We have recently added the words “Investing Nationwide” to our logo and brand message. This isn’t a change to our strategy, just a clearer statement of what we do. We’re rooted in Dorset and the South, but look for the best deals across the UK. Dorset Business Angels aims to provide good deals across all sectors to our investors from startups and early-stage growth companies.
So why the need to insert the extra words?
This clarification is about better serving both investors and entrepreneurs. Whilst we bring these two groups together, we’re investor-centric – we’re not an accelerator. We serve multiple stakeholders: investors, entrepreneurs, sponsors and the wider business community. This blog explains how our brand focus works for investors and entrepreneurs.
For Investors
We think our new branding is clearer. It addresses often asked questions:
- Do I have to be local to invest?
- Do you try to choose local businesses?
- How do you choose businesses to pitch?
- What sectors do you select from?
- Do I have to attend events?
The answers are straightforward.
We’re sector agnostic. Our directors review submissions from all sectors across the UK, provided companies have EIS or SEIS approval.
Quality trumps location. Whilst we prefer local companies, we’re looking for good deals first. If two submissions are equally strong, we’ll choose the local one. Investors appreciate being able to visit companies and support local businesses, but what they really want are viable, exciting opportunities.
Our investor base is centred in Dorset and the Southwest, with members across the UK. Many review plans through our online Pitch Portal rather than attending events in person – an approach we developed during the pandemic that’s now a permanent part of how we operate.
“Investing Nationwide” captures all of this in two words.
For Entrepreneurs: what you need to know
Entrepreneurs ask similar questions:
- Do I have to be based in Dorset?
- Do you favour local businesses?
- Can we meet for advice?
- How do pitch events work, and what do I prepare?
As I’ve explained, we’re Dorset-centric, but quality drives our selection. Max Wright helps entrepreneurs prepare their plans and pitch decks for submission. I’m also available for specific queries.
However, we need to be clear about what we’re not. We’re not an accelerator like our partners Evolve Advisory or Business Growth Dorset, or member Dan Ware‘s offer in partnership with FOUNDRY. We’re investor-centric, though we do work with universities through our ambassador member Chris Spackman to support spinouts.
We have comprehensive resources explaining how to submit plans and pitch at our events. See our Entrepreneur Resources page on our website.
Once again, our new branding, Dorset Business Angels – Investing Nationwide, addresses a lot of the above.
We look forward to working with our investors and entrepreneurs, together with our wider groups of stakeholders, to support the growth of startups and early-stage businesses. See you at our next event: https://dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk/events
Peter Eales
Dorset Business Angels, Co-Founder and Managing Director
