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Tech Companies to Watch

After a popular event last year our Tech Companies to Watch list will return in October.

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The North’s tech scene is buzzing with innovation and we’re searching for the brightest stars. Are you a pioneering start-up poised to revolutionise an industry? Or an investor seeking the next breakout tech success story?

Prolific North’s Tech Companies to Watch 2024 is your chance to be in the spotlight. This exclusive list and event, hosted by Prolific North and sponsored by Sedulo, will showcase fast-growing early-stage tech companies emerging from across the region’s thriving tech ecosystem.

We will be revealing the list and marking the occasion at a dedicated event in Manchester.

What to expect at the event on 17 October:

The big reveal – We will be unveiling the full list showcasing the 15 of the region’s most innovative start-up companies.
Fireside chat session – Find inspiration from a leading figure in the tech industry.
Panel discussion – Learn from experts across the investment world and tips for raising.
Networking opportunities – Connect with potential investors, collaborators, and fellow tech enthusiasts.

Secure your free ticket today! Spots are limited, so register now to secure your place.

Agenda

17:30

Arrival and networking

18:00

Welcome and introduction

With David Prior, Editor at Prolific North

18:10

Fireside chat with SafetyCulture

Alexander Brooks-Sykes, UK lead at global tech company SafetyCulture, will share the company's impressive success story and path to growth in this fireside chat. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the real-world challenges faced by the business, the strategies used to overcome them, and the lessons learned along the way when it comes to scaling.

18:30

Tech Companies to Watch 2024 - first half

We reveal the first batch from this year's research

18:40

Networking break

19:10

Tech Companies to Watch 2024 - second half

The second half of this year's research

19:20

Panel: Scaling smart - The do’s and don’ts of raising capital for growth

This panel will dive into the essential strategies and pitfalls of raising capital for businesses transitioning from start-up to scale-up. Industry leaders will share their experiences, offering actionable insights on what to avoid, how to attract investors, and how to ensure sustainable growth during capital raises. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the financial landscape and practical tips to successfully navigate funding rounds while scaling their businesses.

Panelists:
- Helen Oldham, Co-founder at Lifted Ventures
- Keith Benson, Co-founder at DSW Ventures
- Dr Elizabeth Young, Investment Manager at Par Equity
- Andy Barrow, Partner at Praetura

20:00

Drinks reception

20:30

Event close

Speakers

Helen Oldham

Co-founder

Lifted Ventures

View Linkedin Profile

Helen Oldham is the co-founder of Lifted Ventures, focused on increasing early-stage capital for female founders. Lifted offers an angel network, investment literacy, and a supportive founder community. Helen serves on the UKBAA Board and the Women Angel Investment taskforce. She co-founded Fund Her North to advocate for equal access to finance for female founders and was a Founding Board Director of NorthInvest. Previously, she was Managing Director of the Yorkshire Post and The Scotsman.

Keith Benson Photo Colour

Keith Benson

Co-founder

DSW Ventures

View Linkedin Profile

Keith co-founded DSW Ventures in 2018 to address the funding gap for regional UK start-ups. A graduate of LSE and a qualified Chartered Accountant with KPMG, he has extensive experience as an investor and M&A adviser, particularly in e-commerce, software, and deep-tech. With over a decade in fintech, Keith’s expertise helps technology founders create value in their businesses.

Dr Elizabeth Young

Investment Manager

Par Equity

View Linkedin Profile

Elizabeth Young is responsible for deal origination, investment appraisal, due diligence, fundraising, investment execution, and managing follow-on funding for portfolio companies. Also known as Lizzy, she has previously worked at ACF Investors, specialising in healthTech and deepTech investments. Lizzy holds a PhD in Medical Engineering from the University of Leeds, where she researched spinal cord injury and worked on a digital health start-up project.

Andy Barrow NEW 2

Andy Barrow

Partner

Praetura

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Andy Barrow is a partner at Praetura. He was previously the CTO of leading Manchester software business ANS Group Plc, where he led the technology team until the company’s sale to Inflexion Private Equity. As CTO, he was responsible for technical strategy across cloud computing, data analytics, application development and managed services.

Alexander Brooks-Sykes

Head of GTM (UK IMEA)

SafetyCulture

View Linkedin Profile

Alexander Brooks-Sykes is Head of GTM (UK IMEA) for SafetyCulture, a workplace operations platform that digitises and automates processes, simplifies training, and connects frontline workers and leaders in a cycle of improvement. Alex is responsible for leading all of SafetyCulture's functions within its Manchester city centre-based office, where SafetyCulture looks after customers such as Network Rail, Emirates, and Transport for London.

Don't miss out!

Grab your tickets here

Sponsored By

Sedulo

Start: October 17, 2024 5:30 pm

End: October 17, 2024 8:30 pm

Hosted at

No.1 Circle Square

Bruntwood SciTech, Albert Square, Manchester, UK

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