Originally published 2 April 2003

Connect Midlands held its second Springboard event of the year at the Centennial Centre in Birmingham on 27th March 2003.

The event provided an opportunity for 14 pre-screened early stage technology companies to showcase their ideas, innovations and business propositions. The Connect Midlands Springboard also created a forum of networking opportunities that attracted investors ranging from large venture capitalists to regional business angels, and other intermediaries. The daylong event resulted in a majority of the presenting technology companies forging important invaluable connections that could lead them to securing investments.

The day was further complemented by a presentation entitled “American Perspective on Silicon Valley Start-ups” from Bill Musgrave of The Enterprise Network, in Silicon Valley, California, who praised the event, saying, “The Connect event is a great example of how we need to support our entrepreneurs. Going forward there is great opportunity for building an enterprise bridge between the British Midlands and Silicon Valley. We at TEN look forward to working towards this goal.”

Following the success of this event, Connect Midlands is making preparations for its third Springboard event on 3rd July 2003, which is to be held at the Pera Innovation Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Early stage technology companies who are looking to raise finance of up to £500,000 are welcome to apply to present.