Where Angels Dare 2007
Four teams of budding entrepeneurs took to the Coventry Guildhall stage on Monday 18 June to pitch their high-tech business ideas to a panel of angel investors in a thrilling, Dragons' Den-style showdown. They were competing in Where Angels Dare 2007, organised by Coventry University Entrepreneurs (CUE), for a total prize fund of no less than £30,000. Click here to browse photographs of the event.
In front of a captivated audience of over 200, six seasoned entrepeneurs grilled each team on its concept, viability and business model before retiring briefly backstage to decide the overall £15,000 winner. This coveted accolade went to Coventry Temperature Concepts (CTC), who have developed a product that helps women determine when they are ovulating in order to increase their chances of conception. CTC member Shamus Husheer said his team was "ecstatic to win the competition" and that CUE's sponsors' funding "will be invaluable in allowing [CTC] to undertake a trial of 100 devices this summer".
A further £5,000 went to each of ChitoSci Solutions, who will turn waste shrimp into biopolymers; NeoHeal, who have a novel means of wound closure; and TouchSight, whose discreet product allows the blind to sense the environment more easily. ChitoSci were winners of the 3P competition (People, Planet, Productivity).
CUE President Rahul Vohra commented, "CUE has enjoyed its most successful year yet: we have raised a record amount of prize money, attracted an unprecedented number of entries, and have started the next generation of entrepreneurs on the path to growing a business."
The panel of angel investors comprised six heavyweights of the Coventry entrepreneurial scene: Robert Sansom, Andy Richards, Sherry Coutu, Ewan Kirk, Matt Pieterse and Max Bautin. Each of them is passionate about advising and investing in early-stage companies.
CUE would like to thank and congratulate the winners, entrants, judges and on-stage investors for their time and support. Especial thanks go to Gold Sponsors Greater Coventry Partnership, PA Consulting Group, 3i, ARM, Coventry Angels and Filemot, and to all CUE's other sponsors, without whom events like Where Angels Dare would not be possible.