Venturefest West Midlands to return in 2025

Entrepreneurs and innovators from across the West Midlands will get the opportunity to develop and grow their businesses by connecting with potential investors, partners and support organisations at a free event next March.

Now in its 10th year, Venturefest West Midlands will take place on Wednesday, 19 March, at the Eastside Rooms, Woodcock Street, Birmingham.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is sponsoring and co-hosting the event which provides a platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors to share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration, with a focus on science and emerging technologies.

Venturefest WM 2025 - sponsored by Medilink Midlands - will include panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition of innovative products.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The entrepreneurial energy of the West Midlands is on full display at Venturefest, where ambition and innovation come together.

“I’m backing the talent and drive of our region’s brightest minds as part of my plan to make the West Midlands the best place to start and grow a business.

"Building connections and sharing ideas like this will help create the investment, jobs, and opportunities our communities need to thrive.”

Running alongside Venturefest WM for another year will be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up, a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition for business owners.

The event provides a unique opportunity for businesses to raise their profile both in the West Midlands and in front of a national audience of investors.

Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up is run by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, BizzInn at the University of Birmingham and Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick Science Park

It has put more than 200 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors over recent years and helped bring more than £65 million of investments to the region's small businesses.

The deadline for applications is January 6, 2025 – apply on the Aston University website.

VentureFest 2025 also coincides with the first West Midlands Business Festival.

Supported by Business Growth West Midlands, the festival is set to include around 70 live events at a host of venues across the region from March 3 to 14.

Dr Ben Roberts, innovation adviser at Medilink Midlands, said: “Medilink Midlands' is proud to once again support Venturefest WM, that serves as an essential platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, investors, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem.

“As an innovation support organisation, we pride ourselves on supporting entrepreneurs and innovators to build the right networks to aid their ideas and technologies and access growth opportunities.”

For more information about Venturefest WM 2025, including to register to attend, and opportunities to exhibit or to sponsor, visit the website.

Businesses wanting to host an event during the West Midlands Business Festival must submit their applications on the website by 10 January 2025.