New to this email, why not register?    
Angel News Newsletter
FREE service for all companies that have been funded by business angels or venture capitalists
April 2008
Our preferred partners...
For executive talent choose

Emerging Partner Programme

Legal advisers for growing businesses
For your insurance needs
For business needs & tax advice
For your financial PR choose
 
In this Edition Issue No.47
  'Welcome' from the Editor
  That's Neat
  Launch of Brokers’ Tips
  ALERT
  EVENT: Green at investing
  Doing it differently, doing it well
  EASY Investment Forum, Spain, 21st-22nd April 2008
  It’s a buying opportunity for investors
  Imperial Innovations Incubation Services
  How to make money out of angel investing part 6
  The Corporate Finance Faculty AIM Series
  Something to make you smile
  SIP Drinks launches LicketySip
  Story of the month
  Lucifer’s lines
  This is the deal that was
  Events
  The Headlines
  Profiles of AngelNews Companies
 
Our preferred partners...

Connect +Develop

For tech legal advice choose

For your offices & meeting rooms
Innovation, a global perspective
For your IP and trademark advice

For your focused investment bank

  'Welcome' from the Editor

Dear Reader

I am writing this from the excellent EBAN 2008 Congress which is proving to be a fascinating and valuable event. There is so much going on here that there is not time to write about it this month, but we will be writing a special article on it in next month's AngelNewsletter Online.

Thank-you so much for all your great comments about our NEW WEBSITE! The Useful links page is now up – hope it helps!

This month we have a great interview with Andrew Miles, Group Managing Director of Pera Innovation Ltd. We also have an article picking up our recent survey results. Check out “It’s a buying opportunity for investors”. You might also enjoy our guest article from Nick Gurney-Sharpe from 3en who has written about Doing it differently, Doing it well.

We have changed the format of the AngelNewsletter Online this month with lots of ads and events from amongst others Imperial Innovations, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and also a great one from SIP Drinks who have launched a new healthy ice lolly! I hope you like this format, but let us know if there is other content you would like us to start including. I would love you to email me with comments as it is great to hear what we are doing well and what we could do better. My email is Modwenna@angelnews.co.uk . If you would benefit from having more exposure on our AngelNewsletter Online, please email adverts@anglenews.co.uk and we will try to help. The AngelNewsletter goes to investors, entrepreneurs, governments, journalists and many more in 58 countries in the world these days, so we thought now might be the time to invite you to engage with us a bit more!

Have a great month.

Best

Modwenna

[Top of page]

That’s neat, that’s neat, that’s neat, that’s neat, I really love your….
...with apologies to Mud

Animal Healthcare...   Pets’ Kitchen ltd completes fund raising
Brokers’ Tips...   11 April 2008 Prodesse (PRD.L) - BUY Price: 370.5p Target price: 600.0p
Computer software...   Procession and Microsoft reach agreement over Procession’s Patent complaint
Consumer: gaming...   AliceServer Nominated for TIGA's 2007 "Best Technology" Category
Environmental...   Quiet Revolution’ makes a big impact on micro energy regeneration
Financial services...   Giles scores hat-trick in the Midlands
Social Networking...  

Huddle has just announced new features

Acquisition...   GLE Group signs landmark acquisition to become Europe’s largest source of early stage funds in Europe

For more information on these stories look at the new AngelNews website www.angelnews.co.uk

  Launch of Brokers’ Tips

If you have visited the AngelNews website in the last month, you would have noticed a new section titled ‘BROKERS TIPS’. We are now working alongside Daniel Stewart to publish their morning reports on the state of the stock market and to give you up to the minute research on stocks and shares covered by Daniel Stewart’s team of analysts.

There are two reasons why we have launched this section on our website:

  1. We know that you, as professionals in the investment industry, are interested in quoted stocks, as well as private deals, and we thought you would find it invaluable to have a high quality source of information on which ones are likely to perform well or badly.
  2. It provides a further way for you to do a competitive analysis on companies operating in the sector which your existing or target private company is exploiting.

We have been publishing these morning reports since 19th March and here is an idea of how some of the shares have performed since Daniel Stewart tipped them:

The three best tips in March

Date of Tip

Company

Share Price at time of Tip

Target Price

Advice

Price Today

19.03.08

ICAP

551p

620p

BUY

622.50p

28.03.08

Roc Oil Co.

86.5p

180p

BUY

91p

31.03.08

Kellan Group

17p

40p

BUY

21.50p

Brokers Tips is to become a regular feature in our newsletter and every month we will include a short summary of the recommendations made by Daniel Stewart. We will also shortly be adding Daniel Stewart’s general sector research to our site.

[Top of page

  ALERT!

Now is your chance to get involved in HM Government’s Consultation on the Enterprise Investment Scheme.

HM Revenue & Customs and HM Treasury have issued a white paper on the EIS Scheme seeking responses on a number of questions.

You can download it here http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/4/C/bud08_eis_758.pdf.

We are currently considering the detail included in the document and also the questions that have been asked. Next month we will let you know our observations and also invite you to respond to our survey so that we can reflect your views when we submit our views to HMRC & HM Treasury.

In the meantime if you have any immediate comments, feel free to email us at Modwenna@angelnews.co.uk.

[Top of page

Green at Investing!
Green at Investing? Give us a couple of hours and find out the inside knowledge you need

Does Clean Tech investment fill you with excitement and dread at the same time?

Do you want to back environmental technologies, but do not know which ones are really going to be good for the world?

Are you a green entrepreneur who needs to understand what the VCs really want before they invest in your business?

We have brought together four experts.
They will give you answers and may even be able to make something explosive happen!


Rachael Nutter
The Carbon Trust

Rachael Nutter manages the Carbon Trust Business Incubator, which aims to help early-stage, low-carbon companies raise investment, secure licences and partnerships to grow. Through the incubator Rachael has been involved with companies developing technologies across both the supply and demand side.

Prior to joining the Carbon Trust Rachael worked for PA Consulting Group, with several years consulting in the energy sector. She started her career working for Shell as a Petroleum Engineer after graduating from Cambridge University in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

 

Cédrianne De Boucaud
The Sustainable Technology Fund

Cédriane has over 12 years experience in venture capital and corporate finance and has been involved in VC funding for more than 20 companies. She has special expertise in market research analysis, strategy and finance.

Prior to E-Synergy, Cédriane worked with Katalyst, a US venture fund as interim management for various mid-stage portfolio technology companies. Her roles included business and capital strategy formulation. She was previously with Arthur Andersen and PriceWaterhouseCoopers as Manager in the Corporate Finance Services Group.

Cédriane has a Masters' and Bachelors' Degree from Cornell University in the US.

     

Paul Tranter
Pera

Paul is Managing Director of Pera's three UK research institutes, who have helped over 100 UK companies access in excess of £200 million of funding in the last decade for new product development.

Since joining Pera in 2002, Paul has been involved in over 30 development programmes to create step change in the performance of products and manufacturing solutions for clients ranging from small to large enterprises. He has helped enterprises to manage new product introduction from concept to volume production involving materials and processes for application in a wide range of industries from Aerospace to FMCGs across Europe. These have often benefited from significant financial leverage, provided by domestic and European Government.


