Lifted Ventures

What an opportunity! 'The Pitch Room - West Yorkshire' by Foundervine is giving six outstanding founders the chance to pitch to investors and on the judging panel is our co-founder Jordan Dargue. Appplications are now open - deadline 24 October. Run don't walk!

Investors and eco-system partners - help us spread the word.. UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Lifted Ventures are launching a first-of-its-kind Female Founder Export Accelerator to help women-led and women-owned businesses from diverse backgrounds scale globally. We’re looking to reach ambitious female founders who are ready to grow internationally, and we need your help to spread the word. Starting in January 2026, this four-month hybrid programme combines mentoring, coaching, in-person and virtual workshops, and access to funding pathways to give female founders the confidence and tools to scale beyond the UK. 📌 Launch events this November: - Leeds - Tuesday 4 November, 12-2pm, Bruntwood Platform - https://lnkd.in/edi2yhKz - Birmingham - Tuesday 11 November, 12-2pm, SciTech Spanish Steps, BHIC - https://lnkd.in/eA_cYQ8H At the events, we'll hear from a panel of experts on scalling globally, as well delving deeper into conversation with UK female founders who have successfully expanded internationally. Look out for announcements about speakers and panellists very soon! This accelerator is designed for founders from diverse backgrounds who are: ✅ Already exporting and want to accelerate international growth ✅ Preparing to expand globally in the next 12–24 months ✅ Curious about exporting and need practical first steps Help us spread the word about this unique female founder opportunity by sharing this post or pointing founders directly to Eventbrite to register. Thanks to our partners: Gordons LLP, CO4CH, RBC Brewin Dolphin and British Business Bank for their ongoing support. Beth Crosier, Vicky Mears, Cat Smith, Susan Nightingale, Stephanie Houghton, Paul Ayre, Chris Black, Elizabeth Hancock, Delyth Lloyd Edwards, Catherine Procter MCSI, Craig Taylor FPFS FCSI, Warren Ralls, Louis Taylor CBE, Marie Hall, Zara Hussain, Rosie Batten- Stevens, Jordan Dargue, Helen Oldham, Sara Parker, Alex Usher

The Lifted Women Angels Conference is back - Friday 30 January 2026! Fresh off the energy of last week’s Athena Festival, we’re diving straight into our flagship angel investor event. Hosted by Lifted Ventures, the Lifted Women Angels Conference is coming to Aspire, Leeds, and is the largest angel investor gathering outside of London. ❓ Who is the Lifted Women Angels Conference for: Designed for female angel investors and women curious about investing, it’s your chance to expand knowledge, grow networks and shape the future of early-stage investment in female-led businesses. ❓ Why Attend? Join leading female investors, founders and finance professionals from across the UK for a day brimming with insight, inspiration and opportunity. You can expect: - Expert keynotes from top female investors and finance leaders - Engaging panels exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in early-stage investment - Powerful conversations about women driving real change in the investment ecosystem And the event wouldn’t be complete without our Annual Angel Investor Awards Lunch, where we shine a spotlight on trailblazing women angels making waves in early-stage investment and championing female-led businesses. Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder, Lifted Ventures: “The Lifted Women Angels Conference is about bringing the angel investor community together and creating a space to inspire women who are curious about or just starting their journey into angel investing.” Helen Oldham, Co-Founder, Lifted Ventures: “We want every woman, whether experienced or just curious, to discover the power and potential of angel investing. This conference can be a catalyst for turning curiosity into action and creating real impact in the investment ecosystem.” 📅 Date: Friday 30 January 2026 📍 Location: Aspire, Leeds 🎟️ Ticket link in comments or scan the QR code Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn and step confidently into the world of angel investing. The Women Angels Conference 2026 is possible thanks to the support of our event sponsors: Gordons LLP, CO4CH, RBC Brewin Dolphin, British Business Bank and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Tracy Brabin, Mandy Ridyard, Beth Crosier, Vicky Mears, Cat Smith, Susan Nightingale, Stephanie Houghton, Paul Ayre, Chris Black, Elizabeth Hancock, Delyth Lloyd Edwards, Catherine Procter MCSI, Craig Taylor FPFS FCSI, Sara Parker, Alex Usher, Angel Smith

