Partner Article

Technology project to bring investors to North East

A project marrying the region’s technology companies with the investment needed to become world class has won funding to continue its work. CONNECT North East attracted more than 150 delegates, investors from across the country, national Government departments and corporate-venturing divisions to the security-themed investment conference it hosted in Sedgefield in April.

Nine technology companies from the North East pitched to venture capitalists and investors for between £250,000 and £1m.

CONNECT North East has now won funding from NERIF (the North East Regional Investment Fund) to continue with the project.

Caroline Theobald, managing director of Newcastle-based Bridge Club Ltd, who organise CONNECT, said: “The investment conference was a great success. It was really exciting to see so many major players which was evidence that there is still an appetite for bright ideas despite the economic climate.

“The introductions made at the conference are being followed up and we’re confident there will be new contracts as well as new deals being done in the future.

“We now want to build on the momentum from the conference so that we can continue to connect early stage technology companies with the funding they need to grow.”

Hugh Morgan Williams, chairman of NERIF, said the investment conference showcased the bright talent the region had to offer.

“If CONNECT North East can bring new investment to the region and identify key technology players then they’ll have done a very good job,” he said.

“Caroline Theobald’s enthusiasm for this project plays a huge part in securing the funding. I’m keen to see CONNECT North East’s work continue and develop and to see early stage technology companies have more choice in terms of how they go about finding funding.”

Technology companies can find out more about CONNECT North East at www.connectnortheast.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .