Author: Marisa Scullion

Startup Essentials: Reverse-Engineer Your Pitch Deck for Investor Success

Your pitch deck is the gateway to securing the funding you need to turn your vision into reality. Yet so many founders fall at this hurdle. In our latest Startup Essentials article we hear from pitch deck coach Malcolm Lewis on creating effective pitch decks that attract investors. He highlights the need for two versions of the deck: one for sending ahead and a more concise one for presentations. Plus why the strength of the pitch needs to win out over a flashy design.

At its core, a pitch deck is the combination of your pitch (your story) and your deck (your slides). However, too many founders lose focus, prioritising eye-catching designs and flashy graphics at the expense of a clear, compelling pitch.  read more

Meet the Investor: Colin Boey

Colin Boey is a global investor and syndicate leader, renowned for his strategic insights and successful ventures in the B2B SaaS sector. With a keen eye for innovation and growth, Colin’s discusses the importance of founder-investor alignment and common fundraising misconceptions. He has also shares his views on the ongoing benefits of SEIS/EIS for the UK’s startup landscape and why he’s not chasing AI ‘for the sake of it’.

Why did you become an angel investor?

I’ve always been fascinated by tech. Before becoming an angel investor, I focused on investing in publicly listed tech companies. During my time as an investment banker, I advised on fundraises for high-growth private companies, which introduced me to the world of early-stage venture and angel investing. It felt like a light bulb moment. read more

Meet The Investor: Hailey Eustace

In our second Meet The Investor interview, we speak to Hailey Eustace, founder of Commplicated and now a passionate DeepTech angel investor. Driven by her desire to work with companies and founders she truly believes in, Hailey shares her journey from entrepreneur to investor, the unique opportunities in deeptech and the qualities she values most in founders.

Why did you become an angel investor? 

I worked as a deeptech VC over ten years ago in the US and really enjoyed it and since then I have worked in deeptech, including at a neurotech startup in Cambridge for five years helping it to grow from preseed to series A+.  read more

Inside the Accelerator : Considered Capital

Are you seeking an alternative funding route for your impact-focused business? Then Considered Capital’s Alternative Funding School could be for you. 

In the last of our Inside the Accelerator series we speak with founder Esme Verity, who talks us through the six-week virtual cohort-based programme. Their focus is on providing practical insights and a supportive community, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the diverse landscape of alternative funding sources. 

With over 97% of previous participants recommending the programme, this accelerator is revolutionizing the way startups approach fundraising, breaking away from the conventional VC mould, and encouraging founders to think outside the box for a funding fit that aligns with their values. Read on. read more

Inside the Accelerator: Hotbed

For startups navigating the investment landscape, finding the right support and connections can be a game-changer. Enter Hotbed, the virtual accelerator redefining the startup landscape by fostering inclusivity, empowering founders, and building a thriving community. 

Since its launch in May ’22, Hotbed has been a guiding light for over 400 pre-seed and seed stage startups, providing them with invaluable resources, mentorship, and connections to fuel their growth. In the next in our Inside the Accelerator series we speak to co-founders Perdie Alder and Margaret Anne Coyle, as they share the core principles  of Hotbed, its focus on breaking down barriers, driving diversity and inclusion, tailoring programmes and the power of community. Could they be your new BFF? read more