Yesterday, as part of the SHEAccelerates programme delivered by Lifted Ventures and sponsored by The Growth Company, we were back in St Helens for another energising in-person session - this time focused on Pitch Practice. This interactive workshop gave each founder the opportunity to pitch their business and receive tailored, expert and peer-to-peer feedback designed to strengthen their delivery, boost their confidence and refine their message for investor conversations. It was inspiring to see the progress since our previous in-person masterclass, and the powerful, confident storytelling that each founder used to bring their vision to life. We can’t wait to see how these ventures continue to evolve on their journey to becoming investor-ready. The Growth Company St Helens Business Launchpad Ian Dunkerley Lydia May Rowland Tina Booth David Butler ⭐ Gordons LLP, CO4CH, RBC Brewin Dolphin, British Business Bank, Beth Crosier, Vicky Mears, Cat Smith, Susan Nightingale, Stephanie Houghton, Paul Ayre, Chris Black, Elizabeth Hancock, Delyth Lloyd Edwards, Catherine Procter MCSI, Craig Taylor FPFS FCSI, Helen Oldham, Jordan Dargue, Sara Parker, Alex Usher, Angel Smith

Limited tickets available for female founders... Join us for the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem, West Yorkshire Combined Authority & Lifted Ventures Innovation Programme Demo Day, taking place on Monday 3 November 2025 at the University of Bradford. After six months of learning, mentorship and growth, our cohort of incredible women founders are ready to pitch their ventures to investors, industry partners and key stakeholders. We’re offering a limited number of tickets exclusively for female founders who want to experience this Demo Day, support their peers and connect with a thriving community of women in business. ✨ Why attend: - Witness live pitches from regional women-led startups - Connect with investors, partners and fellow founders - Celebrate female entrepreneurship across West Yorkshire 📍 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford 🕥 Monday 3 November 2025 | 10.30am – 3.30pm 👉 Reserve your ticket today – spaces are limited - ticket link in comments Tickets are also still available for investors and eco-system partners. #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #FemaleFounders #WestYorkshire #DemoDay #Bradford #LiftedVentures #WomenInBusiness Tracy Brabin, Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Paul Ayre, Susan Nightingale, Vicky Mears, Warren Ralls, Delyth Lloyd Edwards, Cat Smith, Lauren Tunnicliffe Chart.PR MCIPR, Shaun Fooy, Steve Kerridge, Paul Thorning, Sonya Bachra-Byrne MBA, CMgr MCMI, Jordan Dargue, Helen Oldham, Sara Parker, Alex Usher. Angel Smith, Amy Pierechod, Stephanie Houghton, Elizabeth Hancock, Chris Black, Catherine Procter MCSI, Craig Taylor FPFS FCSI, Beth Crosier British Business Bank, Gordons LLP, RBC Brewin Dolphin, CO4CH

We’re proud to have partnered with Mint Ventures to support BindEthics Ltd. in their £150k seed round. BindEthics Ltd. is pioneering sustainable adhesives, turning industrial food and beverage waste into high-performance, non-toxic bio-adhesives - a game-changing solution for furniture, construction and packaging industries. This investment demonstrates the power of women-led co-investment, helping close the funding gap for women founders in the UK. Victoria Garcia Professor Gillian Fleming Helen Oldham Jordan Dargue Sara Parker Alex Usher Angel Smith

Earlier this week our co-founder, Helen Oldham took the stage in York at the 'From Insight to Impact - Shaping the Future for Female Entrepreneurs' event. The event brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for York and North Yorkshire’s economy. Research shows that last year, female-led businesses in the region raised just £62,000 in equity funding, compared with £3.8 million raised by male-led ventures. Even more striking - no government contracts went to female-led businesses, while £27.2 million went to those led by men. Closing these gaps isn’t just about fairness - it’s a clear strategic opportunity for women in the region. Unlocking the potential of female founders could add £2.6 billion in GVA and create 165,000 jobs for the region. Helen encouraged female founders to be visible and confident, reminding everyone that showcasing achievements and value is essential to changing perceptions and attracting investment. We also heard from other stand-out voices including Kiran Trehan (Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement at the University of York), Lyndsay Mitcheson (Neo Walk), Jennifer Wood (Chair of the York and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Business Board) and Claire Douglas (Leader of City of York Council), who each highlighted the importance of mentorship, leadership and collective action in driving this essential change. Along with the University of York, City of York Council, NatWest and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, we’re determined to build a more inclusive and thriving economy for all founders across the region. #LiftedVentures #FemaleFounders #InclusiveGrowth #YorkshireBusiness #Entrepreneurship Jordan Dargue Sara Parker Angel Smith Alex Usher

