Catalyse Angel Network Sparks New Era of Innovation with First Investor Showcase in Worcestershire

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Worcestershire’s innovation scene took an exciting leap forward this month as the newly launched Catalyse Angel Network (CAN) hosted its debut pitching event at the Vinegar Works.

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Worcestershire’s innovation scene took an exciting leap forward this month as the newly launched Catalyse Angel Network (CAN) hosted its debut pitching event at the Vinegar Works spotlighting some of the most promising early-stage businesses from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond, whilst energising the region’s investor community.

 

Created by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) with support from Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire Council, and the British Business Bank, CAN aims to connect visionary founders with experienced investors, helping them turn their bold ideas into scalable, high-growth companies.

 

That mission was powerfully realised at CAN’s inaugural event, where five driven entrepreneurs pitched their ventures to an audience of private investors and venture capitalists. The momentum was immediate: every business received investor enquiries, reinforcing the strong confidence in the talent and ambition emerging from across the region.

Chris Orr, CAN Lead: “Catalyse Angel Network is all about unlocking private investment for start-up and early-stage businesses whilst building partnerships that help innovative businesses to thrive. Our investors bring more than just capital; they bring their networks, their knowledge, and their expertise which are all just as vital in helping entrepreneurs to scale. The energy at our first event was incredible, with every founder progressing conversations with at least two investors. We’re also very excited to welcome more investors and entrepreneurs into the network to spark more opportunities for growth through 2026 and beyond.”

 

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our goal is to help businesses access the finance they need so that they can innovate, grow and create high-quality jobs. The strong interest at our first event shows how much potential exists and the importance of matching innovative businesses to those with the knowledge, experience, and means to help them to succeed. As we continue to develop Catalyse Angel Network, we’re also looking to broaden the range of investors involved, bringing in a wider range of voices, backgrounds, and expertise to strengthen support for the next generation of entrepreneurs."

 

CAN has already begun planning further events for 2026, with the ambition to support many more companies on their growth journeys. Alongside pitching events, the network is also developing wider funding education, recognising that different businesses require different types of finance at varying stages.