Before Venturefest East
The Fast and Furious Pitch-off selection processes gives winning companies a chance to secure a display table at the exhibition at Venturefest East (Newmarket Racecourse on 24 May).
From this, 12 overall winners will be selected for training by SJIC/Set Squared on 4 May and will be entered into the 24 May pitch-off, held in front of an audience of investors, innovators and entrepreneurs.
The main event
In a session chaired by Caroline Hopkins, (UK Development Director, Innovation & New Businesses Department for ENGIE) the 12 companies will strut their stuff and attempt to convince a stellar judging panel that they are the most amazing.
Headed by David Gill, (Managing Director of St John’s Innovation Centre), the Judges include:
‣ Hugh Parnell, Serial Entrepreneur / Chairman of Cambridge Cleantech
‣ Ian Tracey, Head of Access to Finance, KTN
‣ Maria Dramalioti-Taylor, Managing Partner at Beacon Capital LLP
‣ David Leftley, Managing Partner, Bloc Ventures
‣ Marie Deschamps, London Business Angel/ Entrepreneur Partners
‣ Dr Chris Winter, Managing Partner, Brightstar Partners
‣ David Paul, Director, Corp. Engineering and R&D, Magna International
The prize fund
The Fast and Furious Pitch-off prize includes exposure to investors, potential for PR and a trophy for the display cabinet. The ‘on the day’ winner will receive 1000 Guineas top prize and two runners up will each receive prizes of 500 Guineas.
Where relevant three winners of the Fast and Furious Pitch-off competition will also receive automatic entry into ENGIE’s Big Pitch to be held in London on 10 June. This will provide the victors with exposure to the ENGIE Board which has access to a €100 million investment fund. There is the potential for immediate co-promotion within ENGIE (and its supply chain) and the chance to win a cash prize. More information on ENGIE can be found HERE.
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