UEA Enterprise Fund

UEA ENTERPRISE FUND Give student and graduate entrepreneurs your backing.

George Bailey was the first current undergraduate student to secure ÂŁ50,000 of UEA Enterprise Fund investment.

ÂŁ50,000 Enterprise Fund investment

SEEING THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY George Bailey (ECO18) on how the eco-friendly glasses company he co-founded is about to make waves, thanks to the UEA Enterprise Fund.

When I arrived at UEA, I found everything a budding entrepreneur could need.

You’ve got the freedom to manage your time, access to great facilities and a network of contacts. Plus, of course, the UEA Enterprise Fund.

The Enterprise Fund provides business support to help students like me become entrepreneurs, including life-changing grants and equity investments into our companies.

FROM IDEA TO REALIT Y I’d spotted a gap in the market to combine my passion for the environment with an everyday product. I thought it might be able to make a real impact, so I went to speak to the team at UEA’s Enterprise Centre.

Aged 19, you’re often told you need more experience. Here, I’ve received nothing but professional-level support and advice that’s helped develop the idea into a fledgling business.

Coral Eyewear was born. Today, we’re pioneering the use of discarded ocean plastics and recycled fishing nets to produce sustainable glasses, sunglasses and accessories.

SCALING THE BUSINESS We received a £50,000 equity investment from the Enterprise Fund – the largest award available. The money is massively accelerating our business.

We’ve commissioned an industry-leading designer, bought materials, and are developing our website and marketing ready for launch. u

I H AV E SO M UCH G R AT IT U DE TO T H E PEO PLE BACKING U S.

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

02

WE WANT TO L AU NCH A R E AL M O F S U S TAINA BI L I T Y I N T H E OP T I C A L I N DU S T RY. u We want to get our products onto the high street, reduce harmful plastic waste and make a positive difference for global wildlife and biodiversity.

All this would be out of reach for the vast majority of students. UEA’s investment makes it possible, and is also allowing us to leverage additional funding from traditional investors.

A RANGE OF SUPPORT The Enterprise Fund is about more than just financial help. I was matched with a mentor to help us craft our business and make sure we were getting the foundations right.

There were introductions to investors and other Enterprise Fund entrepreneurs at a later stage of their business, like the founders of Safepoint.

Ultimately, the fund gives you confidence. We’ve grown our business within the University and had the backing we needed to take it further and think on a national scale.

03

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

The UEA Enterprise Centre is a home for entrepreneurship at the University.

INTRODUCING THE UEA ENTERPRISE FUND The Enterprise Fund offers support to UEA students from the start of their degrees through to five years after graduation. An industry panel awards a range of financial grants and investments: GROW IT Grants of up to £7,500 to make businesses commercially sustainable or investment ready.

SCALE IT Equity investments of up to £50,000, with any returns reinvested at UEA to support future businesses.

Entrepreneurs are also offered: • Expert mentorship and coaching • S pecialist business advice, from web design to contract law • Insider access to industry contacts • A supportive, collaborative work space • Networking to drive their business forward.

In time, our vision is that returns on the fund’s investments will come back to UEA – making it a self-sustaining philanthropic investment for donors and future businesses. www.uea.ac.uk/difference

04

The Enterprise Fund Advisory Panel’s clear, robust process and ‘Dragon’s Den’ decision making style prepares student entrepreneurs for the world of business.

£3m

Enterprise Fund fundraising target

OUR VISION FOR UEA’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS UEA alumnus Paul Harvey (SOC79), CEO and entrepreneur, is Chair of the Enterprise Fund Advisory Panel. He sets out our vision.

In today’s world, the pace of change means it’s really important to be constantly learning and equip yourself with entrepreneurial skills.

“Many of our students have fantastic ideas, energy and passion but need access to resources and guidance if they are to succeed. Often, these are individuals who would otherwise miss out altogether.

“Like many Enterprise Fund supporters, I have been in the position that these young people are in. I wanted to be part of a broader group that could collectively use its experience to help young people.

“With our range of expertise, we make a very powerful network.

AN IMPRESSIVE IMPACT “Funded exclusively by philanthropists passionate about enterprise and innovation, we’re making a genuine difference to the lives of students

building businesses and those associated with their companies.

“What has impressed me most is the level of commitment. These students are doing everything other entrepreneurs are doing, all while studying for a degree.

Their sacrifices and personal investment are inspiring.

“These businesses, which the panel carefully assess before recommending for funding, are supporting the regional economy and having a national and global impact. Today, I can’t imagine UEA without the Enterprise Fund!