Paul has an Honours degree in Applied and Analytical Chemistry and a Distinction for his MSc in Polymer Technology from Loughborough University. He is a corporate member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Electrical Engineers.

 

Benet Northcote
Chief Policy Advisor, Greenpeace UK

Benet Northcote is Chief Policy Adviser to Greenpeace UK, one of the world's leading environmental NGOs. He specialises in climate change issues, especially energy policy, illegal logging and transport.

Prior to joining Greenpeace he served on the board of the Conservative Party's Quality of Life Policy Group, chaired by John Gummer and Zac Goldsmith.

He has a long track record advising companies and NGOs on communicating environmental and sustainability issues, and was responsible for the Virtual Exhibit at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

After University, Benet joined the BBC as a trainee, working across the corporation in Television and Radio. After a spell at London's Capital Radio, he moved to ITN, where he played a key role in building the broadcaster's online presence.


At our “Green at Investing!” seminar on 30th April 2008, starting at 3.00pm
Time:
Place:
Cost:

3.00pm – 6.00pm
Central London
FREE

Agenda:

3.00pm::
3.30pm:
3.35pm:
3.50pm:
4.05pm:
4.20pm:
4.35pm:
4.55pm:
6.00pm:

Coffee and registration
Introductions – Modwenna Rees-Mogg, AngelNews
“Leveraging €50 Billion of funding for Green Investors” – Paul Tranter, Pera
“It's not easy being green!” – Rachael Nutter, The Carbon Trust
“Simple rules for green investing” - Cédrianne De Boucaud, The Sustainable Technology Fund
“Climate Change – The Real Opportunities and Threats” – Benet Northcote, Greenpeace
Q&A
Networking with panel members and others
Close

To reserve your place (numbers are limited): email: modwenna@angelnews.co.uk or telephone: +44 (0) 1275 333 443

Looking forward to seeing you there!

[Top of page]

  Doing it differently, doing it well

DOING IT DIFFERENTLY, DOING IT WELL - By Nick Gurney-Sharpe, CIO, 3en Ventures

In the UK it has never been easy to raise money for a new business, but in the current economic climate it is particularly difficult; even for those businesses that are progressing well, the days of a quick Initial Public Offering (IPO) are over.
Investors, both private and institutional, are reluctant to part with cash, and the due diligence process is now measured in months - rather than weeks.

VC’s, along with all other investors, now cast an ever more sceptical eye on many of the same business plans that once received prompt support.

Even if the shakeout following the collapse of sub-prime has brought a more rational approach to investing, the country is effectively in a period of non investment.

The outcome for an entrepreneur in the UK looking for funding is that the search is now harder than ever.
It is within this context that the two visible - and measurable - sources of capital for early-stage businesses need to be reviewed.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) – the major tax break for private investors.

The latest BERR numbers suggest that EIS is flat when Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and Income Tax receipts have risen steadily, and the stock market has performed strongly.

Fortunately HM Government has just issued a consultation document on EIS which will give everyone an opportunity to contribute to the debate.

The Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme (SFLGS) the principal source
of unsecured debt for early-stage private businesses.

Recently released data from BERR has evidenced that the level of SFLGS funding has declined by 46% over the last 12 months.

The banks are looking at failure rates of between 20% and 40% on DTI sponsored loans, versus their normal level for NPLs (non-performing loans) of around 3-5%

Hence individual managers have become increasingly cautious about recommending such schemes to their credit committees.

It is within this context of an increasingly tough market for raising early-stage risk capital that 3en has developed its Ten Rules of Investment:

1. WE ONLY INVEST IN STRONG (EVEN IF NOT QUORATE) MANAGEMENT TEAMS … AND ONLY WITH PEOPLE WE LIKE AND RESPECT

We recognize that early-stage companies are high-risk investments and therefore it is vitally important that management can identify, address and solve problems quickly and use limited capital efficiently - to create real value.
This is the hallmark of the successful entrepreneur.
Equally working with people you both like and respect will make the process of managing investments much easier; there will be sufficient issues in regards to the development of the business without “chemistry” creating further tensions
Hence we want to see the core management team in place before we commit.

2. WE USE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS IN ORDER TO FOCUS AND DRIVE STRATEGY… WE GET THE “RIGHT” N.E.D.’s ON BOARD

We have built up a strong register of experienced non-executive directors who are both willing and able to operate in relatively unformalised environments; we look for a track record of building similar early-stage businesses.
We avoid private investors looking to “buy” themselves jobs.

3. WE ONLY INVEST ONLY IF BUSINESSES DON'T REALLY “NEED” MONEY - BUT WANT IT IN ORDER TO DRIVE GROWTH… YOU CAN'T OVERCAPITALISE AN EARLY STAGE BUSINESS….

Early-stage high-technology companies will always run into problems, and will always be short of capital, as they have to continually invest in their technology and resultant products.

Hence we invest in support of an opportunity - not a problem; it's not the VC’s responsibility to sort out the disarray created by management, or earlier inappropriate lending and investment.

Entrepreneurs, by nature, are optimists; they will often need breathing space before their businesses can achieve profitability, and management needs to be focused on the commercial and operational issues - not shepherding cash.

4. WE LOOK FOR LARGE BUT DEFINABLE, AND HENCE TARGETABLE, POTENTIAL MARKETS …

Large markets are intuitively more attractive than small; this is because the cost of development of a technology / product in a small-market is the same as for a large-market.

If management cannot name its five key target customers, its five key competitors, and the five businesses most likely to buy it, they don't really know their sector.

5. WE IDENTIFY A FAVOURABLE ENTREPRENEURIAL ENVIRONMENT …

Companies within an entrepreneurial environment of “critical mass” e.g. with a number of similar companies, will enjoy a larger pool of available employment talent.

Should one company fail, employees can easily move to other companies, and fill their emergent needs.

A fragmented but high-growth sector suggests both user demand, and the opportunity for a consolidation-play; larger businesses may well be using acquisitions in order to fuel growth, and thus present potential VC exit routes.

6. WE USE EXTERNAL DEBT TO BOTH LEVERAGE RETURNS, AND LAY-OFF RISK…

We rarely fully fund an investment alone; we almost always syndicate risk with other funders.

The presence of 3en as venture capitalists - through tacit commercial endorsement - makes such syndication easier.

7. WE LOOK FOR SOME EARLY-STAGE REVENUES, IF NOT PROFITABILITY…

Banks will not fund losses, but we often must.

We look for recognizable customer “names”…. both actual and potential, and undertake detailed analysis of the putative sales pipeline; we invest only on a construct based upon realistic cash flows.

8. WE LOOK FOR A SUSTAINABLE INCOME STREAM - WHICH IS ANNUITY-BASED….

Businesses which continue to receive an income stream post-sale, have a much better chance of survival than those depending on large “one-off” sales; having a list of potential customers is not the same as having a long term commercial relationship.

In all matters - cash is king.

9. WE LOOK FOR SOME INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, EVEN IF NOT PATENTED NOR FORMALLY PROTECTED…. AND ABOVE ALL, WE NEED TO SEE VIABLE TECHNOLOGY

With the exception of medical devices and biotechnology, patents mean very little; anything worth copying will be copied.

