The first-ever Venturefest West Midlands event is set to launch in Birmingham in June. Led by ScienceCity and supported by Warwick Ventures Ltd, Venturefest WM will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and investors across the West Midlands region.

The event is packed with useful sessions to help new businesses, covering topics such as starting and growing a business, developing an innovation culture, and bridging the innovation gap. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities and chances for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas.

One of Venturefest WM’s central events will be a new pitching competition for business owners. Called Pitchfest, the sessions will offer the opportunity to present to leading investors who are actively seeking investment opportunities and get expert advice on pitching from both industry leaders and academics. These sessions are organised by the University of Warwick, Aston University and the University of Birmingham.

Quentin Compton-Bishop, CEO of Warwick Ventures, said: “Venturefest events are a great way to promote excellent business ideas and get access to entrepreneurial support. Along with our Venturefest partner organisations, Warwick Ventures has excellent links with business and industry and drawing many of these links together at this event will enable us to provide some excellent new opportunities for young businesses.”

Tim Powell of the University of Warwick Science Park’s Minerva Business Angel Network also said “ Minerva investors from around the West Midlands have invested over £6m in the last 5 years into the development of innovative new technologies, processes and products from our early stage companies and are delighted to see Venture Fest arrive to both showcase & stimulate innovation in the region”

The Venturefest event will be held at the NEC on 30 June 2015. It is funded by Innovate UK, and backed by universities and business support organisations from across the region. For more information and to register for a place, go to the Venturefest WM website.