✨ Athena Festival 2025 - what a day! ✨ We’re still buzzing from the energy and inspiration we witnessed on Tuesday in Leeds. Thank you to everyone who joined us - your passion made this year truly special! 🎤 Highlights: - Marverine Cole (aka TV Marv) opened the day with inspiring storytelling and infectious energy. - Lisa Clifford 🔥 Firewalk Empowerment Master Trainer reminded us that our mind can be our silent dream-killer - mindset is key to success. - Emily Nott shared Innovate UK’s pledge for progress and their 10 commitments to women innovators, along with the fact that over £11m has been invested in the Women in Innovation Awards. - Jillian Alexander D (Nee Kowalchuk) reminded us that AI isn’t the future - it’s right now, and we can’t afford to stand still. - Mandy Ridyard highlighted how West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Mayor Tracy Brabin are creating ecosystems where female founders can thrive. - Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, our co-founders, celebrated Lifted Ventures’ 2-year anniversary with the launch of their bold 5-Point Manifesto for 2025–2027, setting the vision for what’s next. Stay tuned for more on this very soon! ⚡Female Founder Lightning Pitches: Congratulations to all our founders who pitched on the day: Hazaar, Nc'nean Distillery, Caroboo, Halocycle, Bettii Ltd, Eco Green Living, Gut Wealth and Wise Wolves. 🏆 Winner: Halocycle | Henrietta Boyd 🌿 Runner-up: Eco Green Living | Julie Cook 🌿 Runner-up: Caroboo | Charlotte Miller 🌍 Workshops & Insights: UK Export Finance: Marie Hall and Fiona Begley shared how UKEF can support your export journey. They’re ready to help you explore new markets or start the conversation about taking your business global. Gordons LLP: Amy Pierechod led “Lifted to Investment - Strategies to Fund Your Future,” giving legal and practical strategies for navigating investment. Key event take aways... • Don’t wait to be invited to anyone’s ‘table’ - create your own! • There’s strength in numbers - build yourself a strong support network. • Have the courage to take bold steps, even when the path isn’t clear. • Use your wisdom to make choices that align with your purpose and values. • Be resourceful - turn challenges into chances to innovate and grow. Plus a fantasic goody bag! Thank you to everyone who contributed, including Gordons LLP, Nc'nean Distillery, Fearne & Rosie ®️ | B Corp, Eco Green Living, The Biskery, xigxag and Caroboo for the amazing samples. It was everyone - the delegtates, the speakers, the panellists, the sponsors - you all made Athena Festival 2025 such an inspiring day filled with energy, learning and real connection. Here's to 2026! #AthenaFest25 🫶

🚨 NORTH EAST FEMALE STARTUPS Deadline approaching: Thursday 9 October Are you a North East female with big ambitions for your startup? Don’t miss your chance to join the ATHENA LABS ‘Growth and Funding Programme for Female Founders’ - a poweful accelerator designed for female founders whose businesses or business ideas help people live better lives - and it begins later this month. The programme, delivered by Lifted Ventures in partnership with the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) will help you: ✅ Get investor-ready: Build your pitch, refine your business plan, and prepare for due diligence ✅ Raise your profile: Showcase your innovation to aligned investors ✅ Expand your network: Connect with founders, funders, and ecosystem stakeholders ✅ Access long-term support: Join the Lifted Ventures community for continued introductions, mentoring, and opportunities ✅ Be seen: Help position the North East as a thriving hub for diverse innovation and female entrepreneurship If you’re ready to accelerate your startup journey and make a bigger impact, apply before this Thursday - 9 October. 👉 Learn more and submit your application. Link in comments. British Business Bank Gordons LLP RBC Brewin Dolphin CO4CH Helen Oldham Jordan Dargue Graeme Miller Jennine Jonczyk Sara Parker Alex Usher Shaun Fooy Vicky Mears Amy Pierechod Stephanie Houghton Delyth Lloyd Edwards Cat Smith Elizabeth Hancock Chris Black Catherine Procter MCSI Craig Taylor FPFS FCSI Beth Crosier The North East Combined Authority Zara Ford Estelle Blanks Newcastle University #FemaleFounders #NorthEast #WomenInBusiness #AthenaLabs #LiftedVentures #Innovation #Funding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #IoCT #Startups #Impact