Leo and Geo Cohort Build Connections at Acceler8
On the 25th of April 2024, we gathered the current Leo and Geo cohorts, industry experts, investors and the UK Space Agency Accelerator team at Acceler8. This event celebrated the vibrancy and vast potential of the UK commercial space sector with a day filled with insightful talks, pitching and networking.
Acceler8 marks an exciting midway point in the Leo and Geo programmes. It is a valuable chance for the entrepreneurs to apply everything they’ve learnt so far in the programmes to a real-world setting. Additionally, Acceler8 brings together innovative startups and investors giving our cohort the exclusive chance to spark promising conversations and connections.
The Event
We kicked the day off with a reflective session led by Entrepreneurial Spark’s CEO, Mike Stephens. The life of an entrepreneur is a busy one, and it can be hard to take the time to reflect on your goals and progress. Therefore, Mike provided an essential moment for the Leo and Geo cohort to celebrate their wins since the start of the programme and think about their goals as they continue through the next phase of the programme.
Following Mike’s session, the entrepreneurs were given an investment readiness masterclass from programme mentors Balázs Slezák and Phil Merchant. Balázs Slezák delved into the importance of value proposition and Phil Merchant then provided a detailed talk on IP strategy for investment.
To wrap up the morning, Jamie Lesser, Managing Director at NewSpace Finance gave essential insight into finance and investors empathising just how vital it is to build a rapport with potential investors.
After lunch, we were delighted to be joined by Josh Valman, CEO of RDUK. He shared his thrilling journey into entrepreneurship from starting a production company whilst completing his GCSE’s to selling his business last year. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with highs and lows. Hearing the stories of how successful entrepreneurs have overcome challenges is truly inspiring.
Pitching Time!
Acceler8 is more than just a chance for the Leo and Geo cohort to practice their pitches. It provides a real-world opportunity for each entrepreneur to stand in front of a panel of experts and a room of investors and confidently pitch their businesses. Additionally, they must undergo an intense Q&A session from our panel, giving them a chance to defend their presentations.
Despite the pressure, each entrepreneur was assured and assertive and held their own during the grilling questions from the panel. For the Leo and Geo programme team and mentors, the pitching event showed us just how far each entrepreneur had come since the start of the programmes. We are impressed with just how much progress they have made already and cannot wait to see how much further they can push themselves and their businesses in the remaining 8 weeks of the programme.
Echoing Jamie Lesser’s talk, investment is all about creating a rapport and Acceler8 gave the Leo and Geo cohort a rare chance to do just that. After pitching, each entrepreneur was able to have invaluable 1:1 conversations with a variety of investors. These conversations gave entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to learn more about what an investor is looking for and build connections that could potentially lead to deals.
Wrap up
Leo and Geo cohorts left Acceler8 with new perspectives and connections that will guide their next steps in the programme and beyond. Thank you to everyone who came and made the day a success.
For anyone looking to be a part of the UK Space Agency Accelerator, check out our programmes and see when the next cohorts are open.