We accept the principle that IPR is difficult to protect legally, but we don't want to divert a disproportionate amount of management focus and capital towards patent attorneys.

What separates strong companies from weak ones is implementation.

First-mover advantage doesn't often matter; the real key is "first to scale."

Technology needs to meet a need; if not proven in-vivo, it is probably of little commercial value.

We believe risk can be mitigated by offering funding in stages, investing only as the company passes each technical or commercial milestone.

10. FINALLY, WE FOCUS UPON SUCCESS - NOT FAILURE…

We believe time spent nursing sick investments is better spent assisting the high-performers - that will generate the returns that the fund requires.

Ultimately the VC is a fund, not a business manager, and it is the role of management - and to a lesser extent the non-execs appointed by the fund - to address the inevitable problems and challenges that will arise.

Nick Gurney-Sharpe is chief investment officer of 3en Ventures - a Hampshire-based venture capital fund.

3en is one of a number of funds managed by Innvotec, and in common with most of its siblings, focuses upon early-stage ICT investments.

The fund is unique in a number of ways, but principally by being the only fund in the UK which is capitalised entirely by local authority - Basingstoke & Deane - set up under the aegis of what is known as a Section 106 scheme.

(NB Section 106’s Agreements are used to secure capital contributions from developers; contributions are used for the development or enhancement of local social assets, and more recently for the enhancement of the resident economic infrastructure - to deliver sustainable development.)

The fund has also bucked the trend of many early-stage technology funds, and to date shown a relatively low failure rate alongside a number of high performing investments.

Nick puts the success down to a combination of timing, luck and critically a contrarian’s approach to investment, and the “rules” that fund managers often apply.

It also demonstrates that a relatively small fund can be run both profitably and fruitfully; this again Nick puts down to an unorthodox approach, and in particular inflexibility in regard to the fund's requirements for investment.

Nick can be reached at nickgurneysharpe@aol.com or through 3en’s web site www.3enventures.com

[Top of page]

  EASY Investment Forum, Spain, 21st-22nd April 2008

EASY Investment Forum, Barcelona, 21st-22nd April 2008
CCIB, International Conventions Centre of Barcelona

EASY Barcelona partners announce that the Spring 2008 EASY Investment Forum will be held in Barcelona, Spain.

This important cross- border event aimed at the early stage investment market is being hosted by 22@, BANC and HGP. The event will be included in the local annual Investment Forum organized by CIDEM (Centre for Innovation and Business Development of Catalonia), giving it an international scope.

This event offers business angels, seed funds and early stage venture capital funds from across Europe the chance to identify investment opportunities in 15 selected European companies representing the following 3 sectors:

  • Med-tech and Healthcare
  • Media and IT
  • Cleantech

During the event, 10 additional selected Spanish companies will be allowed to display their activities through video presentation.


Entrepreneurs:

Entrepreneurs wishing to apply to participate in the EASY Investment Forum event will need to comply with the following core requirements:

  • High growth potential in the agreed sectors
  • Marked international focus

All the selected companies will receive coaching for preparation for the event and further specific preparation the day before the Investment Forum event presentation.
the Investment Forum event presentation.

The deadline for receipt of applications is scheduled for the 10th March 2008.
Please register to the EASY Investment Forum by clicking HERE


Investors:

The Easy Investment Forum in Barcelona on 21st & 22nd April 2008 is aimed at investors interested in seeking cross-border investment opportunities in internationally focused businesses across Europe seeking up to €2m in the above 3 sectors.

You will receive details of all of the 15 selected companies in advance and see pitch presentations from each of the companies, including the opportunity to meet and network with fellow early stage investors from across Europe and with a view to potential syndications.

If you are interested in participating in this event, please register to the EASY Investment Forum by clicking HERE or contact info@earlystageinvestors.org

Please find here the Forum Brochure

[Top of page]

  It’s a buying opportunity for investors

It’s a buying opportunity for investors: Only 1 in 5 entrepreneurs do not expect to be hit by the credit crunch

Our survey of AngelNews companies and readers in the middle of March revealed that the effects of the credit crunch are not just being felt by the City. Only 19.2% of entrepreneurs who responded told us they have not been affected by the credit crunch and do not expect to be in the next 6 months. About 11.5% don’t yet know and the rest 68.9% have already been badly hit or expect to be within the next 6 months.

In contrast roughly half of investors have not been affected by the crunch and do not expect to be and half are already badly hit or expect to be in the next 6 months. Only one third of advisers are not and do not expect to be affected in the same period.

Blame for the credit crunch is being placed squarely on the government:
“The UK government’s response to this has been too slow. Compared to the US, which is in a worse state theoretically, they are dithering and that does not inspire confidence. I’m assuming that they want to be re-elected?” said one entrepreneur.

“Resign” said one investor.

The general view is that we remain an overtaxed and over regulated country, particularly in the workplace. The repeated message we receive from entrepreneurs and angels is that they want lower taxes, through reductions of both direct and indirect taxes and they strongly want reduced regulation in the workplace. The last clear message is that the heavy handed approach to regulation around investment should also be dropped.

But the credit crunch has created great buying opportunities for investors especially in great target sectors like med tech and B2B ICT which are less exposed to a consumer downturn, financial services and property. A good example of someone exploiting the opportunity is Amphion Innovations (LSE: AMP) which is an investor that builds shareholder value in the med tech sector with a very hands on approach. Take a look at Myconostica (see www.AngelNews.co.uk) which it is backing. Really early stage companies which have had some funding will also be good targets. As one investor put it:

“As an equity investor we are seeing a high number of quality opportunities that have previously would have been debt funded entirely.”

Another told us:

“The credit crunch is not an issue for young companies equity funded by investors. There is a barrier to achieving/making investment: compliance is so heavy handed that the two sides are prevented from getting together.”

So investors are in pole position to exploit the opportunity and with any luck will not take the downturn as an excuse to shut up shop.

What about views on the government’s post credit crunch tactics? Interestingly they may not be getting it as wrong as one might guess. We asked what people felt government tactics should be in terms of dealing with the credit crunch. Only 22% of investors, 23% of advisers and 39% of and entrepreneurs wanted more government backed venture funds – so ironically with the government only launching 3 ECFs this year (of which one is very likely to be a film fund) it appears to be listening to the market! People are less keen on the government supporting the liquidity of the banks (22% of investors, 32% of advisers, 35% of entrepreneurs were supportive), but are keener on giving more government contracts to growing businesses (33% of investors, 41% of advisers and 37% of entrepreneurs). This last point is becoming a cornerstone of government enterprise policy, so well done them!

As you know we never believe that the government has done enough to help enterprise. So what else can they do to help entrepreneurs and encourage the investors that back them? Doing more for our market might mean we can do something to stop the slide into recession. We and some others are looking to the review of EIS which is currently underway as a potential solution to the problem. (More about that next month).

But the most original ideas always come from the market. Take R Williamson’s idea that there should be a flat tax for business at 10% and that the banks collect it on behalf of government!

Richard Price of Treenergy Ltd had other original ideas:

“For many, some kind of structured VAT/PAYE “holiday” could provide a short term lifeline. Some method of underwriting development capital in a more accessible way would also be welcome.”

