UK Business Angels Association

Member news: South East Angels Marks £2.4 Million Invested in 27 Startups, Closing a Milestone 2024 South East Angels has closed 2024 with significant milestones, reinforcing its position as a leading angel syndicate in the South East of England. Dedicated to supporting innovative founders and fostering impactful investment opportunities, South East Angels has continued to contribute to the growth of the early-stage investment ecosystem in the UK. This year, South East Angels invested £1.1m into 9 startups, bringing its total investments to £2.4m across 27 companies since its inception. Notably, 46% of this year’s investments supported female-led founding teams, underlining SEA’s commitment to diversity in early-stage ventures. Nearly half of the businesses funded qualified for SEIS, offering investors tax-efficient opportunities. To explore the group’s achievements, read the full article and view their end-of-year report here: https://lnkd.in/eCgPFgXA

Member News: Development Bank backs popular coffee shop business with seven-figure backing Dog-welcoming coffee shop business with premises across South Wales and South-West England is set to grow following a £1.7 million investment from the Development Bank of Wales in a deal advised on by Grant Thornton UK LLP. The business now plans to open a number of new Labs in south Wales and the south-west of England, backed with investment from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund. The expansion plans are due to create 40 new jobs over the next 12 to 18 months. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/es9bHefN

Member News: Automotive specialist diagnoses expansion with £100,000 investment Laura Hall, the Managing Director of Wrexham-based Maverick Diagnostics is preparing for expansion following an investment of £100,000 by the Development Bank of Wales The £100,000 loan will enable Maverick Diagnostics to continue to grow the range of diagnostic tools and technical support that the team of 12 offers automotive workshops and garages throughout the UK. The company is developing an automatic software deployment system that will provide regular software updates plus preparing to launch a battery refurbishment and diagnostics service for electric vehicles in early 2025. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/enKf7NiT

Member News: Digital experts secure £1.2 million investment to drive innovation and create a new way of working Cardiff-based technology consultancy Stable is set to accelerate its growth and innovation with a £1.2 million equity and debt investment from the Development Bank of Wales. Founded in 2001 by Ans and David Aspden, Stable is a leading UK provider of freelance technology expertise and solutions, particularly in cloud technology, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Stable works with a wide range of organisations, including government departments and private sector clients. In 2023, Stable was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies. The company now employs 60 staff and its turnover is projected to exceed £19 million by 2026. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ektp_jR2

Member News: The Bettii Pod Secures £337,000 to Revolutionise Menstrual Product Hygiene with Support from Lifted Ventures Bettii Ltd, a pioneering FemTech start-up founded in 2021 by CEO Elaine Galston, has successfully raised £337,000 to further its mission of normalising and destigmatising menstruation while promoting sustainable menstrual practices. The Bettii Pod’s innovative menstrual cup/disc washer is designed for installation within the cubicles of away from home toilets, addressing the practical challenges faced by users of reusable menstrual products. By focusing on convenience and hygiene, the company is poised to drive adoption of sustainable menstrual solutions, advancing the FemTech hardware sector. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/evtCYH9G

Member News: Michelmores expands angel investor network into Cheltenham Following the success of the Michelmores Angel Investor Network (MAINstream) in the South West, the Firm is pleased to be launching a new network in Cheltenham. The Firm recently hosted a successful Pitch Event at The Clarence Social in Cheltenham. The positive uptake and feedback on the event, attended by a number of investors and high-quality pitching companies, demonstrated a clear appetite for an angel investor network in the area. Found out more here: https://lnkd.in/ejQHpwM3

Member News: Northstar Ventures lead £1.6m funding round into Wordnerds Gateshead-based Wordnerds innovative AI customer insight analysis tool has gained the company £720,000 of investment from Northstar Ventures as part of a £1.6m a funding round. Several well-known organisations such as Sainsbury's, Marks and Spencer, Network Rail and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are using Wordnerds’ product, which enables them to identify in real time how customers talk and what they talk about. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eZcUEHJV

Member News: FSE Investor Network Fuels Growth Across Diverse Sectors Business angels from the FSE Investor Network, in collaboration with investment funds and funding escalators managed by The FSE Group have recently made significant contributions to the growth and innovation of several FSE portfolio companies. FSE’s Investor Network Manager, Trevor Jones, remarked: “Our network is committed to empowering high-growth UK companies across various sectors. We believe in the potential of these entrepreneurs and are dedicated to supporting their journey towards success. The diverse expertise and substantial experience of our business angels play a crucial role in driving these companies forward.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eEuaSYgR

📈 Unlock Innovation in healthcare Discover the benefits of becoming a business angel and supporting new medical developments at this Angel Activation Session! Join Medilink UK on 22nd January 2025 in Newcastle, where you'll learn how to make a meaningful impact on global health and wellbeing. Guest speakers will include Professor Sir John Burn, Professor of Clinical Genetics at Newcastle University & Chairman of QuantuMDx, and Roderick Beer, Managing Director, UKBAA. Jake Timothy, Neurosurgeon & Founder of HAEMOCONCEPTS LIMITED, will also be speaking on the importance of early-stage funding for new start-up companies. Book your place now: https://lnkd.in/enqyUzgF Appleyard Lees IP LLP | RBC Brewin Dolphin | British Business Bank | Hill Dickinson LLP | Newcastle University | The North East Fund Ltd. | Northstar Ventures UK | UK Business Angels Association

🏆NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN🏆 We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 UKBAA Angel Investment Awards! Let's come together to celebrate the incredible success and unwavering determination of the angel and early-stage investment community. 🌟 Join us in honouring the brilliant founders, angels, crowd funders, and early-stage venture capital investors who make it all happen. It's your chance to recognise the outstanding contributions in the industry. Nominating is easy and free of charge. You can you nominate for multiple awards, as well as self-nominate too. ⌛Nominations will close on 28th March, so don't miss out on the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the game-changers in angel investment. To make your nomination visit https://lnkd.in/eTmwFwpu #UKBAAAwards