UWE Bristol alum returns to fund startup ideas from young entrepreneurs
Businessman Peter Fane paid a visit to his alma mater recently, joining fellow alumni on the judging panel for the inaugural UWE Bristol Entrepreneurial Futures Award.
The event saw 16 budding entrepreneurs pitch their ideas for high growth potential businesses, with 10 young people successfully securing up to £10,000 in funding.
Among this year’s winners were eNOugh, whose smart ‘wearable bodyguard’ badge is designed to help people feel safer when walking home at night.
They were join by Vulpin, a business looking to curb motorcycle theft by developing a folding electric prototype, and FirstGens, a social enterprise to support students who are the first in their family to go to university.
Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county
The Entrepreneurial Futures Award helps students focus on business ventures after graduating, particularly those without the necessary social capital or access to funding.
Peter said: “It was a pleasure to spend the day at UWE listening to pitches from budding entrepreneurs.
“The breadth of talent and ideas was fantastic, and I feel sure of the substantial growth ahead of them. It was special to be able to give them a helping hand, and I wish them all the best.”
Peter’s donation is set to support the scheme for the next five years.
Amanda Coffey, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at UWE Bristol, added: “Funding like this can make a huge difference to entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journeys.
“In creating an entrepreneurship ecosystem at UWE Bristol, of which the awards are a part, we aim to support students and alumni in their business ventures and make business growth more accessible to all.”
