Fusion Bootcamp: Cohort Kicks Off
The Fusion Connect Capital Bootcamp took place on the 3rd and 4th of December in London, marking the official start of the second cohort’s journey towards investment completion. This dynamic, two-day event brought together11 high-stakes ventures with a distinguished group of investment experts, creating a space for impactful learning, networking, and collaboration.
Nima Eskandari speaking with Marla Shapiro during Fusion’s Bootcamp.
Meet the Cohort
The second cohort is an impressive assembly of ventures poised to make waves in the commercial space industry. Selected from among the UK’s most promising space entrepreneurs, these 11 ventures are tackling diverse challenges with cutting-edge solutions. From sustainable marine monitoring to real-time 3D printing defect detection and advanced biotechnology research in orbit, this pioneering group is delivering transformative technologies that will shape the future of space innovation.
Hear from Jo Nisbet, one of our Investment Experts who attended the Bootcamp, as she shares her insights on the cohort.
Day 1: Collaboration and Foundational Skills
The Bootcamp began with an engaging icebreaker session where each venture delivered a concise one-minute pitch. Feedback from fellow cohort members set the tone for open dialogue and collective growth, while input from the esteemed investment experts brought invaluable perspectives.
The first day continued with three dynamic sessions:
Operational Investment Readiness, led by Ashleigh Dinter, delved into the practical steps required to position ventures for successful fundraising. During this session, there was a high level of involvement from the investment experts, who guided an open and collaborative discussion. Participants had the opportunity to ask specific questions and engage deeply with the material.
Raise Like a Pro by a Pro, delivered by David Levine, provided actionable insights on structuring and executing a capital raise. David’s session covered various approaches to raising capital, highlighting key considerations for each method to help ventures strategise effectively.
Personal & Team Credibility, co-hosted by Rebecca Robinson and Elaine Harding, included an interactive exercise where participants posted on LinkedIn, tagging fellow cohort members to build their profiles. The session dived into the differences between personal branding versus business profiles, fostering a deeper understanding of how credibility at both levels impacts investor trust.
In the picture, Alexis Smith and Morgan Killick speaking with Flow Collingwood.
Between sessions, participants seized the opportunity to network, exchanging ideas and forming connections. The day concluded with informal drinks, further fostering meaningful connections in a relaxed setting.
Day 2: Sharpening the Investor Approach
The second day was dedicated to deepening the cohort’s understanding of investor relations and honing their pitching skills:
Investor Relationships & Who to Target, led by Morgan Killick, offered practical advice on identifying the right investors and building meaningful connections. This session explored different types of investors, helping ventures determine the best fit for their specific needs and scenarios.
Pitching & Pitch Deck, delivered by Marla Shapiro, focused on crafting compelling narratives and designing pitch decks that resonate with investors. Participants gained insights into structuring their stories to highlight unique value propositions and tailoring their pitch decks to capture investor interest effectively.
In the picture: Yasmin Muneer, Kristina Pereckaite and Dr. Aqeel Shamsul.
The interactive nature of these sessions empowered participants to apply the learnings immediately, ensuring they left with actionable takeaways to enhance their investor engagement strategies. Following these sessions, the day concluded with a Q&A panel featuring all the investment experts, led by Andy Grey. This open forum provided an opportunity for the cohort to dive deeper into specific questions, gain diverse perspectives, and address challenges unique to their ventures, further solidifying the collaborative and insightful environment of the Bootcamp.
An Expert-Led Experience
Fusion’s network of investment experts played a pivotal role in shaping the Bootcamp. In addition to the session leads, attendees benefited from the presence of Kristina Pereckaite, Jo Nisbet, and Andy Grey, who offered insights and mentorship throughout the event.
David Levine presenting during Bootcamp.
Building Momentum for Success
The December Bootcamp was not just an introduction—it was a launchpad. The second cohort now embarks on a journey featuring 1:1 coaching with investment experts and culminating in Demo Day on the 4th of March 2025.
With the foundations laid during this Bootcamp, the second cohort is equipped to take decisive steps toward their investment goals. Armed with actionable insights, strengthened networks, and bolstered confidence, they are poised to make a lasting impact in the space sector.