Investors connect to young business

Jan 22 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

AN innovative project is aiming to beat the downturn by marrying fledgling technology companies with investors and venture capitalists.

Connect North East is being delivered by the Newcastle-based networking company the Bridge Club Ltd to help the brightest ideas across the region find financial backing to become successful ventures.

Its new website, which goes live today – www.connectnortheast.com  – allows young technology companies to complete a company profile online which will then be seen by investors.

Connect North East will also host a number of networking events and workshops in the region, aimed at helping young companies become pitch-perfect and meet potential backers.

The highlight of events will be an investment conference in April where companies will have the opportunity to pitch to several investors from across the country.

Bridge Club managing director Caroline Theobald said: “Despite what we hear about a recession, there is money out there. There is always the money to support good ideas. But it’s about marrying the right ideas with the right people.”

The scheme aims to showcase innovative companies from the North East and by working with regional partners help them to find the investment and other assistance they need.

Connect was founded in San Diego, California, in 1985 in response to a serious economic downturn. At the time, people were keen to move away from the traditional reliance on the defence industry and into a more knowledge-based economy.

It proved a great success and has helped 1,000 technology company start-ups.