Entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch to angel investors at Slush European start-up conference coming to Liverpool in September. Tony McDonough reports

Angel investors will descend on a major European start-up conference being held in Liverpool in September and hear pitches from entrepreneurs.

Being held at Content in Stanhope Street, in the city’s Baltic Triangle on Thursday, September 14, Slush is regarded as one of Europe’s foremost start-up conferences.

First revealed in LBN in July, the event will bring together founders, investors and policymakers from across the continent. It will be known this year as Liverpool Slush’D.

Slush was founded by a group of students in Helsinki 15 years ago as a grassroots meetup for early-stage tech founders. It has been called a “celebration of entrepreneurial grit”.

The event has evolved to become a major annual event, attracting the biggest names in the start-up and investment community. It has won a reputation for insights, production and networking.

Organisers say the Slush model of fostering a tight-knit community of innovators and investors, and tackling the bottlenecks that hinder local start-ups from reaching their full potential has led to “exponential economic gains” for Helsinki.

Now it has been revealed that selected start-ups will be able to pitch to angel investors on the day. An angel investor is typically a high net worth individual who provides capital for start-ups or early-stage ventures in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity.

With the backing of Liverpool City Region Angel Network (LCRAN), start-ups from any sector that are scalable, revenue-generating, and possess protectable IP can apply for the opportunity to pitch their businesses.

There is no cap on the investment amount for start-ups, should they be successful.

Backed by Liverpool ME loan and equity provider MSIF and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, LCRAN has a £1m pot to invest in high-growth start-ups.

Jonny Clark, director of Liverpool Slush’D, said: “I’m thrilled that LCRAN will be unveiling their expanded angel network at Slush’D and will be offering funding to startups on the day.

“LCRAN’s growth shows the momentum building behind the drive to create a thriving startup ecosystem in Liverpool.”

LCRAN is calling for new angel investors to join its network. Director Katie Nicholson urged entrepreneurs to register for a place at the pitch and she also appealed for new angel investors to join their network

She said: “Slush’D Liverpool is the perfect place to launch our refreshed and expanded angel network. I’d urge any entrepreneur with a suitable business idea to register for the opportunity to pitch to our investors at Slush’D.”

“Liverpool city region’s burgeoning startup ecosystem has a bright future. We are determined to help scale the availability of capital to support the ambitions of local founders.

“The network is open to investors from the region and further afield. You don’t have to be an ex-founder that has sold a business.

“Perhaps you have a professional job and spare liquidity and are curious about angel investing. Get in touch to discuss how you can become part of the network.”

Entrepreneurs attending Slush’D can apply to pitch for investment by emailing LCRAN@msif.co.uk by Monday, August 21. Four startups will be chosen to deliver five-minute pitches in front of the panel of investors

Click here to book a place at Slush’D. The event is being supported by Baltic Ventures, KPMG, Gather, and Growth Platform.