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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.

With over 60 members, the network seeks to connect high-growth companies with a connection to the South West of England 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 excited 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

Investors

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

Business applicants

Michelmores holds five MAINstream pitch events throughout the year. Applications are open to businesses of all sectors, but must:

  • either be based in the South West (Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire), or have a material presence in or connection to the region;
  • qualify for SEIS / EIS relief; and
  • either be generating revenue or able to demonstrate a paid-for pilot.

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.

  1. Applicant Submission Form
  2. Company Application Form

Michelmores also aims to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly in areas such as technology and sustainability, via its MiVentures scheme.

Angel investment awards 2023 winner logo

EISA awards 2023 highly commended banner

Michelle Law
QantX COO and MAINstream Investor

“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.”

Rod Beer
Managing Director of the UKBAA

“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.
Michelmores has partnered with Women in Telecoms & Technology (WiTT) to host their annual event in celebration of women entrepreneurs working in the tech sector Click here to watch the 2023 recording.
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