Dennis Cox of Risk Reward wants a change in accounting policies IAS39 and SFAS 157 which have been mucking around with how assets and liabilities are reported which is affecting balance sheets and profit & loss statements and therefore investment and credit worthiness.

The overall the message to government is clear: if you are going to tinker, keep it simple and make sure changes are about reducing not raising taxes; don’t waste taxpayers money on things that do not stimulate enterprise; and whatever you do, do it quick. The most important thing now is to stop the drain of entrepreneurial and investment talent abroad.

In the words of Pete Smith co-founder of Songkick www.songkick.com

”Britain is missing a wonderful opportunity, and meanwhile the US is waking up to the cost of their restrictive visa laws. Although Songkick is based here in the UK, we are seriously considering leaving for New York within a year. Incentives to stay would make a big difference to us.”

Regardless of government, investors now need to take a view on what they should do. We know the non-dom angels are leaving, and may never come back, so the pool is shrinking. Here at AngelNews we think the combination of factors is good news for angels and other early stage investors with cash available. Ignore the old stock-broking adage of “sell in May and go away”; but instead “buy in May, but don’t overpay to play!”

[Top of page]

  Imperial Innovations

Imperial Innovations, the IP commercialisation and investment company based at Imperial College London, was ranked second in the UK on volume of deals by Director magazine in 2007. We thrive on being at the forefront of innovation and start-up company incubation.

To enhance the quality of our deal flow pipeline in the cleantech sector, we are collaborating with the Carbon Trust and WRAP to deliver incubation services to the best low-carbon and recycling technology start-ups in the UK.

What we are looking for?

Low carbon or recycling potential (for the Carbon Trust and WRAP respectively)

  • Strong IP position
  • Commercial potential
  • Working prototype
  • Committed team that we can work with
 

What's in it for you?

We are able to provide up to £60,000 worth of services sponsored by the Carbon Trust or WRAP.

These services include: IP guidance, business plan preparation, market research and customer engagement. Through our network of strategic partners we are also able to make introductions to legal firms and investors.

What's in it for us?

An opportunity to work with the best UK-based businesses and potentially invest in their further development.

If you are interested, please contact:
Mr Fabien Holler
Imperial Innovations ltd
12th floor, EEE building
Imperial College
London SW7 2AZ

Email: f.holler@imperial.ac.uk
Tel: 0207 581 4949

[Top of page]

  How to make money out of angel investing part 6 - taking advice

Angels are typically experienced business people. More often than not they have made their money by building and disposing of their business. Others may have made their money “in the City.” When they start out, not all angels realize that investing in angel deals is not going to be the same as investing in and building their own business. Angel investing is much more akin to investing in property or other assets such as the stock market or commodities. Few people would invest in any of the latter without talking to experts who understand those markets, and yet many angels seem to think that they do not need to take advice on their angel investment portfolio.

Sure, they may ask their lawyer to take a cursory check over the legal agreements or they may talk to their accountant about the tax effectiveness of their investment structure, but unless you are backing a company which is operating in exactly your sector or have done so many angel deals that you really understand the issues it is wise to take as much advice as you possibly can, both free and what you must pay for.

The first step to taking advice is to understand what budget you wish to allocate to that advice and who is going to pay the advisory bills. It is normal for upto 10-15% of the value of the investment to be spent the costs of doing the deal. Perhaps 5% of that will be paid away in commissions to the people arranging the deal e.g the business angel network or the corporate finance adviser to the company, but this still leaves 5-10% which can be made available for advice.

These are the sorts of advice taken by people who are exceptionally good at angel investing.

1. Checks on the management
There are great merits to the “look them in the eye” approach to management due diligence, but with simple credit checks costing a £5 via Experian there is really no reason not to do this and it may throw up some interesting facts about how the management treat other peoples’ money. Clearly if you are investing in a business involving vulnerable people, a police check might also be a good idea. Always take up references and double check CVs,not just on the people you meet but also on the senior people in the team behind them. Some VCs have been known to hire private investigators – possibly this is going too far, but it may be worth employing a headhunter or making a few phone calls yourself to see if the senior people have a reputation for delivering on their promises. If there have been employees who have left the firm or directors who have resigned, find out why.

2. IP due diligence
It’s a very common misperception in the angel world that a company with patents is stronger than one without, particularly in technology businesses. In a previous article AngelNewsletter Online #43 Carpmaels & Ransford talked about IP due diligence. The main point to reiterate here is that a patent can be issued and give the company the right to make/deliver something, but if someone has a wider patent over the area concerned this may prevent your investee company from ever commercializing the opportunity because they would immediately breach the other patent. If a patent has not yet been issued, it is possible that it may never be, so why not talk to a patent lawyer about the likelihood of this happening. Remember a patent is no guarantee that something will actually work in a commercial arena.

Copyright is a major issue. Do the web designers actually own the copyright to the website and does the designer own the logo? What is going to the cost of buying out the copyright?

3. Due diligence on the financials of the investee company
The worst story I have heard about an angel deal was one where it took the company 3 days to spend £250,000 of new money paying off old debts. Have a really thorough check of the financial history of the company and relate it to where they are today. Did that website really cost only £5,000 or is there another bill for £20,000 hidden away. Check with the people who built the website.

One of the most important reasons to employ an accountant is to look at the future cash projections. Working capital is often seen as an old fashioned concept, but it is none the worse for that. What is the margin for error in the cashflow projections? Have a chat to the company’s bank manager to see if, in these credit crunch days, the company may find its credit facilities may be pulled. Those of you who have lived through this experience in the past will know what I mean.

4. Tax advice on your position as an investor
Lots of deals are sold on their EIS qualifying status. There are three things to think about here. One, it is all too easy for a company or indeed other investors to take an action that breaches the EIS rules ending in all investors having their EIS relief pulled. If this happens not only will you not qualify for breaks on the profits when you exit, but also you will have to repay with interest any relief you have already claimed. EIS is also under review at the moment so things may change. If you have any doubts, it would be worth doing a deal with the entrepreneurs so that you are compensated if the relief is pulled.

Secondly, I can see no logic in investors paying a higher price for EIS qualifying shares than for other shares, simply because the shares qualify for EIS. Your tax position as regards EIS should be between you and the taxman, not between you and the company. So think long and hard before accepting a deal where others are getting a better deal than you are because you can buy EIS shares.

Thirdly, remember that EIS is available on ordinary shares only, but this does not mean you cannot also buy preferred shares or options and lend the company money. As long as there is not a direct return of capital to you via the other types of share or option, which has clearly come to you because you have also invested in the EIS shares, you should be in the clear, but this article is not tax advice. Pay a good accountant who understands personal tax and tax effective schemes to help you out.

5. Checks on the “quality of the deal”
It’s amazing how many new investors do not talk to other existing and potential investors in a company which they plan to back. Make those phone calls and find out what other people think, even if it is an informal view. Chat around the industry in which the company operates. You will be surprised how many of the big corporates will have already spotted their potential challengers and the businesses with who they might want to trade at some point.

Chat also to VCs and others who have a good handle on current valuations – compare the valuation to quoted companies on AIM, PLUS MARKETS or NASDAQ. The cost here may be your time, but there are also plenty of deal databases that your accountant or friendly corporate financier can get details from.