WILL YOU HELP US CONTINUE? “We really can make a difference. Your generous philanthropy will help give new generations of students and graduates these life-changing opportunities.

“When we look back in 10 or 20 years’ time, we’ll be able to say we helped create something special.”

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

06

THE BIRTH OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL Helena Lopez Paredes (HSC13) on how the UEA Enterprise Fund allowed her to bring life-saving midwifery practices to women around the world.

Why did you start your business?

From the first day of my midwifery degree, I knew I wanted to start my own company. I felt so privileged to be a UEA student, fell completely in love with how they teach here and was inspired to share what I was learning to help women globally.

One of the leading causes of mortality for women worldwide, especially in developing countries, is complications during childbirth. Continued education for midwives could help save and improve so many lives.

07

£7,500 Enterprise Fund grant

WE’R E

We are creating something beautiful – providing the best information and evidence-based techniques and practice to midwives in hospitals, midwifery organisations and universities in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries through workshops, talks and events.

I M PR OV ING

How did the Enterprise Fund help?

The Enterprise team have been amazing.

They’ve completely changed my life!

T H E WO R LD.

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

T H E LIV ES O F WO M EN A R O UND

Helena Lopez Paredes’ time as a mature student on BSc Midwifery at UEA inspired her to start her business.

As soon as I finished my degree, I went to speak with them. I had no idea at all of how to start a company. They explained business plans, accountancy, tax, intellectual property, marketing and market research. I was matched with mentors and got advice on funding.

My company, Helena Eyimi Ltd, received a huge push when we were awarded £7,500 from the Enterprise Fund.

I was very proud, and very excited.

What difference has the funding made?

The backing from UEA is helping us create an app for midwives with courses and access to the latest developments and current best practice. We’ll continue to use technology and innovation to reach as many health professionals as possible.

So far, we’ve held over 75 courses and trained more than 1,300 professionals worldwide. We are currently working with organisations in Spain and Chile and are soon going to the biggest university in South America to teach students and provide continued education for midwives.

I am working with a team of senior midwives from Anglia Ruskin University and UEA – some of whom were my teachers. We also have a marketing team to produce advertising and are providing internship opportunities.

What’s been your proudest moment?

Midwives tell us our teaching will have a massive impact on their everyday practice in the community. We’re improving women’s lives and avoiding serious and severe outcomes during childbirth.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Enterprise Fund. www.uea.ac.uk/difference

08

James Sheppard and Matt Leach, co-founders of Geotekk.

ÂŁ50,000 Enterprise Fund investment

THE NEXT GO-TO SECURIT Y BRAND For Geotekk, the UEA Enterprise Fund was the catalyst to a wide range of investment, as co-founder Matt Leach (MED09) reveals.

Could you introduce your company?

Limpet from Geotekk is a smart security alarm and tracker for use with bikes and motorbikes.

Armed by a movement sensor or GPS geofencing, Limpet deters thieves with a 130-decibel alarm and strobe light to draw maximum attention, and sends a notification to your phone.

We want people to be able to go about their daily lives without having to worry that anyone is stealing or tampering with their stuff.

What challenges have you faced?

I put my medical career on hold and we took out substantial personal loans to fund the first prototype. Even then, we didn’t have the cash to make it look great.

You’re trying to sell your idea to investors with something that isn’t pretty, but you have to keep pushing because you have the vision.

A lot of investors weren’t interested in helping us until there was no risk – which was really hard because it was during those early days, when it was most risky, that we needed help the most.

How did the Enterprise Fund help?

People at UEA have bent over backwards to help us. The team at the Enterprise Centre spent time with me, going above and beyond with advice and support.

We pitched for the Enterprise Fund’s ‘Scale It’ award and were the first recipients of a £50,000 investment.

Having that initial funding acted as a catalyst to bring in more investors.

To date, we have raised more than £400,000 and the future of the business looks extremely strong.

We were ‘Gadget of the Week’ in The Times and have been featured in the cycling and motorcycle specialist press.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Enterprise Fund donors, to whom we owe everything. Without the initial funding being put into the company, we simply wouldn’t be where we are today.

What’s next for Geotekk?

We’re aiming to be the next go-to security brand. We’ve got the engineers and technology to try out new ideas.

The next few years are going to be busy!

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

10

KEEPING LONE WORKERS SAFE Safepoint’s digital platform helps to keep lone workers safe.

Tech start-up Safepoint has gone from strength to strength since receiving a £50,000 ‘Scale It’ investment, mentorship opportunities and introductions to major businesses, all through the Enterprise Fund.

