NorthInvest has announced the launch of its new Angel Investor Hub in Leeds, in collaboration with the UK Business Angels Association. The hub aims to foster innovation and collaboration among businesses in the region.
Based in Platform, Bruntwood’s newly launched building in Leeds, the Angel Investor Hub will offer a range of resources including free co-working spaces, educational sessions, and networking opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and academics.
The Launch of the Angel Investor Hub
Award-winning, not-for-profit investment platform, NorthInvest, has announced the launch of a new Angel Investor Hub in collaboration with the UK Business Angels Association. The Leeds Angel Hub, based in Platform, Bruntwood’s newly designed building in the city, aims to foster collaboration and innovation among creatively-minded businesses.
Facilities and Opportunities
Located above Leeds railway station, the new hub offers free co-working and education for investor members. It will also host entrepreneurs, business leaders, and academics, providing a space for networking and the sharing of ideas. The hub was unveiled at NorthInvest’s Leeds Healthtech Investment Summit.
The Angel Hub will be situated in Platform’s lounge area, which boasts co-working hot desks, meeting areas, and training workshops. These facilities are designed to support new and potential investors. Additionally, the lounge provides event spaces, access to market intelligence, and a network of local entrepreneurs.
Strengthening the Northern Ecosystem
In partnership with NorthInvest, the hub aims to cultivate a stronger and more interconnected tech investor and start-up community across the North of England. The hub will serve as a focal point for the early-stage investor community within the Leeds city region, promoting best practices and invigorating the local investment landscape.
Helen Oldham, founding board director for NorthInvest, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re very excited to be working with the UKBAA and Platform to provide a focal point for early stage investment activity in the Wider Leeds Region, helping to grow the northern economy.” She further highlighted that the Angel Hub will be a vibrant, collaborative, and educational space for investors and start-ups.
Strategic Areas of Opportunity
The Angel Hub will target key strategic areas including Fintech, Healthtech, Media, Cyber, and Tech for Good. According to Oldham, these sectors will benefit significantly from a central meeting point surrounded by like-minded individuals. Such an environment fosters innovation and progress for ambitious, innovative people in the North.
“We enjoy working with innovative, ambitious people in the North who want to change the world for the better,” added Oldham. “The Angel Hub will accelerate our opportunity to do just that.”
Support from UK Business Angels Association
Jenny Tooth OBE, CEO of the UK Business Angels Association, noted that much of the current angel investment is concentrated in London and the South East. She stated, “We are delighted to be partnering with NorthInvest to establish this new Angel Hub in Leeds to enable the development of a vibrant angel investment community in the region.”
Tooth also mentioned that the UKBAA will support NorthInvest’s activities by providing access to training and skills for new investors. They also aim to encourage more women to engage in angel investing, broadening the diversity of the investor community.
Bruntwood’s Role in the Initiative
Craig Burrow, regional director for Bruntwood in Leeds, explained that the Angel Hub embodies the spirit of Platform by bringing businesses together. “Members of the hub will be able to take full advantage of the comprehensive range of facilities here at Platform,” he said.
The launch of the Angel Investor Hub in Leeds marks a significant step in strengthening the northern economy. By fostering collaboration and providing essential resources, the hub aims to invigorate the local investment ecosystem.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
With strong support from NorthInvest, the UK Business Angels Association, and Bruntwood, the new hub is well-positioned to benefit the diverse and rapidly growing sectors in the region.
The Angel Hub promises to be a thriving space where investors and start-ups can connect, share knowledge, and drive innovation for the betterment of the wider community.
The launch of the Angel Investor Hub in Leeds marks a significant step in strengthening the northern economy. By fostering collaboration and providing essential resources, the hub aims to invigorate the local investment ecosystem.
With strong support from NorthInvest, the UK Business Angels Association, and Bruntwood, the new hub is well-positioned to benefit the diverse and rapidly growing sectors in the region.
The Angel Hub promises to be a thriving space where investors and start-ups can connect, share knowledge, and drive innovation for the betterment of the wider community.