Fusion’s Pinnacle Demo Day
Catalysing Investment at Ignite Space and Fusion Demo Day.
Fusion Demo Day is a celebration of the unique innovation and ambition of the UK space sector. It welcomes investors into the sector and connects them with some of the most promising startups. Therefore, it was only fitting to hold our Demo Day at the UK Space Agency’s Ignite Space conference at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. Fusion Connect with Capital and Ignite Space share the common goal to catalyse commercial success for flourishing space startups by providing an occasion for businesses to engage with investors and stakeholders.
Inspiring Talks: Always Keep Sustainability in Mind.
The day began with welcome refreshments, a moment to break the ice and catch up before inspiring talks from a selection of speakers. We were lucky to be joined by Sharon Parker-Lines, Deputy Managing Director & Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Government & Regulatory Affairs at Astroscale Ltd.
She gave an inspiring talk which included invaluable tips for our entrepreneurs about investment. Her tips included the need to have a strong, distinct brand and a vision and mission that is both understandable for investors but also allows for the business to grow. Additionally, she advised to tell investors the information they need to hear, such as your business case, rather than what you think they want to hear. This means that innovative technology, although exciting to the company developing it, might not always be the most important information to potential investors. Finally, she emphasized that you should always, always have sustainability in mind.
Confident Pitches from Outstanding People.
Following the talks, we began the pitches. The standard at the London Demo Day was already impeccable but we were impressed that our cohort raised the bar even higher. Taking the learnings from the first event almost a month ago, they have tweaked and improved their pitches just that little bit more.
The Leeds Demo Day also presented the first opportunity in the Fusion programme for some of our entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses. These included Dan Herman, CEO of Bio-Synergy, Miles Ashcroft Director & CEO of Third Planet Orbital and James Snape, Founder of Aphelion Industries.
The pinnacle moment of the Fusion programme, Demo Day was an excellent opportunity to apply everything they’ve gained from the programme and confidently pitch to a room of investors and stakeholders. The entrepreneurs have completed all six months of Fusion’s intensive investment completion programme. Under mentorship from our diverse team of investor experts, they have transformed their approach towards pitching and investment. As a result, they have all crafted outstanding pitches that will support them in raising transformational seed and pre-seed funding.
Next Steps.
Although the Leeds Demo Day was our last event, it does not mark the end of the Fusion Connect with Capital programme. Our cohort is now armed with the tools and skills to raise transformational seed and pre-seed rounds. As they take their next steps beyond the programme, we will continue to support them on this journey. Furthermore, we will continue to report on and celebrate their achievements throughout the upcoming months.
It's Not Too Late to Invest!
If you’re a VC or angel interested in investing in one or more of the entrepreneurs in our cohort, you can still do so. Visit our digital Demo Day brochure to get a detailed overview of each entrepreneur, their innovative business and their investment plans. Each pitch has also been filmed and is available for you to watch. You can find them here.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@fusionconnectcapital.co.uk.