Author: Marisa Scullion

Meet the Investor: Robin Leigh

Robin Leigh is a highly experienced private angel investor and deal structurer, with extensive knowledge of investing in the UK and Asia. In the first of our two part interview, Robin details his shift from corporate finance to early-stage business support and the importance of trust and transparency in investor-founder relationships. He also reveals his key criteria for backing startups, why ‘under promising’ and ‘over delivering’ is key.

Why did you become an angel investor?

With my background as a qualified City lawyer, corporate finance adviser and McKinsey consultant I realised I had a wide range of skills, useful to small businesses but which they can’t typically afford. So as well as investing I enjoy taking an active role in business-building where I can lend those skills to the startups. read more

Meet the Investor: Kelly Clifford


Kelly Clifford is an experienced CFO turned angel investor, who reveals the crucial financial insights startups often overlook. He discusses the incredible potential of ‘Tech for Good’, why transparency is key to successful  startup-investor relationships and the single most impactful action founders can take to improve their financial health

Why did you become an angel investor? 

Most entrepreneurs are exceptional at building products and solving problems, but they often struggle with the financial side—whether it’s unit economics, pricing strategy, or  financial forecasting. As an experienced CFO, I bring a unique combination of financial numeracy, empathy, and entrepreneurial experience to help them navigate these challenges.  read more

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

#SixtySecondStartup

Welcome to the first in the series of our #SixtySecondStartup blog. Each month we will be profiling a different founder with some quick fire questions.

This week we are talking to Julian Hall, Founder of Ultra Education C.I.C. Ultra Education teaches young people aged 7-18 entrepreneurial skills to help them grow or start a business. Through their app they ensure that all young people, regardless of their background, have access to the tools needed to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Our interview with Julian: read more