Early stage risk finance in the UK

 On Tuesday 19th May NESTA is launching two new research reports which explore the two forms of early stage risk finance that have become increasingly important over the  recent years, namely Business Angels and Micro Funds.

"Funding UK start-ups: the role of Micro Funds"

Micro Funds, small venture capital funds managing £30 million or less that invest less than £2m in their portfolio companies, are very significant players in the early stage equity investment environment, a prominence reflecting increasing government sponsorship.

Dr Andy Cosh and Dr Samantha Sharpe, Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University will present the report “The role of Micro Funds in financing new technology based firms”.

This report is the result of a partnership sponsored by NESTA between the Centre for Business Research at Cambridge University, The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and IQ Capital partners. The research examines the portfolio of a large Cambridge-based fund to characterise the Micro Fund investment experience for the fund and its portfolio firms, looking at the role that Micro Funds investing play in their financial pathways.

"Siding with the Angels" Launch Event

NESTA in collaboration with the BBAA launches the UK’s largest research project into Angel investment. Angel investing is clearly an essential source of funding and support for a huge number of early stage and start-up businesses. This research greatly improves our understanding of angels’ investment approach and experience, what returns are being made and what factors affect successful investment.

Professor Robert Wiltbank, Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Willamette University, who led the research will present the report findings and will then join a panel discussion to explore the reports implications; including contributions from Professor Colin Mason, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Hunter Centre, Strathclyde University; Sherry Coutu, Serial angel investor and Anthony Clarke, Managing Director, GLE Growth Capital and chairman of the British Business Angels Association.