Since its official launch in February 2025, MAINstream Cheltenham, the angel network founded and run by Michelmores LLP and hosted by Adam Kean and Charles Frost, has rapidly established itself as a leading member of Gloucestershire’s start-up community.
MAINstream Cheltenham follows the footsteps of its highly successful sister network, MAINstream South West which is now in its fifth year. Both were conceived with a clear vision: to connect local entrepreneurs with angel investors and community stakeholders in order to drive early-stage investments and economic growth. The network’s success lies in its ability to bring together a diverse range of sectors—from technology and sustainability to beverages and healthcare —under one network.
This collaborative approach has encouraged knowledge-sharing, cross-sector partnerships, and investment opportunities that have accelerated business development across the region in the first six months.
At the heart of MAINstream Cheltenham is a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, demonstrated in its no fee and no minimum investment approach. The network’s initiatives prioritise engagement across a broad spectrum of participants, and this inclusive ethos has fostered an environment where ideas flourish and company founders can thrive. The network has received high praise for its inclusivity of females who often struggle both as founders and investors to access similar angel investor networks and investment opportunities.
Co-founder of Petscribers, Dr Angela Jones, said of her pitching experience at MAINstream Cheltenham earlier this year;
“[…] 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.”
The success of MAINstream Cheltenham is evident in measurable outcomes. Since February 2025, the network has facilitated over £300,000 of investments in businesses. More widely the increased visibility and cohesion fostered by MAINstream have strengthened Cheltenham’s reputation as a vibrant hub for early-stage businesses.
As it continues to evolve, the network is poised to play an integral role in shaping the region’s economic future, supporting a resilient and inclusive local economy that benefits businesses and residents alike.
Each MAINstream Cheltenham pitch event is concluded with a networking opportunity, allowing founders, angels and other stakeholders to connect and share experiences and ideas which is key aspect to ensuring more than solely pitching opportunities to participants.
For businesses seeking to connect, grow, and innovate in Cheltenham and surrounding areas, MAINstream represents an unparalleled opportunity to be part of something bigger. The next pitch event takes place on Thursday 2 October at Malmaison. The application deadline closes on Thursday 11 September. Please contact mainstream@michelmores.com for more information.