6. Environmental impact
The rules and regulations around CO2 emissions are only going to get tighter. It’s a brave investor who does not consider the potential impact of carbon taxes etc on a business, even if it is only because the costs of rubbish collection are much higher than you originally thought! Talk to one of the many bodies such as The Carbon Trust or use a good environmental consultant or lawyer to help you out.

7. The legals
It goes without saying that you should use a lawyer to check out the legal agreements you are about to sign, but are you using the right lawyer who really understands angel deals. The lawyer you use for your commercial affairs or for family matters may not have the detailed experience of angel agreements, particularly in the context of companies that may need several rounds of investment before you can exit. A good lawyer might be able to write an agreement that does not simply get torn up the next time new investors come into the deal.

8. Insurance
Often overlooked, but mistakenly so. Does your potential investee company actually have the right insurance and in the right amounts. If a business suffers from a major fire, it can take 18 months or more to get back up and running: check out the loss of profits cover as soon as possible. Also think about key man insurance; your devoted entrepreneur may be prepared to work for peanuts, but what if they become incapacitated and you have to hire a professional from outside to do their job?

As a rule, people of all types feel warmly about angel investments and will give you a lot of help for little money. Sometimes this is because they like the idea of helping and sometimes they have an eye to building a relationship with you as an investor or the investee company itself, thus generating good fee income in the future. Take advantage of goodwill and use your advice budget wisely.

[Top of page]

  ICAEW: The Corporate Finance Faculty AIM Forum Series ICAEW
The Corporate Finance Faculty AIM Forum series 2008
Date: 3 practical half day forums in:
London 6 June 2008
Bristol 13 June
Leeds 20 June
Place: AIM Forum London, Chartered Accountants' Hall – 6th June 2008
AIM Forum Bristol, Bristol Marriott City Centre – 13th June 2008
AIM Forum Leeds, The Met Leeds – 20th June 2008
About the event:

This unique interactive event, designed by practitioners and the ICAEW Corporate Finance Faculty, brings together all the relevant advisors for a company considering the AiM market, in workshop and 'surgery' format. You can ask the questions you want and get the information you need directly from the experts.

There are three events running in June. The event is aimed at senior executives from companies considering their funding options and in particular whether an admission to AIM is suitable for them. The forum is designed to provide a practical, step by step walkthrough to an admission to AIM. There will be workshops run by Nomads, brokers, lawyers and accountants led by specialists.

This forum also includes a networking lunch.

Cost: Company rep* Free*
Faculty member £52.88 including VAT
Non-member £58.75 including VAT
*The event is free to representatives from companies and business considering a listing.
Contact: Book online at http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=154619 and download a booking form at http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=154031 Alternatively you can phone Richard Steele on 0207 920 8769

[Top of page]

  Something to make you smile

Two Venture Capitalists went to lunch.

One said to the other, “Let’s relax while we eat and talk about something other than investment for once.”

“Good idea”, said the other, “Let’s talk about women.”

“Okay, common or preferred?”

[Top of page]

  SIP Drinks launches LicketySip
  Story of the Month

Furniture producer turns itself into an automotive technology company

Andrew Miles told us of this story about an old customer of his from his days in the plastics sector.

Prior to my time at Pera, I was involved in machinery sales in the plastics sector. After some time with Pera, one of my old customers was facing a hard time selling to the furniture industry, and with the introduction of global sourcing by his main customers, the business looked in terminal decline.

The MD’s brief was to help him change business models and sectors, but with very limited budget! Running through the front end market focused work with him, we identified a gap in the market for self powered devices, where we pull otherwise wasted energy parasitically from the environment that the device is operating within.

Our first approach to the EC resulted in €1million to develop a self-powered tyre pressure monitoring device for the automotive sector. Together with the associated IP portfolio we helped him to create, he is now on the cusp of signing up his first licence deal. Along the way, we realised that there could also be a significant market in the haulage fleet market, and when approached the EC agreed to a further €1.4m to develop this second market opportunity.

You would struggle to find a nicer guy, and it was real pleasure helping him to transform his business, but neither he nor I could possibly have believed that when we started out on this road that we would end up building his business into a hi-tech company in a completely different sector!

[Top of page]

Lucifer
Lines:

“Larry Ellison says “When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.”

But Lucifer says:

“When you invest as an angel, you’ve got to be prepared for even the other angels telling you you’re nuts!”

  The deal that was

If you had been investing back in March 1983, these are the sort of opportunities that would have been on offer to you!

Did you back any of them or do you know someone who did? Perhaps you know what happened to them for some other reason. If so, please let us know – we would love to find out (email replies to modwenna@angelnews.co.uk)

Company Name

Management

Location

Funds Sought

Hist. Turnover

Activity

Stage

Russell Shear Ltd

Brenda and Roy Powell

Rotherham

150,000 for 25%

150,000

High Quality Scissors

Expansion

Airmaran

Peter Francis Reid Corson

Surrey

35,000 for 35%

-

High-speed Water Craft

Development Capital

Tri-Chess

Anthony Patton

Yorkshire

75,000 for 40%

-

Chess game for three players

Development

Capital

GND Cable Jointing Services

Geoffery Newton

Lincolnshire

20,000

32,426

Electrical Services

Development Capital

Multi-point Ltd

Paul Eisinger and Alan Gardner

Surrey

38,000 for 45%

-

Silk Screen Printing and Furniture

Expansion

Aircraft

Simon Dell

London

56,000 for 50%

-

Catenary wing aircraft

Launch

Restaurant Chains

Richard Fleming

Northants

75,000 for 75%

-

Launch restaurants to sell on at profit

Launch

Document Reader

David Mentz

Avon

30,000 for 40%

-

Computer Program which recognises characters read by TV camera

Development Capital

Shopfitting Business

Robert Douglas

London

25,000 for 25%

-

Electrical Shop Signs

Expansion

Children's Books

Fill Bullock

Sussex

30,000 for 40%

-

Children's Peel off Picture Books

Development Capital

Judith Mortimer Ltd

Judith Mortimer

Yorkshire

60,000 for 75%

173,968

Soft furnishings

Expansion

Aquarium Supplies

Robert Baxter

London

30,000 for 30%

-

Aquarium Wholesaler

Development Capital

[Top of page]

  Events

We know you all want to meet each other, get more out of us and our Preferred Partners and generally make AngelNews work for you. So we have decided to up the ante on the number of events we would like to invite you to. Here is a list of them. We do hope you will be able to make it to one soon.

The Entrepreneurs’ Summit
Date: Tuesday 15th April, 2008
Place: The Marriott, Grosvenor Square, London.
About the event:

The ultimate gathering of entrepreneurial talent in the UK!

This is your chance to meet the entrepreneurs setting a new agenda in 2008. It will be the ultimate gathering of entrepreneurial talent in the UK.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here is what some of last year’s delegates said about The Entrepreneurs’ Summit:

“One of the best conferences I have ever attended” Modwenna Rees-Mogg, founder, Angel News

“An excellent way to share knowledge, experience and, as importantly, passion to help the next generation of successful entrepreneurs understand how much they can achieve.” Mike Jatania, CEO, Lornamead

Cost: £395 + (£69.13 VAT) = £464.13
Contact: Visit http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/EventSites/Entrepreneurs-Summit/booking.thtml or contact Sylvia on 020 7368 7123 and sn1@caspianpublishing.co.uk

Growth Strategies Conference 2008
Date: Wednesday 23rd April 2008
Place Merrill Lynch Financial Centre, 2 King Edward Street, London, EC1A 1HQ
About the event:

Now in its fourth successful year, the Growth Strategies Conference 2008 is a one-day conference tailored to the needs of 250 CEOs and senior directors of fast growing medium sized businesses.