Formed at UEA’s ‘Sync the City’ event, the company’s innovative digital platform 11

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

ensures lone workers, such as field workers, care staff and security guards, are never truly alone.

The platform launched in August 2019 and has attracted clients in the UK, USA and New Zealand.

Now, the company is pitching for its next round of funding through traditional investment routes with ambitions to become a market leader.

SUSTAINABILIT Y FOR STUDENTS

Reducing waste on campus is top of the agenda for Kipple, an ethical business that promotes a responsible approach to student life.

Students can rent a starter pack of household essentials for the academic year, which is returned when they leave for summer. Kipple is aiming to reduce the cost, hassle and waste for students on campuses across the UK. The company was awarded a £7,500 ‘Grow It’ grant by the Enterprise Fund to pilot the concept here at UEA, ready the business for investment and expand into other universities and sectors.

PAINLESS ONLINE HEALTHCARE

The strain on the NHS is well-documented. Yet technology offers new ways to meet the demand. That’s where e-Surgery comes in – an online doctor and pharmacy, accessible on any phone or tablet.

In addition to receiving a £50,000 ‘Scale It’ investment from the Enterprise Fund, the business has benefitted from the expertise of mentors provided by the Enterprise team.

“Knowing the Enterprise Fund panel believed in us meant so much,” said founder Thuria Abduljhbar. “It gave us the drive to persevere through the toughest period of our growth.”

AN ENTIRE COMMUNIT Y OF STUDENT AND GRADUATE BUSINESSES WOULDN’T EXIST WITHOUT THIS BACKING. Callum Coombes (CMP13) Safepoint

IT FEELS LIKE IN 6 MONTHS WE’VE MADE 5 YEARS’ WORTH OF PROGRESS. Ismat Imaan (ENV17) Kipple

THE ENTERPRISE FUND GAVE US BELIEF AS WELL AS BACKING. Thuria Abduljhbar (MED12) e-Surgery

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

12

03

Catching A Fish In Norway believes in a fashion industry equally fair for people, the environment and profit.

FIGHTING FAST FASHION

Founded to support young artists, Catching A Fish In Norway is an ethical and sustainable streetwear company.

The Enterprise Fund has been at the heart of the business since it first launched in 2014 – offering mentoring opportunities, advice on responsible manufacturers and suppliers, and more than £10,000 in grant funding across three years.

13

A Noctule bat, radio-tagged during one of Insight Ecology’s environmental impact assessment projects.

HELP FOR HABITATS AND HOMES James Goldsmith founded Insight Ecology to apply the skills he learnt during his studies at UEA to the planning and development sector.

Today, his company provides ecological consultancy for development projects.

After a search for traditional funding proved fruitless, the Enterprise Fund panel saw the potential of the business.

But founder Paul Donati says his most satisfying moment in business came when he won a UEA Innovation and Impact Award in 2018.

They awarded a ‘Grow It’ grant of £7,500 – enough to purchase specialist field equipment essential for the company’s surveying projects.

Today, the company collaborates with young, up-and-coming designers to offer an ever-growing range of low carbon, organic and fairtrade clothing.

“Socially and commercially, there is a need for housing,” James explains.

“Effective consulting helps homes get built, without costing the earth.”

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

UEA DONORS ARE HELPING BUSINESSES LIKE MINE CHANGE THE WORLD. Paul Donati (LAW13) Catching A Fish In Norway Bubbler aims to make high street shopping an immersive and engaging experience.

DISRUPTING THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY

The high street isn’t dead. It’s just changing. Bubbler aims to help the public shop smart and allow businesses to promote themselves to potential customers in engaging and immersive new ways.

Retailers can use the service to leave deals and discounts in physical locations, generate footfall and attract new customers. It’s been described as the ‘Pokémon Go’ of retail.

The £50,000 ‘Scale It’ grant, mentoring and networking opportunities that Bubbler received through the Enterprise Fund was pivotal. Without that support, founder Josh Davies says, setting up the business would have been an impossible task.

I CAME TO UEA TO BECOME AN ECOLOGIST. I LEFT AS AN ENTREPRENEUR. James Goldsmith (BIO11) Insight Ecology

THE MENTORING HAS CHANGED THE WAY I THINK ABOUT BUSINESS. Josh Davies (LDC16) Bubbler

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

14

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION AT UEA As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Fiona Lettice is a champion of enterprise at UEA. The tradition of innovation at UEA is long and proud. From creative writing to biomedical research, we have always backed exciting ideas. No wonder our motto is ‘do different’!

