Entrepreneurs and innovators from across the West Midlands will have a unique opportunity to develop and grow their businesses by meeting with potential investors and other cutting-edge companies at a free event next March.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is co-sponsoring Venturefest WM 2023 to connect innovative growth businesses with investors and other support organisations who have specific expertise in innovation.

Venturefest offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to share ideas for co-operation and collaboration, particularly in the fields of science and emerging technologies.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, speaking at a previous Venturefest conference which brings entrepreneurs and investors together

The event is being led by the WMCA and the Innovation Alliance WM, working with its stakeholders, including local enterprise partnerships, universities and Bruntwood, a leading property and support provider to the science and tech sector.

Venturefest will take place between 8am and 5pm on Wednesday March 1 at the Eastside Rooms, Woodcock Street, Birmingham B7 4BL. Places can be booked at Venturefest West Midlands Tickets, Wed 1 Mar 2023 at 08:00 | Eventbrite

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “Our regional economy has certainly had a tough time lately with local people facing challenges ranging from Covid to cost of living pressures.

“As we bounce back, the West Midlands will need to tap in to its deep well of entrepreneurial talent and spirit of innovation. Now - more than ever – companies with high growth potential must get the support they need to widen their knowledge, expand their businesses and secure additional investment. Ultimately this can drive job creation in our region.

“That’s why it’s great news that Venturefest will be back in the West Midlands in March 2023 – helping us to deliver on our important economic mission in the months and years ahead.”

Cllr Ian Brookfield, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and WMCA portfolio holder for the economy and innovation, added: “Science and emerging technologies will be at the heart of the sort of high skilled, high wage economy of the future we are looking to build in the West Midlands.

 “Venturefest is a great event for all local entrepreneurs and innovators in these particular sectors and especially those who are looking to grow their business. I would encourage them to register for it now.”

The Venturefest WM 2023 programme will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition of innovative products of interest to businesses from any sector. 

Venturefest is being backed by several key sponsors including VWV, ICURe Midlands, Birmingham Tech, the British Business Bank and Tin Ventures.

Nathan Guest, corporate partner & head of technology at VWV, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring Venturefest again this year and to be working with our other event partners to showcase emerging science and technology businesses in the West Midlands. 

“Venturefest is a great opportunity for us to reinforce our commitment to the fast-growing West Midlands science and technology sectors and the ecosystem that supports them.

“The event will provide a great platform for entrepreneurs, universities, investors and innovators to meet, engage and to collaborate through sharing ideas and experience. It will also provide young companies with a great opportunity to raise their profile. We were delighted to sponsor Venturefest 2022 and we are thrilled to be able to play a key role in the 2023 event.”

Running alongside the event, which will feature bespoke support for innovative businesses, will be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up - a ‘Dragon's Den' style competition enabling businesses to raise their profile both in the West Midlands and in front of a national audience of investors. Business owners are invited to present their ideas in a pitch for investment.

Over the last five years, Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up - which is run by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, BizzInn at the University of Birmingham and Minerva at the University of Warwick Science Park - has put 125 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors and helped bring over £40,000,000 of investments to the region's small businesses.

Kevin Marks, from ICURe, said: "It's great to be part of Venturefest and Minerva Birmingham PitchUp, to showcase some of the exciting technology emerging from the University network, supported under Innovate UK's ICURe programme. 

"It’s also exciting that for the first time, the audience will be allowed to select the best pitch from the cohort presenting to enter the final of Minerva Birmingham PitchUp."

Dr Pam Waddell, executive chair of Venturefest WM 2023, added: “The interest and enthusiasm for Venturefest WM grows year on year.

“In 2022 we welcomed over 600 delegates and dozens of speakers and in feedback 97% said they would recommend the event!

“The 2023 event is set to be even bigger and better with the usual mix of sessions to learn from and be inspired by, but with a new tech expo and even more exhibitors offering support to your business and networking opportunity.

“Venturefest WM has become the region’s premier event for innovative start-ups, growth businesses and the organisations supporting then – don’t miss it!”

Other sponsors of this year’s event include Penningtons Manches and The University of Birmingham SME Support.

Partners in the event include the University of Warwick Science Park, University of Birmingham Enterprise, Aston University, Birmingham City University and Bruntwood.