Meet the Investors: Manchester

Meet the Investors is a series of events helping UK tech SMEs navigate scale-up finance. Each event connects SMEs with investors and experts to share insights, funding tips, and networking opportunities.

Other events in the series:

• Meet the Investors: Birmingham - 18 March

• Meet the Investors: Glasgow - 17 June

• Meet the Investors: Leeds - Coming Soon!

In October 2024, techUK published its UK Tech SMEs: Driving Economic Growth and Innovation report, highlighting the importance of SMEs to the UK economy and the challenges they face in achieving their growth ambitions.

Meet the Investors: Manchester will look to address one of the key challenges identified in the report – access to scale-up finance. Through keynotes addresses and a panel discussion, you will hear from a number of investors who work in and around the Manchester area, and have the opportunity to ask them questions.

Event details

Date and Time: 1 April, 14.00 - 17.00

Cost: Free

Location: Manchester

Why you should attend

• Hear about current investment trends and future opportunities

• Learn what investors are looking for when they are approached by businesses seeking investment

• Get tips on securing investment

• Connect with peers and investors during the allocated networking time

Who should attend

If you are a tech SME looking to raise investment to scale your business, come along and hear from investors as they discuss the finance ecosystem in Manchester and top tips for accessing scale-up finance. 

Speakers

Agenda

14.00 - 14.05 | Introduction 


Julian David, CEO, techUK

14.05 - 14.10 | Overview of the region’s tech ecosystem and challenges/opportunities for growth in 2025


Chris Fletcher, Policy Director, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

14.10 - 14.15 | Overview of the investment landscape in the region and opportunities/areas of focus for 2025


Katie Gallagher, Managing Director, Manchester Digital

14.15 - 14.25 | Navigating finance options in the North West


Delyth Edwards, Senior Network Manager, British Business Bank

14.25 - 14.35 | Scale-up story


Matt Bagwell, Chief Marketing Officer, Deep Green

14.35 - 14.55 | Q&A chaired by Ed Bevan, Head of SME Engagement, techUK

14.55 - 15.10 | Break

15.10 - 16.00 | Panel discussion


Chair: Ed Bevan, Head of SME Engagement, techUK
Patrick Molyneux, Head of Products and Partnerships, KPMG Acceleris
Ben Davies, Marketing Director, Praetura Ventures
Laura Wiggins, Investment Director, YFM

16.00 - 17.00 | Networking