Investors are invited to a Dorset Business Angels (DBA) pitch event showcasing five promising ventures in Bournemouth early next month.

The companies represent diverse sectors from healthcare technology to environmental innovation, each demonstrating market validation and clear pathways to growth.

“We’re particularly excited about this February’s event,” said Don McQueen, chair of DBA.

“The range of innovations we’re showcasing represents some of the most promising opportunities we’ve seen.

“What makes this event special is our new ‘meet the founder’ format.

“Building strong relationships between investors and entrepreneurs is crucial for long-term success, and these informal networking sessions will help both sides to really get to know each other before making investment decisions.”

Among the presentations is an ophthalmology platform that has already helped reduce NHS wait times.

The software connects optometrists with hospital specialists, achieving a 91 per cent reduction in outpatient visits during their pilot study.

With 50 optometry practices already onboard and more than 1,000 patients being processed, the company is seeking £750,000 to scale operations.

Next up is a smart ring which gives users hands-free control of various devices, even while wearing gloves.

The business has generated £250,000 in sales since its January 2023 launch and secured a partnership with a major sporting goods supplier.

Another two pitches come from environmental innovators – the first being a local company transforming hard-to-recycle waste into sustainable building materials.

The second provides a circular economy platform for school uniforms, offering up to 70 per cent savings for parents while also tracking environmental impact through ESG metrics.

Completing the lineup is a digital fundraising platform aiming to make charitable giving more accessible and efficient.

By targeting the underserved 85 per cent of registered charities that currently don’t use digital platforms, the company offers lower fees and AI-powered features to connect donors with local causes.

The team have plans for significant market development this year and are seeking £200,000.

Each participating business will deliver a 10-minute pitch presentation to investors followed by a 10-minute Q&A.

Expressions of interest made during the evening will be shared before they leave, and investors staying for dinner will enjoy a two-course meal with wine.

DBA’s new ‘meet the founder’ format will also give investors the chance to engage informally with the founding teams as part of the evening’s networking and welcome drinks.

The event is open to DBA members, high net worth individuals (HNW) and sophisticated investors.

It starts at 5:15pm on Monday 3 February at the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel.

• To book a ticket, visit the Eventbrite page.