Durham alumni entrepreneurs and investors are invited to join us in Durham for an evening of networking, nostalgia and fun.
Following our theme of exits last time we are going back to the beginning with a selection of Durham students and graduates pitching their early-stage businesses to a select panel of judges, a panel of angels not dragons.
There will be plenty of time to network and catch up with friends and colleagues and after the event the chance to head to a college bar and more!
The event details are as follows:
Date: Thursday 9 March 2023
Time: 6.30 - 9pm
Venue: Hazan Venture Lab, Maths & Computer Science Building, Durham University, Upper Mountjoy, Stockton Rd, DH1 3LEReserve your place now using the tab above!
Panellists
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Matthew Stafford - Software Engineering, St Cuthbert's Society, 2006
I am a Co-founder of the 9others entrepreneurs' network and an Angel Investor in some amazing startups.
- Established in 2011, 9others has now grown to a network of over 5,000+ entrepreneurs in 45+ cities around the world. We meet over a meal and help each other solve the challenges that are keeping us up at night.
- My investment journey began in 2012, working with Nick Wheeler, founder of Charles Tyrwhitt. I went on to raise two investment funds and set-up the DMG Angel Investment Syndicate.
- My full portfolio is here and my focus is investing in Star Founders who are running Star Businesses.
- Before all that, I worked in technology for RBS, The Bank of New York and others, studied Computer Science at Durham University and I have an MBA from Imperial College Business School.
Away from work live in rural Hertfordshire with my family, follow Formula 1 and run ultra marathons like The Wall in 2022 and I’ll tackle the Marathon des Sables in 2023.
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Mark Wong - Philosophy, Grey College, 2020
- Mark Wong founded IMPOSSIBREW in 2021 with the goal of creating the most relaxing beer for when you're not drinking - functional non-alcoholic beers with nootropics for a healthier way to unwind.
- He was the GB Food & Drink Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 and was a finalist for GB Young Entrepreneur 2021.
- He's a French Wine Scholar, FWS (Distinction) with multiple WSET certifications before the age of 20.
- Educated at Durham University and recently praised by Dragons' Den's Touker Suleyman as "The Most Credible 24 Year Old".
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Dr. Stephanie Scott - Business Studies, Ustinov College, 2017
- An Associate Professor in Innovation Management and the Director of the BA (Hons) Business and Management degree at Durham Business School.
- She is a member of the Centre of Innovation and Technology Management and the emerging Durham Enterprise Research Centre. Her research focuses on regional ecosystems’ role in developing and commercializing novel businesses and innovation.
- A true advocate for open science, she often advises a broad range of ‘innovators’; including entrepreneurs, SMEs, MNCs, R&D Labs, and Local and National Governments.
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Anna Newport - Finance,
- I’m Anna - cofounder of The Training MarketPlace - the first B2B marketplace for business training industry.
- graduated MSc in Finance from Durham University and was a member of Durham Venture School cohort 1.
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Jake Newport - Archaeology, Collingwood College, 2017
- Jake founded Finnmark Ltd with his brother Max because of their frustrations that so few saunas outside of Finland gave credence to the authentic Finnish sauna experience.
- After working in Finland selling equipment to the UK market Jake spotted an opportunity and set up Finnmark, specialists in authentic quality Finnish saunas. Jake is a regular supporter of enterprise initiatives at Durham Uni.
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