Event overview
Investors are invited to a Dorset Business Angels (DBA) pitch event showcasing five promising ventures at the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel on February 3rd from 17.15, with investment opportunities ranging from £50,000 to £2.5 million. The carefully curated selection of entrepreneurial companies represents diverse sectors from healthcare technology to environmental innovation, each demonstrating market validation and clear pathways to growth.
“We’re particularly excited about this February’s event,” says Don McQueen, Chairman at DBA. “The range of innovations we’re showcasing – from healthcare technology to environmental solutions – represents some of the most promising opportunities we’ve seen. What makes this event special is our new ‘Meet the Founder’ format. Building strong relationships between investors and entrepreneurs is crucial for long-term success, and these informal networking sessions will help both sides to really get to know each other before making investment decisions.”
Featured companies
Healthcare Innovation
Among the standout presentations is an ophthalmology platform that has already demonstrated remarkable success in reducing NHS wait times. The company’s software solution connects local optometrists with hospital specialists, achieving a 91% reduction in outpatient visits during their pilot study. With 50 optometry practices already onboard and over 1,000 patients being processed, the company is seeking £750,000 to scale their operations and address the growing demands of an ageing population.
Technology & Wearables
The technology sector features an award-winning smart ring company that’s already generated £250,000 in sales since its January 2023 launch. Their innovative wearable technology provides hands-free control of various devices, even while wearing gloves, and has secured a promising partnership with a major sporting goods supplier.
Environmental & Circular Economy Solutions
Two companies are leading environmental innovation. The first, a local company, transforms hard-to-recycle waste into sustainable building materials, presenting a scalable solution for both waste management and construction industries. The second is revolutionising the school uniform market through a circular economy platform that offers up to 70% savings for parents while tracking environmental impacts through comprehensive ESG metrics.
Digital innovation
Completing the lineup is a digital fundraising platform aiming to make charitable giving more accessible and efficient. By targeting the underserved 85% of registered charities that currently don’t use digital platforms, the company offers lower fees and AI-powered features to connect donors with local causes. With plans for significant market development this year, they’re seeking £200,000 to fund their growth.
Investment highlights
- Healthcare Technology: Software platform reducing NHS ophthalmology wait times by 56%
- Environmental Innovation: Carbon-negative building materials from recycled plastic
- Consumer Technology: Award-winning smart ring with established sales and strategic partnerships
- Circular Economy: School uniform marketplace with integrated ESG tracking
- Digital Fundraising: Platform targeting 85% of underserved UK charities
Event format
The Dorset Business Angels event welcomes members, High Net Worth individuals (HNW), and Sophisticated Investors (SI) who are serious about investment opportunities. The format encourages both individual investment and collaborative approaches through small syndicates, allowing investors to pool their resources and expertise.
Entrepreneurs will give a 10-minute pitch presentation; then, there will be a 10-minute Q&A session with investors. Expressions of interest made during the evening will be shared before they leave. Investors staying for dinner will enjoy a 2-course meal with wine. An excellent opportunity to continue discussions and forge relationships with other investors.
Powerful partnerships
Dorset Business Angels continues to benefit from strong partnerships with BCP Council, TC Group, Ellis Jones, and Rathbones, formerly 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. Rob Jones from Rathbones, will once again share his insightful and entertaining investment update presentation looking back on 2024 and forward to how we can expect markets to behave in 2025.
New this year: Meet the founder session
New to this event is an exclusive “Meet the Founder” networking session, where investors can engage informally with the entrepreneurs behind these innovative ventures. This unique opportunity allows for personal interactions with the founding teams, hands-on experience with their products and services, and valuable one-on-one conversations about their visions for the future. Meet the Founder will form part of our networking and welcome drinks.
How to register
Registration is now open. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of these exciting ventures’ growth journeys and meet the passionate founders driving innovation in our region. We invite investors to register now to secure their place at this exciting investment showcase. 2 ticket types are available, all the details are on our Eventbrite page.