We know that this entrepreneurial spirit puts students ahead of their peers and allows them the best possible start in their careers. But, all too often, the barriers to innovation and enterprise can make it a restrictive path for bright and talented students.

Removing these barriers and laying the foundations for success has led to the creation of the UEA Enterprise Fund.

I’m delighted to sit on its Advisory Panel.

Today, it’s part of the fantastic range of support for students and alumni we offer.

THE ENTERPRISE CENTRE A multi-award-winning space on the UEA campus, when the Enterprise Centre was built it was the most ecofriendly building in the UK. It’s an incubator space for young companies, offering co-working to encourage collaboration and a hub 15

www.uea.ac.uk/difference

for innovation. We have commercial enterprises on site too, including a venture capital firm.

The building is also home to UEA’s entrepreneur in residence, first awarded to Jacyn Heavens, CEO of Epos Now, who provides another valuable source of expertise for students.

INNOVATION IN NORWICH Together with SyncNorwich, UEA organises ‘Sync the City’, a Norwichbased annual event that brings together developers, innovators, marketers and creatives to build a start-up business from scratch in just 54 hours.

PROMOTING ENTERPRISE UEA’s comprehensive workshop programme covers everything from developing a business to financing a start-up. Our extensive support matches local, national and global business leaders with budding entrepreneurs.

In the past 5 years, our Enterprise advisers have offered advice at more than 1,300 appointments. Our business community continues to thrive.

Sophie Cox and Finbarr Carter, part of the team providing a range of services and support at the UEA Enterprise Centre.

U E A H A S FLO URISH ED BE C AUSE O F IT S SPIRIT O F I N NOVAT IO N A ND EN T ERPRISE. PLEA SE H E L P US CO NT INU E.

YOUR GENEROSIT Y COULD INSPIRE A GENERATION Our donors support the UEA Enterprise Fund for many reasons. David Tibble (SOC70) explains his.

What inspires you?

I’ve had a successful business career but still have an agile mind. I wanted to work with young people and give something back. The biggest thing I have to offer them is my expertise and experience of private equity and entrepreneurship.

Why should others support the Enterprise Fund?

You’ve got to find a cause that you believe in. I believe that everyone benefits when you get involved in something worthwhile.

The Enterprise Fund allows me to make the greatest possible impact with my support. It helps entrepreneurs, as well as the people their businesses will benefit. Since returns are reinvested, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

How does the Fund make such an impact?

It’s as much about the mentoring that we offer as the money. We can’t make decisions for these young entrepreneurs, but we can share informed advice.

The rigorous application process for funding is designed to mirror industry standards. Success is a real achievement, but the experience alone helps every applicant become a better entrepreneur.

Has the experience surprised you?

The sheer range of businesses that come forward is mind-boggling. As is the number of young people who want to run their own business. People underestimate how hard it is to start a business – it’s really tough. That’s why the Enterprise Fund is so important.

GIVE YOUR BACKING TO STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS

The Square at UEA, a hub of student life at the University.

Students must not miss out on the opportunity to transform their future.

Our ambitious goal to raise £3 million will mean they won’t have to.

Please give your support to the UEA Enterprise Fund today and invest in the success of tomorrow’s great entrepreneurs.

Get in touch to start the conversation overleaf u

BECOME AN EXPERT MENTOR If you have business expertise to share with the next generation of entrepreneurs at UEA, please get in touch about giving your time as an Enterprise Fund mentor.

£3m

Enterprise Fund fundraising target

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? When you become part of our thriving philanthropic community, we make sure you’re always kept up to date about the impact of your gift. You’ll receive updates as new businesses are funded and invitations to UEA events of interest.

We look forward to welcoming you. www.uea.ac.uk/difference

03 18

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE AT UEA The UEA Enterprise Fund is part of The Difference Campaign, UEA’s fundraising campaign to create pioneering change in the world.

We are using the power of philanthropy to fund and further the University’s groundbreaking work – adding global reach and significance. Together with the support of our donors, we are tackling the world’s greatest challenges and transforming lives.

MAKE A GIFT TODAY If you would like to support the UEA Enterprise Fund, please contact the Development Office: Telephone: +44 (0)1603 592 945 Email: giving@uea.ac.uk Development Office University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ Donate online at: www.uea.ac.uk/difference

This publication is printed on FSC certified paper.

The contents of this publication are protected by copyright belonging to the University of East Anglia and may not be reproduced without permission.

Cover image: Helena Lopez Paredes, one of many entrepreneurs supported by the UEA Enterprise Fund.

UEA is an exempt charity: HMRC reference number XN423