Run through Growing Business magazine, the conference is aimed to pack each session with tips, advice and inside stories from some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs and experts.

Our goal is that every session is interactive, offering delegates an unrivalled opportunity to have specific questions answered by people who’ve been through the issues that they are facing.

Cost:

£349 (£410.08 WITH VAT) Conference fee inclusive of all conference materials, lunch, light refreshments and post
conference drinks reception.

Early booking discount: £249 (£292.58 with vat) per delegate if booked before 7th March 2008. Any additional delegates are charged at £149 (£175.08 with Vat )

Contact: 020 8334 1680, events@crimsonbusiness.co.uk
For:   Founders, CEOs, MDs, FDs of fast-growing medium-sized businesses turning over between £5 - 250 million annually.

Six Degrees Of Separation - Effective Networking Skills for Business Development & Career Management
Date: Tuesday, 22 April 2008, 09.30 – 17.00, with coffee, lunch and tea breaks
Place Central London
About the event:

A good idea, a well-thought out business plan, and seed funding are necessary, but not sufficient, conditions for business success. You also need to be able to recruit a talented and committed in-house team – and, equally importantly, nurture a network of people who can and will support you in every way conceivable.

If you’re already running a start-up or are contemplating doing so, you’ll have already realised that you can’t do everything yourself. The old image of the entrepreneur as hero is outdated, and has been replaced by a view of the entrepreneur as akin to the conductor of an orchestra, bringing together a whole host of people and resources.

But how do you go about building, and maintaining an effective network? Networking is about creating, nurturing and maintaining relationships; it's about finding the right person to speak to; it's about making effective cold calls and follow up calls; it's about meeting people and doing something productive with that contact ... it's about finding out what really makes people tick and recognising that sometimes giving can be better than getting.

And just in case you think that networking is only important for young start-ups, numerous research studies have demonstrated that networking plays a vital role in career progression, business development & sales, team building and general business leadership. The good news is that the skills needed to network effectively are also skills which can be codified, taught and put into practice with immediate effect.

This one day course offers practical coaching in a ‘workshop’ environment. There’s ample opportunity for role play to try out new techniques and approaches in a safe, supportive environment.

The workshop covers the following key topics:

• How networks really work – Harnessing the power of your network
• Making a good impression and getting the best from events and meetings
• Creating rapport and building relationships
• The importance of effective follow up
• Contact management essentials
• Networking for long term benefit
• Setting goals and making it happen

At the end of the day participants will:

• Appreciate networking as a tool for business and career development
• Be able to network effectively with colleagues and new contacts
• View networking as a positive and enjoyable activity
• Have added lots of practical tips and tricks to their personal ‘toolkit’
• Be able to make more (and better) telephone calls
• Be more confident when meeting people at networking events
• Know how to stay in touch with contacts and develop long-term relationships

Cost: AngelNews has negotiated a discount for subscribers of 10% on this workshop. The cost (which includes refreshments, lunch and comprehensive Course Notes) is just £256.50 (+ VAT).
The normal price is £285 (+ VAT).
Contact: • Download a booking form: http://www.manadvan.com/booking_forms/22apr08londonsds.pdf
• Please mark the form clearly ‘AngelNews discount’.
• Contact Judith Perle by emailing jperle@manadvan.com or calling 07947 010 342
For:   Anybody who needs to network in order to:
• Launch a new business
• Develop and maintain client relationships
• Communicate internally
• Improve their personal profile
• Gain sales
• Stay ‘in the know’ about what’s happening externally and internally
• Raise finance

London Stock Exchange: Investor Relations Seminars
Date: 23rd April 2008, 24th June 2008, 21 October 2008, London. 8.30am to 4.30pm
Place London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LS
About the event:

This course aids IR practitioners in dealing with the increasing pressures of the corporate communications market.

Topics will include:

• Understand the needs and wants of the key audiences
• Communicate with the buy and sell side
• Manage relations with the financial media
• Target your shareholder base
• Explore the opportunities the internet presents for communicating with investors
• Gain an insight into the mind of an institutional investor.

Cost: Angel News subscribers get 20% discount off usual price of £650 + VAT = £520 & VAT
To receive the discount, please quote code “Angel2008” when making a booking by telephone or post
Contact: To book please click on this link: Or tel: Claire McKoy on 020 7797 1739 or email cmckoy@londonstockexchange.com
For:   • Chief executives and finance directors
• Company secretaries
• Investor relations officers
• Corporate communications staff
• Newly appointed board directors
• New entrants to the IR profession.

Green at Investing
Date: 30th April 2008, 3pm – 6pm
Place Central London
About the event:

Does Clean Tech investment fill you with excitement and dread at the same time?

Do you want to back environmental technologies, but do not know which ones are really going to be good for the world?

Are you a green entrepreneur who needs to understand what the VCs really want before they invest in your business?

We have brought together four experts: They will give you answers and may even be able to make something explosive happen!

Rachael Nutter -The Carbon Trust Rachael Nutter manages the Carbon Trust Business Incubator, which aims to help early-stage, low-carbon companies raise investment, secure licences and partnerships to grow. Through the incubator Rachael has been involved with companies developing technologies across both the supply and demand side.

Cédrianne De Boucaud - The Sustainable Technology Fund Cédriane has over 12 years experience in venture capital and corporate finance and has been involved in VC funding for more than 20 companies. She has special expertise in market research analysis, strategy and finance.

Paul Tranter – Pera Paul is Managing Director of Pera's three UK research institutes, who have helped over 100 UK companies access in excess of £200 million of funding in the last decade for new product development.

Benet Northcote - Chief Policy Advisor, Greenpeace UK - Benet Northcote is Chief Policy Adviser to Greenpeace UK, one of the world's leading environmental NGOs. He specialises in climate change issues, especially energy policy, illegal logging and transport.

3.00pm: Coffee and registration
3.30pm: Introductions – Modwenna Rees-Mogg, AngelNews
3.35pm: “Leveraging €50 Billion of funding for Green Investors” – Paul Tranter, Pera
3.50pm: “It's not easy being green!” – Rachael Nutter, The Carbon Trust
4.05pm: “Simple rules for green investing” - Cédrianne De Boucaud, The Sustainable Technology Fund
4.20pm: “Climate Change – The Real Opportunities and Threats” – Benet Northcote, Greenpeace
4.35pm: Q&A
4.55pm: Networking with panel members and others
6.00pm: Close

Cost: FREE
Contact: To reserve your place (numbers are limited):email: modwenna@angelnews.co.uk or telephone: +44 (0) 1275 333 443

Islamic Finance for corporate financiers
Date: Thursday 8th May 2008, 12.00 - 14.00 with coffee on arrival and a networking lunch afterwards
Place Chartered Accountants' Hall, Moorgate Place, London EC2P
About the event:

Islamic finance is now worth about £250bn globally with estimates of 10 to 15 per cent growth in recent years. The expert speakers will explain the Islamic (Sharia'a) framework, exploring its relevance to corporate finance. The seminar will include a case study, delivered by the advisor, of Aston Martin, a high profile Sharia'a compliant deal.

