Halo and certainly not goodbye for Norwich startups

Entrepreneur Chris Price of Bioscopic won both the audience favourite and judges’ awards.

Bioscopic is a pharmaceutical startup currently spinning out of the globally renowned Quadram Institute and the young company isolates therapeutic compounds from beneficial microbes.

Other contenders in the mix were AAH Software, Exo Engineering, Plant Intelligence Ltd and Up ‘N’ Mellow.

AAH Software’s Mantal is a complete research management platform that manages all aspects of clinical trials from recruitment, consent, trial delivery and the automation of repeat trials, engagement and reengagement.

Exo Engineering helps maritime clients achieve sustainability targets by enhancing offshore infrastructure with nature inclusivity.

Plant Intelligence provides a scalable, modular approach to creating environments for consumers and commerce.

Up ‘N’ Mellow is a premium vegan brand that makes luxury ready-to-eat nut porridges. Its products are described as “highly nutritious as sources of protein and fibre, delicious and easy to prepare; 100 per cent vegan, dairy free, organic and handmade.”

Guests from across the Norwich business community supported and celebrated the founders who took part in The Halo Programme – an investment readiness venture which takes participants through an intensive two-month series of workshops to help them prepare to take on angel investments.

Workshops cover a range of topics including: Knowing your market; Demystifying legal documents; Financial forecasts and tax; How to build the best team; How to value your business; Pitch building and Pitch practice.

Each of the participants was supported by two mentors drawn from Anglia Capital Group's network of angel investors and successful company founders.

The programme culminated with a showcase event which saw the participants deliver their polished pitches to a panel of expert judges.

Laura Hood, Halo Programme Co-ordinator, said: “It was wonderful to feel the buzz in the room and see the local business community come together in support of these brilliant founders. They all delivered excellent pitches and we're excited to see how they progress from here.”

Partners & sponsors for ‘Halo’ were Birketts, RSM, Tec Partners, LuminousPR, British Business Bank, RBC Brewin Dolphin and Connected Innovation.

Anglia Capital Group is keen to work with innovation hubs across the region to offer their companies a bespoke programme and interested collaborators can contact laura@angliacapitalgroup.co.uk.