Tech firms to face the Dragon’s Lair

START-ups in the digital and tech sector are being given the chance to face the north west’s very own Dragons next week.
Occupying a “lair” rather than the “den” which gave its name to the television programme, a panel of experts will watch eight companies present a pitch and then grill the entrants on their business plans.
The event is being organised by Northern Start-up 2.0. Founder Manoj Ranaweera said there were still two places left for companies who wanted to face the Dragon’s Lair.
He said: “Each pitching company gets five minutes to present – in most cases they give an introduction of what the company does, the team and the progress they hope to make.
“It’s not just money that companies are after, there’s a lot of expertise and knowledge shared.
“It is also a chance for companies to articulate their message – it helps sharpen their own presentation skills. “
The event is the second in this format that Northern Start-up 2.0 has hosted with the first one in December leading to ongoing negotiations about funding for one of the companies which pitched.
Mr Ranaweera said the pitch was often only the start of the relationship. “It’s not like the TV show where there’s a big bang and then that’s it, there’s more co-operation because this is a community. “
The Dragons waiting to pounce in the liar are;
* Nic Brisbourne
Nic has been in venture capital since 2000. In that time he has worked in London, Europe and Silicon Valley. His main areas of focus have been software and media. Prior to DFJ Esprit he was with Reuters Venture Capital.
* Simon Howship
An experienced MD, CEO and COO, Simon has real hands on experience running a range of businesses from small start up through to plc he is currently working on several internet and telephony projects and is looking for new and exciting opportunities to get involved in.
* Carl Allen
Has more than 15 year’s experience as an investor and management consultant in growing both enterprise and small to medium businesses he has a very strong network in the VC, technology and North West SME marketplace and also serves as a regional chairman of business relations for the Conservative Party.
* Scott Fletcher
One of the country’s leading entrepreneurs, has over 18 years experience in the IT industry. Starting in business at the young age of 17 he ran various small businesses alongside his main career in IT.
* Amin Amiri
Regarded as an innovative and entrepreneurial corporate financier with an impressive track record of successful investing in and advising private companies and other accomplishments. He is probably the only corporate financier in the North of England who completed his post graduate studies at Harvard Business School.
The event at University of Manchester Incubator Company (UMIC) – Manchester Biosciences Incubator in Grafton Street is aimed at the digital, IT and telecommunications sector.
The companies that have already signed up to the event are PostDox – e-invoicing platform ; RecycleLocal; Tourdust – Travel; DataNovata and edocr.
Companies who want to pitch at the event on Thursday, March 26 should contact Mr Ranaweera on 07769734491 or via the website www.nwstartup20.co.uk.