A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform the North of England into a leading hub for female angel investors. Lifted Ventures, a female-focused investment network, is championing this ambitious project with a vision to catalyse economic growth and advance gender equality in the investment arena.
Lifted Ventures is determined to dismantle longstanding barriers that have restricted women’s access to capital. By targeting the North, the organisation is committed to empowering female entrepreneurs with essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and strategic support. Their goal is to ensure that women-led startups in this region can thrive and innovate on a larger scale.
A cornerstone of Lifted Ventures’ strategy is to cultivate a robust network of women investors. The group offers a variety of educational workshops, networking events, and investment discussions specifically designed for women. These efforts aim to create a dynamic community where women can confidently engage in investment activities and manage their portfolios effectively, addressing the persistent gender investment gap and promoting financial independence.
In a significant development, Lifted Ventures is set to host the Lifted Women Angels Conference at Harrogate’s The Old Swan Hotel on September 26, 2024. This landmark event, poised to be the largest female angel investor conference outside London, highlights the organisation’s dedication to establishing the North of England as a pivotal investment hub.
Supported by prominent bodies such as The British Business Bank, UK Business Angels Association, and the Women Backing Women Campaign, the conference will inspire and empower women to delve into angel investing. This move is essential in bridging the gender gap in the investment sector.
Currently, only 14% of the UK’s angel investors are women, with a significant majority based in London. Women investors are known to back female entrepreneurs more frequently, making their increased participation vital for a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. However, challenges such as limited awareness, confidence, and role models continue to impede their involvement.
Lifted Ventures aims to address these challenges by focusing on women-led businesses, which in turn will stimulate job creation and economic development in the North. By attracting additional investment and talent to the region, the initiative is set to elevate the North’s economic profile. Female entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions, driving progress across various industries.
The Lifted Women Angels Conference will feature the Lifted Ventures Women Angel Investment Conference and Education Programme, which promises to deliver in-depth insights and practical guidance. Key aspects of the programme include:
- Educating women on becoming effective investors
- Building supportive networks for learning and growth
- Guiding women through their initial investment steps
Co-founders Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham first conceptualised the conference in 2020, leading to the launch of Women Angels of the North in 2021 under Fund Her North. Since then, Lifted Ventures has seen an enthusiastic response and a growing community of female investors. This year’s conference will expand further, providing more women with the tools and confidence needed to become active investors.
A notable focus of the conference will be dispelling myths about angel investing, such as the misconception that it is only for the ultra-wealthy. The event will showcase successful investors who started with modest sums, demonstrating that angel investing is accessible regardless of one’s financial background.
The conference will also feature stories from women across diverse professional fields who have become proficient investors through learning and networking. Although all investments carry risks, the conference will offer strategies for managing these risks and highlight successful case studies of investments made by women.
Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event: “As someone who has seen the transformative power of angel investing firsthand, I’m excited to bring this conference to the North of England. We have a vibrant community of potential female investors who just need the right support and education to thrive,”
“Increasing the capacity of women in angel investing is crucial for deploying more capital to female founders, who often face significant challenges in securing funding. By supporting and educating potential female investors, we can create a more inclusive and diverse investment landscape that benefits everyone. We are keen to encourage the younger generation to consider angel investing as a means of supporting the economy and developing personal wealth. This initiative not only fosters economic growth but also empowers individuals to contribute to a more dynamic and equitable business environment”, she added.
Helen Oldham echoed this sentiment: “Our goal is to demystify angel investing and show women that they can be successful investors. The Lifted Women Angels Conference is a crucial step in building a more inclusive investment community.”
The conference is designed for professional women interested in angel investing, whether they are newcomers or looking to expand their portfolios. It offers a chance for women from across the UK to support Northern female founders and contribute to their local communities. Attendees will benefit from expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and practical workshops tailored to their needs.
The Lifted Women Angels Conference represents a unique opportunity for women to explore the rewards of strategic investment and for experienced investors to lend their expertise and support to emerging female entrepreneurs.