Venturefest showcases South West’s deep well of talent
The South West has a deep well of talent, as good as or better than anywhere in the world. This is the view of Paul Magelli, serial entrepreneur, who was a keynote speaker at Venturefest Bristol this week.
Organised by Science City Bristol, the event brought together new technology and innovation-based business ideas with the funding and support required to make them grow, and was the first major event to take place at the Bristol & Bath Science Park since it opened in September.
The core of the event was the Innovation Showcase, which gave South West companies the opportunity to demonstrate their business ideas, such as 3D imaging, low carbon transport and problem solving with chemical formulations. Other companies were found perfecting their pitch in "The Pitch at Venturefest", and aspiring entrepreneurs took part in a Bite-sized MBA.
The demonstrating companies were able to make contacts, gain knowledge and achieve interest from investors. Many of the companies exhibiting met people who could "take their business growth to the next level". One company commented: "Venturefest Bristol was great because of the ease of access to the right people".
Delegates described Venturefest Bristol as: "the best business event that I've been to in years", "People were making links at all levels with all types of companies" and "there was a high proportion of innovative businesses". Networking in an inspiring space and learning new things, was cited as a useful thing by attendees.
In his keynote speech, Paul Magelli, previously head of customer insight & experience at Nokia Siemens Network and co-founder of UK-based Apertio said:
"The South West has a deep well of talent, as good as or better than anywhere in the world. The people and teams that work here are of an outstanding quality. They are highly capable, productive and exceptionally loyal - both to their proposition and to their customers.
"Their global perspective and entrepreneurial attitude is unique, and their willingness to win and succeed is extraordinary.
Talking about the Science Park at Venturefest, Paul Magelli said: "This is long overdue for the region. If you go to Silicon Valley, everyone knows where to meet up but Bristol hasn't had that - until now.
"I truly believe it will act as a nexus for entrepreneurs.
Venturefest is a key Science City Bristol event, which attracted more than 600 people from across the Bristol region and beyond. It is an annual event, held also in Oxford and York. This is the first time that Bristol has hosted it after the city was selected as a new venue by Lord Sainsbury's office because of its rich potential of scientific and technical strengths in business and academia