Investor In Residence, Simon Tutton, looks ahead to 2020

Simon Tutton, Deepbridge’s Business Development Manager for the South West, will be holding Investor in Residence sessions at Engine Shed on the 7th January, 6th February and the 4th March. The sessions are an important part of Deepbridge’s mission to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals within the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Deepbridge is an active venture capital firm that specialises in supporting and funding technology, life sciences and renewable energy companies.

Entrepreneurs and founders can sound out their ideas and extend their own network.  Far from being a pitch session to win or lose, the sessions are an opportunity for companies to be honest and open to suggestions or challenges that might help their business, regardless of the funding.

The sessions also help Deepbridge find interesting companies to invest into.  In 2109 they supported three companies in the Bristol area – Fluoretiq, Thalia Design Automation and Funnel Music – with several more in due diligence.

Simon says: “If we do find a company that potentially fits our investment model, then we start due diligence. However, if it doesn’t, then we will aim to provide constructive opinion and possibly make a connection to other more relevant investors.

“During 2019 it has been particularly pleasing to see so many high-quality companies seek advice. Bristol is a shining example of fantastic entrepreneurs, and for great academic research for commercialisation.”

Whilst the current political situation and high-profile investment manager failings have seen some knocks to investor confidence, Deepbridge has invested more than ever before and in more early-stage growth-focused companies.

Reflecting this confidence, Deepbridge Syndicate, a private investor network, is holding its first event in Bristol in February 2020.

Simon says about the year ahead: “Predicting what will happen in 2020 is difficult, however, we feel the momentum is good. Certainly, in Bristol, it anecdotally appears that record amounts of money are being invested.  There are a number of great companies going from strength to strength, with a number now being categorised as ‘unicorns.’

“We see the UK success stories continuing and, within our portfolio, we now have companies raising larger rounds as well as companies now looking at potential future stock market listings, either in the UK or the USA.  There will always be macro political and economic fluctuations to deal with, but good companies will find a way around this and may even have that great skill of finding opportunities within challenges.”

The Investor In Residence service is part of Engine Shed’s in residence services to support investment, growth and office space and to make expertise available to anyone, regardless of sector or growth stage.

The in-Residence services are selected in response to the challenges we identify in the community, and the opportunities presented by strategic partnerships to benefit our mission.

In Residence investors are able to provide expert advice with meetings open to all businesses and not just Engine Shed members. The Science Research Foundation (trading as Engine Shed) is not regulated and takes no responsibility for any advice provided as part of this service.