to get into venture capital, the UK offers a dynamic and supportive ecosystem for venture investment. By nurturing innovation and risk-taking, venture capital continues to be a driving force behind the UK's most promising enterprises. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eBwk84Br #VentureInvestment #Investments

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