Michelmores Angel Investor Network (MAINstream) was set up in 2019 to help accelerate the growth of angel investing, with a particular focus on supporting and investing into businesses founded in or with a clear connection to the South West. The network is entirely free to join; we don’t take any fee from the members or the deal flow. This means that we don’t have any reason to be proprietary over the deals that pitch to our members and we can and actively do facilitate conversations with other angel networks and with venture capital funds that we know and think may be interested in the companies pitching to MAINstream.
We hold regular pitch events (currently five each year) and have been thrilled with the quality and quantity of applicants that we receive for each event, many of which are referred to us from organisations, incubators and funds that operate in the South West, including SETsquared Exeter, Falmouth Launchpad, Tech South West and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund.
We welcome applications from companies of all shapes and sizes, and across all sectors, albeit investors tend to be most interested in those that are SEIS or EIS qualifying, meaning that the investor can benefit from these dedicated tax relief schemes that reward investment in early-stage start-ups.
MAINstream is UKBAA registered, a signatory to the Investing in Women Code and it is complimented by MiVentures. MiVentures is a Michelmores’ initiative that provides wholistic support to the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly in the tech and innovation and the sustainability sectors.
In recognition of the legal support that we have provided to early-stage entrepreneurs for a number of years and, more recently, the impact MAINstream and MiVentures has had on the early-stage ecosystem, we were delighted to have won the 2022 UKBAA Award for Best Legal Team for Early Stage Deals, beating a number of leading firms across the UK.
In partnership with Inclusive Angels and British Business Bank, we recently held an event where experienced, new and keen-to-be angel investors shared their knowledge and experiences. This is part of a much wider campaign aimed at creating a more diverse and equitable investment landscape, enabling more investment in the region.
We are always keen to hear from people who are interested in becoming an investor, or companies that are seeking investment. If you would like any more information about Michelmores, MAINstream and/or MiVentures, please contact Chloe Vernon (michelmores.com) or Harry Trick | Michelmores.
