Investor interest was shown in all five pitches at the first event of 2023 staged by Dorset Business Angels (DBA).

A record number of new investors attended the quarterly pitch event at the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel.

It featured a diverse mix of sectors and entrepreneurial talent.

The Dragons’ Den style initiative sees each presenting business given a strict ten minutes to make a compelling case for investment,

Ten minutes are then allocated to investors posing questions to the presenting entrepreneurs.

The five pitches were:

• An app platform which claims it allows users to build their own trading strategies ‘in the palm of their hand’ and seeking to raise £500,000.
• A sports recovery and nutritional drink mix brand seeking £270,000 for a 7.5 per cent share of the business.
• A company installing and managing a network of public electric aircraft chargers at remote UK airfields seeking to raise at least £250,000 from Angel investment.
• A video, digital and print content creation and distribution platform for the adventure market seeking £500,000 of equity investment for 15 per cent of the company.
• A health tech SaaS (software as a service) enabled platform seeking £253,000.

Adrian Trevett, BCP Council’s Head of Economic Development, also gave a brief but informative presentation on the key functions of the Economic Development team, its existing priorities and the support available to businesses.

Don McQueen, DBA Chairman, said: “It was great to welcome this expanding group of such experienced and high-calibre investors.

“There was lots of interesting and insightful questioning and discussions with investors drawing on their individual sector experience to probe further.”

DBA is sponsored by Saffery Champness chartered accountants, Ellis Jones Solicitors and Investec Wealth and Investment.

To book a place at the next pitch event in April, please visit dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk/events

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Biz News Gallery – pictures by Kate Shaw/KTPR.

Shaun Gomm, SG Financial; Anthony Story, Silicon South.

Debbie Frith, Dorset Business Angels; Kate Shaw, KTPR.

Owen Griffith, Brian Eastwood and Mike Julien, all investors.

Andrew Doe, Investor; Don McQueen, Dorset Business Angels.

Anthony Story, Silicon South; Adrian Trevett, BCP Council.

Steve Coogan and Mitch Clay, both investors.

Tony Williams, Wessex Entrepreneurs; Andy Perrins, Investor.

Trevor Maund, TRM Consulting; Chris Spackman, Investor; Peter Eales, Dorset Business Angels.

Shelley Collins-Trevett, Dorset LEP; Steve Royffe, Dorset Business Angels.

Robert Jones, Investec; Paul French, Investor.

James Paget, Dorset Business Angels; Mark Kilbey, Saffery Champness.