What better way to hear directly from a female founder who's taken her brands global? Announcing the first of two 'fireside chats' as part of the UK Export Finance Female Founder Export Accelerator in partnership with Lifted Ventures. Melissa Snover, CEO and founder of Get Nourish3d and REM3DY Health Group, is an award-winning entrepreneur and innovator in the fields of food technology, health science and additive manufacturing. With nearly 20 years of entrepreneurial success, 29 secured patents, and multiple successful exits, she has redefined the landscape of personalised nutrition and sustainable manufacturing on a global scale. Melissa will sit down with Helen Oldham, co-founder of Lifted Ventures at our Birmingham launch event on Tuesday 11 November, for an intimate and insightful discussion on her journey - the challenges, triumphs and lessons learned in taking her business and brand international. 🎟️ Don’t miss this chance to gain first-hand insights from a global founder at the top of her game When - Tuesday 11 November, 12-2pm Where - Bruntwood SciTech Spanish Steps 👉 Reserve your spot at the Birmingham launch event today to find out more about this 4-month unique accelerator for women from diverse backgrounds, starting in January 2026. TICKET LINK IN COMMENTS. 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 Sara Parker, Alex Usher, Angel Smith
Lifted Ventures
Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
Elevating female founders. Increasing early stage capital for female founders. Angel network, Investor Her Community.
About us
Lifted Ventures exists to increase the flow of early stage capital to female founders and the business benefits of backing women. Through our fly wheel of our angel network, Invest Her Community, education, consultancy and intersectionality blueprints. Apply for early stage investment or to be an angel via our website today.
- Website
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www.liftedventures.co.uk
External link for Lifted Ventures
- Industry
- Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Leeds
- Type
- Public Company
- Founded
- 2023
- Specialties
- Angel Investment, Investment, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Early-Stage Capital, Investment Support, and Investment Education
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
Leeds, GB
Employees at Lifted Ventures
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Zandra Moore MBE
Tech Entrepreneur | Advisor | NED | Data | AI | SaaS
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Sandra Patel
Founder of Leeds Digital Ball CIC | Angel Investor | Sales Consultancy in Tech | Part Exited Founder | Podcast Host | Championing Mental Health |…
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Hephzi Pemberton
Venture Partner, Serial Founder & Chair / Author (Amazon bestseller “The Diversity Playbook”)
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Helen Oldham
FOUNDER/ INVESTOR/ CHAIR/NED/MENTOR/VENTURE CAPITAL/INNOVATION/MARKETING. Change maker, community builder, up leveller, female entrepreneur champion.
Updates
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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!
Are you an ambitious founder based in Leeds or West Yorkshire — or know someone who is? 🌟 The Pitch Room, West Yorkshire, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is your moment to shine! 🚀 This high-energy initiative gives six outstanding founders the chance to pitch to investors, connect with industry leaders, and gain expert training to fuel their next stage of growth. And here’s the best part — you’re not pitching to just anyone. Our panel of judges are seasoned innovators who know exactly what it takes to back and scale game-changing ventures. 🌟 Meet the Judges 🏆 Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder, Lifted Ventures Jordan is one of the UK’s most passionate advocates for female founders and diversity in investment. Through Lifted Ventures, she’s increasing early-stage capital flow to women-led businesses and promoting the economic power of backing women in entrepreneurship. 🏆 Chris Dalrymple, Co-Founder, Trove Ventures Chris is a Sheffield-based founder, investor, and mentor supporting entrepreneurs across the UK to validate ideas, build strong cultures, and get investor-ready. He’s also an Angel Investor with Sheffield Angels and an Entrepreneur in Residence at Sheffield Technology Parks. 🏆 Sonya Bachra-Byrne MBA, CMgr MCMI, Enterprise Development Manager, BREE Sonya empowers early-stage founders to build sustainable, high-impact businesses. With a background in innovation and strategy for global fashion brands, she has helped multinationals drive profitability and prepare for a more sustainable future. 🏆 Georgie Lynskey, Founder, G.Digital and G&T (girls and tech!) Georgie founded her brand in 2020 and scaled it to seven figures in just three years without external investment. A passionate advocate for women in tech, she partners with businesses to attract, retain, and celebrate female talent in technology. 👉 Apply to pitch now: https://lnkd.in/db_csP7W ⏳ Deadline to apply: 24 October 2025 📍 Avenue HQ Leeds, LS1 2BH | 🗓️ 03 December 2025 | ⏰ 18:00 – 21:30 #PitchRoom #WestYorkshire #WhereOpportunityLives #Entrepreneurs #PitchNight #BusinessGrowth #Innovation
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Lifted Ventures reposted this
