From pitch to prosperity: Minerva Pitch Up Birmingham opens doors for entrepreneurs
Published: 30 October 2023
The annual competition is returning for its ninth time. It offers ambitious entrepreneurs in the West Midlands the opportunity to engage with investors.
Applications close on 1 December 2023.
Eight finalists will be invited to pitch in front of an expert investment panel and live audience at Venturefest WM 2024. The Best Pitch winner will be decided by audience vote, winning a cash prize of £3,000 and a golden ticket to a Minerva Business Angels event.
Kameese Davis (pictured above), winner of Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up 2023, said:
“Participating in Pitch Up at Venturefest gave me the unique chance to pitch my business concept to a room filled with stakeholders and investors within the West Midlands business ecosystem. This exposure drew significant attention to our mission and helped us connect with precisely the right people and access invaluable opportunities.
“Furthermore, our pitch with Minerva proved to be a game-changer, resulting in us securing one of our angel investors, a milestone we couldn't have achieved without this platform.
By taking part in the competition, entrepreneurs have the chance to benefit in various ways, as illustrated by a previous top three finalist, Olivia Simpson, CEO of Symbiotex:
“We were exposed to a large audience which enabled us to create new connections! It gave me chance to improve my pitching skills."
Another 2023 finalist, Kloe Avon, founder and director of Community Red said:
"Pitch Up transformed my businesses and career. I received £750,000 of investment offers, and it gave me the opportunity to grow beyond my imagination."
The application process consists of creating a 5-slide pitch deck, explaining it in a 90 second video and submitting it before the 1 December deadline. You can explore the top tips for success to assist you in completing your application.
