USA: San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC), a University of San Diego (USD) Knauss School of Business program that activates accredited angel investors and engages promising early-stage companies that drive the innovation ecosystem, has announced the six finalists to move forward toward the final pitch at the SDAC V Angel Conference at USD on April 22.

Catalyst’s INVENT 2023 competition for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators has opened for entries, with a top prize of £25,000 for the overall winner.

Invest Europe, the association representing Europe’s private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors, today launched a new microsite, the first in a series of initiatives to recognise the association’s support for the industry over the last 40 years, as well as the contribution of private equity and venture capital to Europe’s economy and society.

One hundred Northern Ireland companies have now benefitted from investments totalling over £42M through Co-Fund NI since the programme began in 2011.

Made in Britain and the British Design Fund have announced a partnership aimed at championing innovation, growth and collaboration between UK design and manufacturing. The initiative will kick off in January 2023 with the launch of a series of joint webinars for Made in Britain members.

Two student start-ups supported by the University’s B-Elevate incubator have been honoured by their founders’ inclusion in a prestigious listing of UK-based women shaping the future of business.  

Chairman Don McQueen and the Board of Dorset Business Angels Network (DBAN) have welcomed a new director to the Board, the DBAN Marketing Manager, Debbie Frith.

The call for public nominations has officially opened for the next prestigious Bold Woman Awards, celebrating incredible British female leaders. The awards are the first and longest-running international award of its kind, boasting an illustrious alumni.

The Startup Investor Accelerator has unveiled the six companies selected for the final round of its Trans-Atlantic startup competition.

Fund Her North is celebrating its second birthday, having successfully closed 14 deals leveraging a total of £4.5m for female founded businesses, and reaching 500 members. Established in 2020, Fund Her North is made up of over 32 northern women from venture capital firms, funding organisations and angel groups. Together, they have a combined investment power of over £650m. Fund Her North was founded by Helen Oldham, Jordan Dargue Jess Jackson, Charlotte Ashton, and Chi-chi Ekweozor.

Catalyst is inviting budding entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland to apply to their Co-Founders programme, launching with a newfound focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Catalyst has appointed three experienced non-executive directors to its board to help oversee the implementation of its new five-year strategy and further strengthen its position as the epicentre of entrepreneurship and innovation in Northern Ireland.