Dorset Business Angels (DBA) is set to host another compelling pitch event on November 25th at the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel, featuring five innovative companies seeking investment across diverse sectors. The carefully curated selection of businesses represents cutting-edge solutions in travel technology, sustainable confectionery, innovative rainwear, maritime recruitment, and affordable housing.
Spotlight on the Pitches
- Revolutionary Travel Platform
A groundbreaking travel technology company is set to transform how holiday experiences are booked and customised. Their innovative platform allows clients to select, tailor, and book experiential holidays entirely online—a process that traditionally requires 10 hours of client time over 2-3 weeks through conventional travel agencies. The company’s solution reduces this to just 30 minutes, addressing a significant market gap identified by 89% of 30-50-year-old professionals who find existing online booking tools inadequate. With a successful product trial featuring 143 bookable trips across 40 countries and a second-generation platform enhanced by AI and machine learning, the company seeks £250,000 to build and launch their next-generation product for the UK and US markets. - Sustainable Children’s Confectionery
An award-winning British manufacturer is revolutionising the children’s confectionery market with their innovative approach to sustainable treats. Since its launch in 2018, the company has garnered 38 international awards for its plant-based organic milk chocolate products. Their unique offering combines healthier eating—featuring one-third less sugar than conventional alternatives—with educational, plastic-free toys. Event attendees will get the opportunity to sample the product at the event. With current sales of approximately £500,000 and major retail partnerships on the horizon, including three national UK outlets and two European retailers for 2025, the company seeks £1 million to fuel its expansion plans. - Innovative Rainwear Solution
A clever solution to a universal problem, this company has reimagined the humble umbrella with a revolutionary waterproof case-handle design. Addressing common frustrations such as post-use wetness and storage difficulties, their innovation has already captured attention in 46 countries, with 1,900 customers in their first year of trading. As they prepare to launch their second-generation product in the UK with national advertising support, the company seeks £500,000 to scale their operations and tackle the environmental challenge of 1 billion umbrellas entering landfills annually. Attendees will have the opportunity to try the umbrella out at the event and even purchase one if they wish! - Maritime and Aviation Crew Platform
Addressing critical crew shortages in the maritime and aviation sectors, this innovative social platform connects qualified crew members with available positions in real time. The mobile application eliminates traditional barriers such as hidden fees and lengthy enrolment processes, offering a streamlined solution for both employers and job seekers. With an MVP in development and potential strategic partnerships with the MoD and RNLI under discussion, this local company seeks £500,000 to complete development, conduct trials, and launch to market. - Affordable Housing Platform
Tackling one of the UK’s most pressing challenges, another local company has developed a pioneering shared ownership platform to make housing more accessible. Their solution addresses the needs of both first-time buyers facing average deposits of £50,000 and the 6 million elderly homeowners looking to downsize. With technology-powered transactions and standardised shared ownership leases, the platform aims to help the 9 million UK renters become homeowners. The company seeks £5 million to achieve their target of 100 platform transactions in 2025, with potential for significant scale-up and a projected enterprise value of £1 billion.
Investment Opportunity
Peter Eales, DBA Managing Director, commented on the upcoming event: “Our November pitch event showcases an exceptional range of innovations addressing significant market opportunities. From transforming the travel industry to tackling the housing crisis, these companies represent the kind of forward-thinking ventures that can deliver both financial returns and positive social impact.”
Powerful Partnerships
Dorset Business Angels continues to benefit from strong partnerships with BCP Council, TC Group, Ellis Jones, and Rathbones Incorporating Investec Wealth and Investment, providing robust support for both investors and entrepreneurs. These enduring relationships, alongside event sponsors like The FSE Group, help create a strong ecosystem for investment in the region.
Your Invitation to Innovate
The November 25th event at the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel presents an opportunity for High Net Worth (HNW) individuals and Sophisticated Investors (SI) to engage with promising early-stage businesses. Attendees will have the chance to hear compelling pitches, network with like-minded professionals, and potentially participate in investment opportunities that could shape the future of these innovative sectors.
DBA welcomes members, HNWs, and SIs who are serious about investment to join this exciting event. The format encourages both individual investment and collaborative approaches through small syndicates, allowing investors to pool their resources and expertise.
For those interested in attending this exclusive event or learning more about investment opportunities with Dorset Business Angels, booking information is available on our booking page.
Dorset Business Angels connects local High Net Worth and Sophisticated Investors with prime private equity opportunities, focusing on creating mutually beneficial partnerships between investors and innovative businesses.
