Entrust Investor Forum offers private investment opportunity for businesses

Investor Forum, the most established business angel network in the North East, is looking for companies who wish to ‘pitch’ at their forthcoming presentation evenings.   

Investor Forum, managed by regional business support organisation Entrust, provides a show-case for high-growth and knowledge-based companies to present their investment proposals to an audience of local and national investors, syndicates, wealth managers, Venture Capitalists and leading figures from the region’s professional services community.

Since June 2009, 31 companies have been intensively supported by Entrust to become ‘pitch ready’ and present to the business angel network, with these companies looking to raise finance totalling £14.8m. So far £6.7m has been raised, with a series of forums planned throughout the remainder of 2011. The Forum now has more than 300 potential investors linked to the network and regularly holds presentation evenings.

Ross Linnett, Managing Director of regional web software company Recite Me, who recently pitched for investment, commented: “Our pitch at the Investor Forum was very positive, with two investors expressing their interest, which is fantastic. We’re looking to expand into international markets, particularly Australia. We haven’t tried the banks for lending as it’s simply a no-go. Banks lend against risk, so if they can take something from you, like your house, or assets, they’ll lend. We haven’t got assets, and I haven’t got a house so they can’t have that. So to be able to pitch for investment in an arena like this was a great opportunity.” 

Companies that take up the opportunity to pitch are intensively supported throughout the process.  Applications to present can be made by contacting Kate Watson on 0191 244 4027 or email k.watson@entrust.co.uk .  

Further information on Investor Forum is available at www.entrust.co.uk.