19 November 2024, Codenode, London

12.00 – 12.30 Networking & lunch plus the opportunity to meet the pitching company founders
See A – Z of pitching companies

12.30 – 13.00 IMPACT-IP: making it easier to invest in University spin-outs

A discussion and Q&A on the SETsquared IMPACT-IP Programme, which aims to reduce the cost and increase the speed of deal-making, making it easier to invest in SETsquared spinouts. In this session, we will share our thoughts on the overall deal process, planned content, and proposal for co-creation. We will also ask how you would like to engage with us to help ensure the investor needs are addressed in our toolkit.

13.00 – 13.30 Welcome, keynote & 10 investment pitches

Speakers: Marty Reid, Executive Director, SETsquared and Roger Whitaker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Cardiff University

Pitching companies: Securium, Veracity Trust Network, Reserve and Charge, CDotBio, my tender.io, DepositPass, Astron Systems Ltd, Amutri and Satraka Ltd

13.30 – 14.00 Panel

Spinning out success: what are the opportunities and challenges within the investment landscape for spin-outs?
Facilitator: Rosalind Darby, Senior Investment and Commercialisation Manager, University of Bristol
Panellists:
Michelle Law, COO, QantX
Geeta Nathan, Deputy Director of Start-Up Ecosystem, Innovate UK
Paul Devlin, Head of Commercialisation, Cardiff University
Molly Allington, CEO, Albotherm

14.00 – 14.45 Breakout sessions

Roundtable: What are the challenges facing Angels investing in deep tech?
Facilitator: Roderick Beer, Managing Director, UKBAA

Critical challenge: Disruptive technologies – risky or fundable? Is it all about AI?
Facilitator: Ana Wolsztajn, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK

14.45 – 15.30 Coffee break, networking & 10 investment pitches

Pitching companies: Aegis FibreTech Ltd, LabCycle, Oxi-Tech Solutions, Autsera, Kargenera, Ferryx Ltd, Supersmith Ltd, Maypole Education, Kounteq and Myomakers.

15.30 –  16.00 IMPACT-IP: creating connections between investors & University technology transfer offices

A discussion and Q&A on the opportunity to embed within SETsquared Technology Transfer Offices and host Technology Transfer talent and researchers at your firm.

16.00 – 16.45 Breakout sessions

Roundtable: How do we develop and retain talent within the ecosystem?
Facilitator: Laura Bennett, Head of Enterprise Hub, Royal Academy of Engineering

Critical challenges: Sustainable technology – what technology will get us to Net Zero, and is it getting funded?
Facilitator: Maija Palmer, Editor, Global Corporate Venturing

16.45  – 17.00 Closing remarks

17.00 – 18.00 Drinks reception & SETsquared community awards ceremony

Meet the speakers & facilitators

Roger Whitaker

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Cardiff University

Roger is the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Cardiff University and is responsible for delivering the university’s Research and Innovation sub-strategy.  

Roger is the founder and Academic Director of Supercomputing Wales and has previously held the roles of Head of the School of Computer Science and Informatics (2009-2013) and Dean of Research for the College of Physical and Engineering (2012-2021). 

Roger’s research focuses on the intersection of human and machine intelligence, spanning disciplines including psychology, sociology and engineering. His work in this area has been sponsored via EPSRC, IBM, EC, Dstl, US Army Research Labs and industry.   

Ana Wolsztajn

Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK

In her current role with the IUK Business Connect Ana leads efforts in the Digital & Technologies sector within the Investor Ecosystem team, engaging with investors and driving private investment into the UK’s innovation. 

Ana’s career spans diverse roles, from top advertising agencies to running extreme sports-marketplace, to leading digital transformation at a big corporate, and navigating the startup ecosystem – from a perspective of a tech journalist, event organiser, and finally VC investor (still active). She’s have driven innovation and growth across various sectors, including healthtech, deeptech, SaaS and cleantech. 

In her free time Ana actively supports diverse founders (EIC Women Leadership, Stanford Seed) as a mentor and Ivy League-trained leadership coach, working with CEOs, founders, and investors worldwide. A frequent speaker on topics such as venture capital, leadership, branding, and neurodiversity, Ana is known for her ability to bridge startups, investors, and corporates, and creating strategic partnerships that fuel innovation. 

Laura Bennett

Head of Enterprise Hub, Royal Academy of Engineering

As Head of Enterprise Hub at the Royal Academy of Engineering, Laura has strategic and operational oversight of the Enterprise Hub’s national programmes to support deep tech spinouts (Enterprise Fellowships) and scaleups (Shott Scale Up Accelerator). Before joining RAEng, Laura co-led on an EU-funded ecosystem development project in South Yorkshire which involved embedding and co-designing new accelerator programmes to the region. Laura has 10+ years’ experience of designing and delivering incubation and acceleration programmes for entrepreneurs and has advised senior policymakers on entrepreneurial ecosystem development. Laura holds a PhD in entrepreneurial ecosystem development from the University of Sheffield. 

 

 

Michelle Law  

Chief Operating Officer, QantX

With 20+ years of global experience, Michelle has served as a Director of Strategy, COO, and M&A Director in financial services and as an NHS non-exec. Passionate about Type 1 diabetes advocacy and healthcare tech, she is based in Exeter and became the COO of QantX, the south west focused VC firm, in February 2023. Michelle also advises a range of clients on a consultancy basis on strategy and M&A. 

 

 

 

 

 

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