This event is aimed at those wishing to learn more about Islamic finance in the context of corporate finance and would suit those considering investing in companies in the Middle East wishing to understand Sharia'a. The seminar is run by the ICAEW Corporate Finance Faculty, the largest professional body of corporate financiers in the world. It will feature an interactive question and answer session and is hosted by Deloitte. This seminar may count towards your CPD.

Cost: Corporate Finance Faculty member £39.95 including VAT
All other attendants £52.88 including VAT


Contact: Book online at http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=101543&sO=38 and download a booking form at http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=154031 Alternatively you can call Richard Steele on 0207 920 8769

India Investors’ Summit
Date: 19th -20th May 2008, all Day, London
Place Sheraton Park Lane
About the event:

The two-day event will attract more than 300 of the world’s leading chief executives, bankers, investors, politicians and opinion formers to debate the business and investment opportunities into and out of one of the world’s largest free-market democracies.

Other topics such as the scope and opportunities of capital markets, private equity, banking and finance sectors will be covered at the Summit as well as the growing power of the Indian economy and scrutiny of India’s top investment ‘hot spots’.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Yogesh Chander Deveshwar, Chairman, ITC Limited
• Sir Bill Gammell, Chief Executive Officer, Cairn Energy
• Pradeep Jain, Chairman, Parsvnath Developers, India
• Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, UK
• Amit Khanna, Chairman, Reliance Entertainment
• Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, India
• Ketan Patel, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Pacific Capital LLP
• Dr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, World-Tel Limited
• Sangita Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Health Street
• Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, India
• Vir Sanghvi, Editorial Director, Hindustan Times
• Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress Party
• Sir Martin Sorrell, Chief Executive Officer, WPP Group
• Gavin K O'Reilly, Group Chief Operating Officer of Independent News & Media PLC, President of the World

Association of Newspapers

A gala dinner will be held on the evening of May 19

Cost: Early Bird Discount of £700 expires on 18 January!
Total Cost: £1995 – £700 = £1295 + VAT
Contact: To book please click on this link Or tel: Jacqueline Nuttall on 020 7309 7784 or email jknuttall@efinancialnews.com
For:   This event is for the world’s leading chief executives, bankers, investors, politicians and opinion formers. BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment!

The Corporate Finance Faculty AIM Forum series 2008
Date: 3 practical half day forums in:
London 6 June 2008
Bristol 13 June
Leeds 20 June
Place AIM Forum London, Chartered Accountants' Hall – 6th June 2008
AIM Forum Bristol, Bristol Marriott City Centre – 13th June 2008
AIM Forum Leeds, The Met Leeds – 20th June 2008
About the event:

This unique interactive event, designed by practitioners and the ICAEW Corporate Finance Faculty, brings together all the relevant advisors for a company considering the AiM market, in workshop and 'surgery' format. You can ask the questions you want and get the information you need directly from the experts.

There are three events running in June. The event is aimed at senior executives from companies considering their funding options and in particular whether an admission to AIM is suitable for them. The forum is designed to provide a practical, step by step walkthrough to an admission to AIM. There will be workshops run by Nomads, brokers, lawyers and accountants led by specialists.

This forum also includes a networking lunch.

Cost: Company rep* Free*
Faculty member £52.88 including VAT
Non-member £58.75 including VAT
*The event is free to representatives from companies and business considering a listing.
Contact: To book please click on this link Or tel: Jacqueline Nuttall on 020 7309 7784 or email jknuttall@efinancialnews.com
For:   Book online at http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=154619 and download a booking form at http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=154031 Alternatively you can phone Richard Steele on 0207 920 8769

[Top of page]

