As Chair of the VCTA, I recently had the pleasure of attending and participating in our Greater Manchester Startup Roundtable. This event, hosted by the VCTA and chaired by David Hall, Executive Chairman of YFM Equity Partners, brought together key voices to discuss the opportunities and challenges surrounding venture capital investment in Greater Manchester. We were also fortunate to have Josh Simons MP (Labour, Makerfield) join us for the discussion.

The roundtable was held at Matillion’s offices in Manchester, where we were joined by a diverse group of investors, entrepreneurs, and policy experts, each contributing valuable insights into how the private sector and government can collaborate to increase investment in Greater Manchester’s startup and scale-up ecosystem.

The conversation was guided by key questions about the challenges startups face in securing funding and how investors can better address these obstacles. We also discussed what makes Greater Manchester an attractive investment destination, how collaboration between the private sector and government can help de-risk early-stage investments, and the vital role of non-financial support, such as mentorship and access to industry networks, in helping startups succeed.

I want to extend my gratitude to all who attended, including the following:

• Josh Simons MP, Labour, Makerfield

• David Hall, Executive Chairman, YFM Equity Partners

• Rob Edwards, Transaction Manager, GMCA Finance  and Investment Team

• Jodie Miller, Investment Manager, Beringea

• Tom Dunlop, CEO and Founder of Summize

• Guy Battle, CEO and Founder of Social Value Portal

• Christiana Stewart-Lockhart, Director General of the EIS Association

• Rob Jones, Director, Foresight

• Shivani Menon, Deputy Head of Research at Onward

Your participation was essential in making the event such a success.

Key Themes and Takeaways
Our discussion highlighted several key themes that will help guide future efforts to grow Greater Manchester’s startup ecosystem.

One of the most significant points was the need for collaboration between the private sector and government. We agreed that the government’s extension of VCTs and EIS has been a positive step, but there is still more to be done to create an environment that is conducive to investment. Private investors, local authorities, and policymakers must work hand-in-hand to unlock Greater Manchester’s full potential.

We also explored the unique strengths of Greater Manchester. With a rich industrial history, a growing tech sector, and a diverse talent pool, the region offers significant opportunities for venture capital investment. These factors should be leveraged to attract even more investment into the region.

Another key point of discussion was the need to address the barriers to funding that many startups face. CEOs and founders underscored the importance of tailored support to help them access capital, particularly at the early stages of growth. At the same time, investors highlighted the importance of a well-connected ecosystem that allows for the easy flow of capital, knowledge, and expertise.

Lastly, we agreed on the critical role of non-financial support. In addition to funding, startups need access to mentorship, industry networks, and expertise. Investors can play a key role in facilitating these connections and ensuring that startups have the resources they need to thrive.

Looking Ahead
The Greater Manchester Startup Roundtable was a valuable opportunity to bring together diverse voices and generate ideas for how we can better support the growth of startups in the region. The VCTA is proud to facilitate these conversations and remains committed to championing the role of venture capital in driving economic growth across the UK.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that collaboration will be key to unlocking Greater Manchester’s full potential. The VCTA has since agreed to provide further details and a briefing to Josh Simons MP on the VCT scheme and how it operates. I’m excited about the work ahead and the potential to build a stronger, more interconnected startup ecosystem that attracts both capital and talent.

Thank you again to all who participated in this important event. Let’s continue working together to support the growth of Greater Manchester’s startup scene and ensure the region becomes a leading hub for innovation and investment.