November was another bustling month for the team at GC Angels, packed with progress, partnerships, and plenty of support for Greater Manchester's innovation ecosystem.
Advancing Deals and Supporting Founders
We’re thrilled to report that we’ve moved 3 prospective deals up to our Investment Committee for approval—more on those exciting opportunities next month! Alongside this, we’ve been actively engaging with events across the region, reinforcing our commitment to supporting founders and fostering collaboration.
Building Stronger Foundations with ASCEND
The month began at KPMG's Manchester offices, supporting GM Business Growth Hub’s ASCEND program. The session, themed around constructing financial forecasts, was a masterclass in creating robust, investor-ready financial models. While forecasting might not sound glamorous, it’s a crucial skill for founders seeking to attract investment. Kudos to the experts at KPMG for their engaging and comprehensive guidance!
Founder Roundtable at Sci-Tech Daresbury
Next, we joined Rupert Wingate-Saul at Sci-Tech Daresbury for a Founder Roundtable. This collaborative event provided a platform for entrepreneurs to exchange insights and gain direct feedback from investors, including GC Angels and DSW. We were particularly delighted by the positive reception of our due diligence approach—a rewarding outcome from a truly insightful session.
Supporting Equity-Raising Education with RAISE
Back in Manchester, we partnered with the Access to Finance team at GM Business Growth Hub to deliver their RAISE program, offering a step-by-step breakdown of the equity-raising process. Excellent work from Adam Clayton, Ian Dixon and Heather Waters for their outstanding efforts in empowering founders with this invaluable knowledge!
New Strategic Partnership with TiE UK North
In November, we also forged a strategic partnership with TiE UK North, focusing on early-stage investment advice and funding opportunities for their cohort. This collaboration strengthens our presence in the Northwest and highlights our ongoing dedication to fostering innovation and growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Back to School with StartUp Weekend
We had the pleasure of supporting over 140 budding entrepreneurs at the Startup Weekend organised by the Masood Enterprise Centre (MEC) at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS). The event saw 21 teams of talented University of Manchester students deliver impactful three-minute business pitches for a share of a £5,000 prize. The passion and creativity displayed were nothing short of inspiring—a credit to the entrepreneurs and a fantastic program designed by the new Director of MEC - Aurore Hochard.
Ending the Month on a High Note
Finally, we wrapped up the month at the Turing Innovation Catalyst Winter Social, celebrating the community spirit and innovation that defines Greater Manchester.
With a packed November behind us, we’re heading into December with excitement and anticipation. Stay tuned for some big investment announcements coming soon!
To keep up with all our updates and initiatives, follow us on LinkedIn: GC Angels.