2pm – 5pm24 March 2026
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, 1-3 Charter Square, Sheffield, S1 4HS
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.
Small businesses are crucial to the UK economy, yet many faces significant challenges in accessing the finance they need to grow. techUK’s Meet the Investors event aims to tackle this issue head on.
In partnership with the British Business Bank, this event will take place in the heart of Sheffield. Through keynote addresses and a panel discussion, you will hear from leading funders who work across the UK, providing you with the opportunity to engage directly and ask them questions.
Event details
Date and Time: 24 March, 14.00 - 17.00
Cost: Free
Location: Sheffield
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 practical tips on securing investment
Make valuable connections with peers and investors during the networking session
Who should attend
This event is ideal for small business actively seeking investment. Whether you’re new to fundraising or preparing for your next round, come along to hear directly from investors about the finance ecosystem in Sheffield and how to position your business for success.
Please note: The views expressed by event participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of techUK or the British Business Bank. Always seek independent, professional advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Overview of the region’s tech ecosystem and challenges/opportunities for growth
14.10 - 14.15
Accelerating growth and driving innovation
14.15 - 14.25
Scaling female-founded businesses
14.25 - 14.35
Scale-up story
14.35 - 14.55
Q&A
14.55 - 15.10
Break
15.10 - 16.00
Panel discussion
Dr Elizabeth Young, Investment Manager, PXN Ventures
16.00 - 17.00
Networking
Ed Bevan
Head of SME Engagement, techUK
Ed Bevan
Head of SME Engagement, techUK
Ed is Head of SME Engagement and is responsible for shaping techUK’s proposition to our SMEs across the country, ensuring our policy work, market access activity and services benefit the SME community.
Prior to working at techUK, Ed worked in the at the Department for International Trade, engaging with a variety of businesses, particularly SMEs, to understand the benefits of Free Trade Agreements and act as case studies in press and social media. Ed has also worked in policy and public affairs within the voluntary sector, namely the Alzheimer’s Society and the Men’s Health Forum.
Ed holds a MA in International Relations from Leiden University, and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his son, travelling, and visiting historical sites.
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
UK Tech SMEs: Driving Economic Growth and Innovation
This report illustrates the critical impact of tech SMEs across the nations and regions. techUK has combined quantitative data from Beauhurst with interviews from tech SMEs to provide both the current macroeconomic picture of tech SMEs, but also the economic and social impact made by individual tech SMEs.
Do you have a trailblazer in your team?
Do you work with an innovator or a problem solver?
Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.
Lizzy is responsible for deal origination, investment appraisal, due diligence, fundraising, investment execution, and managing follow-on funding for portfolio companies – specialising in deepTech and healthTech.
She previously worked at ACF Investors, a sector-agnostic UK-wide co-investment Fund. Lizzy has a PhD in Medical Engineering from the University of Leeds, where she researched spinal cord injury and worked on a digital health startup secondment. She also contributed to the Creator Fund, supporting the Northern pre-seed ecosystem for students and spinouts.
Please note that techUK’s office will be closed from 12:00pm on 24 December.
We will reopen on 2 January.
We wish you a happy holiday season and look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year!
