Call for More Angel Investors to Drive West Midlands Startup Growth

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 23 seconds

Investment

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Quick Read: West Midlands urges an increase in angel investors to support startups and boost the regional economy, following insights from the first West Midlands Angel Symposium, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and greater engagement in the startup ecosystem.

The West Midlands is rallying for increased angel investment to fuel the growth of startup and scale-up businesses and boost the regional economy. The inaugural West Midlands Angel Symposium, a collaborative effort between Aston University’s Centre for Growth team and Minerva Business Angels from the University of Warwick Science Park, highlighted the urgent need for more angel investors.

At the event held at Aston University’s John Cadbury House, Professor Aleks Subic, Aston University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, emphasized the wealth of talent in the region and the critical role experienced business leaders can play in supporting innovative ventures.

Labour mayoral candidate for the West Midlands, Richard Parker, echoed the sentiment, stressing the significance of angel investors and their contribution to nurturing local talent. Parker shared his vision for growing the West Midlands economy with the audience.

The symposium featured speakers from the British Business Bank, Midlands Mindforge, and the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA), aiming to encourage more individuals to step into the role of angel investors. The event shed light on the shortage of female investors and the low percentage of women-led businesses receiving investment.

Alex Toft, Head of Minerva, the most prolific angel investment network in the West Midlands, highlighted the benefits angels bring, not only through financial support but also valuable expertise. Toft emphasized the need to engage more individuals to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem, comparable to regions like London and Manchester.

The symposium addressed challenges faced by SMEs, discussed tax advantages of angel investing with Phil Mitchell of Harbour Key, and explored reasons for investing during a panel session featuring business leaders and investors. A panel discussion also delved into encouraging more female investors and channeling funds into women-led businesses.

Kameese Davis, founder of Nylah, a hair care products business, emphasized the pivotal role angel investment played in her company’s journey. As an ambassador for Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up competition, she underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering entrepreneurship in the region.

Read more here.

What's new

CreaTech Frontiers Launch Unlocks £250K in Funding for West Midlands Creative Innovators

Creative SMEs in the West Midlands are being given a major boost with the launch of CreaTech Frontiers, a new innovation cluster that has opened applications for the first £250,000 round of grant funding.

The programme, which offers individual grants of up to £10,000, is designed to help freelancers and small creative businesses develop groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of creativity and technology. The funding forms part of a £7.2 million, five-year initiative led by a consortium of regional powerhouses including Birmingham City University (BCU), University of Birmingham, Coventry University, University of Warwick, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. It’s funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of the UK Research and Innovation's Creative Industries Cluster Programme.

Photo Credit: University of Warwick

Officially launched on April 29 at STEAMhouse, BCU’s innovation centre, CreaTech Frontiers marks the first time the West Midlands has received funding through this prestigious national scheme.

Professor Lamberto Coccioli, Director of CreaTech Frontiers, said:

“These early-stage grants will give creative entrepreneurs access not just to capital, but also to university-led research and resources that can turn ambitious ideas into reality. This is about unlocking cultural, social and economic value across the region.”

CreaTech Frontiers is aiming to ignite a wave of innovation in sectors like gaming, immersive tech, live performance, visual arts, and creative technologies. Successful applicants will also gain access to facilities across the five partner institutions, along with specialist academic support during the R&D phase.

Future plans include a second, larger round of grant funding, a pilot with Birmingham Opera Company, collaborative projects with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the formation of an apprenticeship working group to support skills development.

Rachel Davis, Director of Warwick Enterprise, said:

“Through this collaboration, we’re strengthening the region’s identity as a creative and tech innovation hub. With a shared focus on inclusion and sustainability, CreaTech Frontiers will ensure diverse voices are at the forefront of this growing ecosystem.”

The West Midlands Combined Authority is also backing the initiative, which it believes could contribute £65 million and create 1,500 jobs by 2030 within the regional creative and gaming economy.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker added:

“Our region is full of bold, young thinkers pushing the boundaries of tech and creativity. CreaTech Frontiers connects these minds with the world-class research coming out of our universities, creating the conditions for global impact.”

Applications open Monday 2 June 2025.

Interested SMEs can register now

to be part of the next generation of CreaTech pioneers.

By Anushka Malhotra

2 May