Michelmores’ Angel Investor Network, MAINstream, was established in 2019 to help accelerate the growth and diversity of angel investing. It is a UKBAA (UK Business Angels Association) registered network.
Chloe Vernon-Shore
Partner
Harry Trick
Partner
Adam Kean
Partner
Charles Frost
Managing Associate
With over 90 members across two networks, MAINstream South West and MAINstream Cheltenham, MAINstream seeks to connect high-growth companies with investors that are local to them, with the aim of helping to drive growth in the region.
Many of our members have started, scaled, and exited successful businesses and are keen to pay it forward by supporting start-ups themselves, both financially and by offering their support and guidance.
We know how important angel investment and support is, and how difficult it can be to access, so we are very proud that a number of high growth businesses have already raised investment from the network, and are excited to help support the next generation of founders with their funding plans
We receive a high number of applications from innovative new businesses looking for investment, which means that we’re always looking for new investors to match these opportunities. The current SEIS and EIS tax reliefs also mean that the UK is one of the best places globally for angel investing.
Aside from the obvious potential for financial return on investment, MAINstream also offers a fantastic network of individuals who meet regularly. Our pitch events are held in person and the majority of them are followed with networking opportunities.
Importantly, there is no joining fee for MAINstream and no obligation to invest (the network and connectivity that we offer is as important as the capital deployed).
We have also partnered with the UKBAA to open an Exeter Angel Hub. This is a focal point where new and experienced angels, as well as others in the scale up space, can connect, collaborate, and discuss new opportunities. The hubs provide access to the best scaleups in the region and offers a programme of educational training workshops
To find out more about MAINstream or to discuss joining, please email mainstream@michelmores.com
MAINstream pitch events take place in both regions throughout the year, details of which can be found on our events page. Applications are open to businesses of all sectors, but must:
If you’d like to apply, please complete the two application forms below and return them with a copy of your pitch deck to mainstream@michelmores.com.
Michelmores also aims to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly in areas such as technology and sustainability, via its MiVentures scheme.
We first heard about Michelmores Mainstream event in Cheltenham through The Cirencester Growth Hub. As founders with young children, attending in-person investor events can be a challenge. But the daytime format made this one far more accessible.
I can honestly say Mainstream was the best pitch event I’ve attended, both in terms of atmosphere and the quality of the investors in the room. The people Michelmores brought together were not only engaged, but genuinely motivated to support early-stage founders, which as many know, is often half the battle.
As a direct result of pitching at Mainstream, we had five investor follow-ups. Three of those have now invested a total of £60,000 in our pre-seed round. More importantly, they’re bringing far more than just capital, they’re adding real expertise to the Petscribers journey.
We’re now oversubscribed, and the Mainstream event played a huge role in making that possible.
We’re incredibly grateful.Angela Jones, Co-founder, Petscribers
“I’ve found MAINstream to be a very welcoming place for female investors. They actively invited me to join the group, the first time I had been asked to join an angel investor network despite having worked in financial services for over two decades!” They are serious about diversity and inclusion, both in terms of founders being invited to pitch, and having different perspectives represented in the investor base. I’d highly recommend coming along if you’re interested in angel investing.”
“We are delighted that Michelmores has launched MAINstream and the potential that this has to help accelerate the growth of angel investing in the region. Whilst the South West is home to many innovative start-ups, outside of Bristol we have identified a lack of angel investors to help nourish and support these exciting high-growth companies. We hope that MAINstream will be a catalyst for more angel investment in the region and UKBAA are looking forward to supporting this exciting initiative.”
Michelmores is a proud signatory to the Investing in Women Code and commits to adopting internal practices to improve female entrepreneurs’ access to finance, tools, resources they need to grow their business.
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Michelmores has partnered with Women in Telecoms & Technology (WiTT) to host their annual event in celebration of women entrepreneurs working in the tech sector.
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