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The Catalyst Inbound Investors event in Belfast this year saw an increase in female-led companies taking part.
The event offered more than 45 Northern Ireland start-up and scale-up companies, who are seeking investment of up to £10 million plus, to meet more than 50 venture capital firms.
Those that benefited from the fund-matching programme include electric vehicle charging firm, GoPlugable and smart drainage solutions company, StormHarvester.
These companies had the opportunity to pitch to investment firms such as Gresham, Ada and Two Magnolias. The investment companies have all expressed interest in making investments into early-stage NI businesses.
Kieran Dalton, Head of Scaling at Catalyst said: "Venture Capital funds play a key role in a modern economy, with investments into high-growth, early-stage companies allowing start-ups and scale-ups to realise their ambition and transition into the economic champions of tomorrow.
"Unfortunately, Northern Ireland attracts the lowest levels of VC investment of any UK region. The Inbound Investors event seeks to address this shortage and it has become the pre-eminent event in Northern Ireland for connecting local entrepreneurs to Venture Capital. This year's event has connected over 50 Venture Capital investors with local entrepreneurs who are seeking financial support to grow their companies."
The Catalyst Inbound Investors event is annually run and supported by British Business Bank.
Angelene Woodland, Chief Customer Officer at British Business Bank stated: "It's really encouraging to see the growing number of investors who are keen to support our local innovative companies and who recognise Northern Ireland as a great place to do business.
"With our recent Small Business Equity Tracker report highlighting an increase in the number of larger deals coming through, connectivity to investors beyond Northern Ireland is key. Inbound Investors continues to play a pivotal role in providing that springboard for those connections to be made between investors and our local entrepreneurs."