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸 & 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 Over the past year, we’ve taken bold steps to reshape how business support and policy interventions serve female entrepreneurs across York and North Yorkshire. Grounded in insight from our "New Era for Female Entrepreneurship in Y&NY" research, yesterday’s event brought together policy makers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to reflect on progress and drive forward real change. 🌟Andrea Morrison🌟(FSB) highlighted the transformative power of data within the research and how the voices of female entrepreneurs are shaping policy for the region. Kiran Trehan reminded us that “we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when they were created” - and today showed what’s possible when the University of York, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, City of York Council, and entrepreneurs unite as one collective voice. Lyndsay Mitcheson from Neo-Walk shared a powerful lived experience of starting a business from her kitchen, turning personal challenges into bold innovation that now reaches 30 countries - inspiring everyone in the room to think big and be fearless. We also heard from Claire Douglas, the first female leader of City of York Council, who supported plans to tackle the equity finance gap and strengthen networks for women founders. Helen Oldham encouraged female entrepreneurs to be bold with their success - Visibility matters, and women should never feel they need to downplay their impact. NatWest, represented by Rita Collins, encouraged entrepreneurs to make full use of financial support and “fake confidence until you make it.” Liz Philpot and Harriet L Stainton from York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub Hub team shared how they’re embedding inclusivity into their programmes - from Courageous Females to Start-Up support and Innovation Suppers. We launched our #100Voices Campaign (info in the link), amplifying stories of women entrepreneurs to ensure they are recognised, celebrated, and supported, and the Breaking Barriers Podcast, hosted by Andrea Morrison, which spotlights inspiring female founders from across the region. The energy in the room was electric. This is just the start..... Together, we’re shaping a new, inclusive future for enterprise in York and North Yorkshire. #FemaleFounders #InclusiveBusiness #WomenInBusiness
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Mint Ventures backs BindEthics Ltd. in £150k Seed Round led by Lifted Ventures Mint Ventures is proud to announce investment in BindEthics Ltd, a pioneering sustainable commercial adhesive company transforming industrial food & beverage waste into high-performance, non-toxic adhesives supporting healthy homes as part of the £150k round led by Lifted Ventures. This deal represents a powerful collaboration between two UK women-led angel investment groups, working together to help close the chronic funding gap facing women founders and leaders of UK start up businesses. Why We Invested in BindEthics 🌱 1. Game-Changing Product Innovation BindEthics has developed a world-first bio-adhesive derived from brewing waste, offering a non-toxic, fully recyclable alternative to conventional formaldehyde-based glues used in furniture wood. With wide application potential across the furniture, construction & packaging industries, BindEthics’ adhesives are: Biodegradable Low-carbon (up to 86% lower emissions than standard glues) Cost-competitive Scalable Non-toxic and circular True waste feedstock 🧠 2. Exceptional Diverse Founding Team Led by CEO Victoria Garcia, who holds an MSc in Molecular Design & Synthesis, alongside CTO Alexandra Sirre & CFO Michiel Wolzak, the founding team combines deep technical expertise with commercial insight and leadership. The team has demonstrated a strong ability to: Develop & optimise high-performance adhesive formulations Scale from lab to manufacturing Build partnerships with world class manufacturers and distributors 🌍 3. Massive ESG Impact Healthier Homes Replacing toxic adhesives with safe, plant-based alternatives dramatically reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Industrial Compatibility Designed for manufacture with existing equipment An Urgent Market Need With the global adhesive sector valued at over £51.2 billion, industries are under pressure to find greener, safer alternatives due to evolving regulatory, environmental, and consumer demands & Bind Ethics is answering this call. “We are truly honoured to join BindEthics on their mission to replace harmful glues and support the critical healthy ageing sector. This is exactly the kind of purpose-led, women-led innovation that is aligned with our members investment values.” Gillian Fleming Fleming, MD Mint Ventures ''We're delighted that we have been able to work with Mint Ventures in backing Bindethics to accelerate their growth journey. Women focussed investment organisations like Mint Ventures and Lifted Ventures are compounding their investments through powerful coinvestment conversations which as the latest Invest In Women Code results show have a significant investment amplification effect.'' Helen Oldham Co-Founder Lifted Ventures Mint Ventures & Lifted Ventures are supported by the British Business Bank Scotland Mary Jane Brouwers Jamie Landale Rebecca Trengove Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson Irina K. Katrine Young
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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
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✨ 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 🫶
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