  The Headlines
DO YOU MISS US LISTING ALL THE NEWS STORIES IN THE ANGELNEWSLETTER ONLINE? IF SO, LET US KNOW BY EMAILING: news@angelnews.co.uk
  Profiles of AngelNews companies
Animal Healthcare    
Pets Kitchen Ltd Ever since I qualified as a vet at Bristol university in 1996, I've been interested in pet nutrition, and the effect a good diet can have on health of pets. Over the last few years I've combined this interest with my creative streak to come up with a range of recipes for dogs and cats. +44 (0) 1451 812 201 Bedford, Bedfordshire
Business Services    
BusinessGrowthUK The BusinessGrowthUK range of services aims to support the Business Development objectives of all companies, from start-up ventures to established businesses. BusinessGrowthUK offer a range of related services, which are delivered on a project basis. BusinessGrowthUK's services cover both Operational and Strategic issues. +44 (0) 1202 313 611, Bournemouth, Dorset
Collective Thought Collective Thought is a group of experienced business people, based in Wales and the South West, who are looking for active involvement in businesses that show growth potential. It's a nasty, global, competitive, ruthless world out there. To succeed in business, you need an edge. Collective Thought can provide that edge. +44 (0) 7906 995 110, Cardiff, South Glamorgan
Equity Dynamics Equity Dynamics specialise in promoting private equity houses, generating deal flow and raising the profile of portfolio businesses in the lead to exit. They have a wealth of experience working for some of the top mid-market private equity firms all of whom are testament to the fact that creating a strong and consistent corporate communications campaign has a lasting impact on the way a business is viewed within the market. Current clients include Close Brothers Growth Capital, Matrix Private Equity Partners, Dunedin Capital Partners and PPM Capital. +44 (0) 7825 326 440, London
Mission Possible Ltd Mission Possible helps entrepreneurial and career women to achieve their goals in business. Founded in 1997 by Sue Stockdale, the first British woman to walk to the Magnetic North Pole, the company has helped hundreds of business-women across Europe by providing a variety of services including an award-winning networking group, website resource, executive coaching and Mission Growth peer support groups for women owners with turnover between £75K and £500K that are planning to grow. +44 (0) 1367 244 855, Faringdon, Oxon
Omnii Solutions Ltd Omnii Solutions Ltd was formed to develop CHECKIT (TM), a web-based rporting and analysis application, principally for the mortgage lending market, that enables advisors to instantaneously and cost effectively validate client identity, perform anti-money laundering checks, establish basic credit worthiness as well as obtain an automated property valuation and reinstatement value. +44 (0) 1926 678 449, Gallows Hill, Warwick
Computer hardware    
babelTECH bebelTECH's mission is to design and produce innovative PC peripheral products that both increase a computer user's efficiency by addressing an individual's needs. The first product is the Elexia enhanced keyboard to help people with dyslexia. +44 (0) 115 878 1580< Nottingham, Notts
Computer software    
Symltech Symltech Ltd was formed in 2003 to develop a software system for a specialist plant operating company. The idea was to draw together expertise from the software industry and the operated plant industry to produce a system that would run on the Internet-enabled PDA's that were emerging. +44 (0) 0870 759 4405, Swansea
utellus Limited utellus is a customer service solutions provider. Our UK website, www.utellus.co.uk, acts as a portal between company and consumer, allowing them to correspond with each other in confidence until a resolution is reached. It provides a secure record of the correspondence to which both parties can refer, and strives wherever possible to take the emotion out of the problem. +44 (0) 7726 310 351, Cardiff
Consumer : food and drink    
Safesip Disposable cover to prevent drinks from spilling or being contaminated, which allows drinking through a straw. +44 (0) 1425 471 349 Wales
Consumer: gaming    
Globech Ltd A binary options/betting exchange. The company has sigbificant USPs that will enable it to generate customer demand on a global business. Although the exchange is capable of matching any form of bet, it has developed interesting and innovative new bets for the financials and commodities markets. +44 (0) 203 006 0151, London
Martian Gaming Martian Gaming is a Mobile Channel Development Partner for operators/providers of mobile gambling applications and solutions in Eastern/Central Europe. +44 (0) 7900 971227, Leominster, Herefordshire
Consumer: leisure    
DMC DMC has vast experience in many areas of golf within the modern era, ranging from publishing (Todays Golfer, Golf Monthly, Golf World, Golf Weekly etc), player management, European Tour events through to European golf exhibitions, world wide golf manufacturing companies such as Mizuno, Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, corporate events, golf course design and consultancy to name a few. +44 (0) 1745 535 189, St Asaph, North Wales
Sound Approach Ltd Sound Approach Ltd owns the patents to a wet-wipe dispensing system called KlenzPod, a range of dispensers which can be adapted to any type of wipe (flushable wipes, baby wipes, hand cleansing wipes, etc). The proprietary consumable features a unique reliable nozzle design. +44 (0) 1753 647 797, Farnham Royal, Bucks
The Priory The Priory is a unique function venue created by John and Ann Hope in a 16th Century tithe barn in the grounds of their home Wymondley Priory near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. +44 (0) 1438 748 647, Little Wymomndley, Herts
PlugPal Ltd The PlugPal was invented due to health and safety issues raised whilst working in a commercial kitchen. With a multitude of kitchen gadgets, from microwaves to blenders, it was found that there was a lack of sockets in the kitchen to enable all appliances to be left plug in to the wall socket. +44 (0) 7976 362 341, Pyle, Bridgend
Consumer services    
Prime Care Holdings Ltd Prime Care Holding Ltd is expanding via franchising to create a national network of home care companies which will operate under exclusive licence to Purple Care Franchising Ltd (Purple Care). +44 (0) 1323 491 975, Seaford, East Sussex
Environmental    
aeristech Aeristech Limited is developing a hybrid turbocharger system to reduce CO2 emission from vehicles. Aeristech is working with Lotus Engineering and other partners. A major European vehicle manufacturer completed an independent review and is pressing forward. Aeristech is looking for further funding to accelerate its technical and commercial activities. +44 (0) 121 331 5400, Birmingham
Oxsenis Ltd Oxsensis is pioneering a new breed of optical instrumentation for precision controls in super harsh environments such as highly efficient car and aero engines, and in industrial, electrical, nuclear and space applications. Our Mission is to enable the Global "Advanced Energy Initiative" effort on cleaner and safer Power, Manufacturing and Transport by means of our next generation Instrumentation. +44 (0) 1235 778 110, Didcot, Oxon
Films    
Eyebrid Blaze Digital Eyebrid Blaze Film produces Independent and Commercial film for Cinema and TV presentation. It draws upon the commercial experience and in-house postproduction facilities of the founder and Director Darrel J Butlin. +44 (0) 117 974 4925, Bristol, Somerset
Film Stars Ltd Production of UK and International indie films. Actors and crew talent hunters. +44 (0) 1287 637 966, Redcar, Cleveland
Financial services    
Daniel Stewart Daniel Stewart & Co is an investment bank offering both corporate advisory and institutional stockbroking services and focusing on small and mid-size companies. Our philosophy is that we will succeed only if our clients' requirements are clearly understood and met in a professional and timely fashion. Daniel Stewart is authorised and regulated by the FSA. +44 (0) 207 776 6550, London
Independent International Investment Research Plc Independent International Investment Research PLC (IIR.L) is the UK's leading source of truly impartial research and strategy on global equities and currencies for broker-dealers, investment banks and asset managers - worldwide +44 (0) 207 232 3090, London
SHARES INTERNATIONAL OUT SOURCING/OFFSHORE IT DEVELOPEMNT AND OFFSHORE INVESTMENT BANKING +00 233 (0) 2870 66086, Accra, Ghana
Media & communications    
Eicom Eicom plc's core business is the management and exploitation of digital TV channels. Eicom currently owns and operates two TV channels, Performance Channel and SciTech TV. Eicom is committed to building a portfolio of digital TV channels which will be exploited not only in the UK, but on international satellite and cable platforms and across the world's broadband download and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) platforms. +44 (0) 1275 463 931, Bristol, Somerset
Movix (UK) Ltd. We specialise in the creation of high quality virtual environments and 3D worlds for business and education. +44 (0) 1248 675 090, Bangor, Gwynedd
Null-Hypothesis Null-Hypothesis pokes fun at the world of science and technology to highlight all the weird and wacky stuff out there. We present articles that are often so far fetched you can't believe they can possibly be true. +44(0) 117 915 1276, Bristol, Somerset
OffWestEnd.com OffWestEnd.com exists to celebrate the full spectrum of Off West End theatres and to draw increasing numbers of the general public into the heady darkness and dangerous passion of these little powerhouses perched above a pub, tucked under a railway bridge, packed into a disused warehouse, built around a butcher's shop or suspended above a shopping centre. Off West End theatres play a very important role in London and in society as a whole - important on stage in taking risks to push the boundaries of live performance, important for the audience in entertaining the intellect and stretching the imagination and, most of all, important as a breeding ground for new talent and new ideas that feed into our culture, reinventing and reinvigorating us. +44 (0) 779 141 0501, Chester, Cheshire
sportsyndicator.com Sportsyndicator has a one-stop shop for sports online advertising. The company provides a platform to connect sports enthusiasts around the world by aggregating and categorising sports sites with advertisers and online merchants who want to reach them +44 (0) 7858 103 559, London
Medical: instruments    
C & G Medicare Ltd C&G Medicare Ltd is headquartered located in South Wales UK. The company was established in 2006 to raise awareness about incontinence and develop a new medical device to help control stress incontinence in women. Since then it has grown steadily specializing in incontinence products, and supplying the European market with its own brand of products. +44 (0) 845 2000 761, Glamorgan, Wales
Dexela Ltd Dexela is dedicated to tomosynthesis and other low dose 3D X-ray imaging and has developed a leading technology and intellectual property portfolio in tomosynthesis image acquisition, reconstruction and review. Initially, Dexela is focusing on breast imaging but its technology has a broader range of applications in medical imaging, as well as security and industrial applications. +44 (0) 207 148 3107, London
Melys Diagnostics Ltd Melys Diagnostics Limited is a medical devices company specialising in non-invasive technologies. The company has developed an Atrial Fibrillation Screening Monitor and is involved in the development of a non-invasive tissue glucose monitor. +44 (0) 1994 240 265, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Electronic Health Media EHM aim to become the leading providers or on-screen health information to patients, visitors and healthcare professionals in the UK healthcare sector by: providing information in real time in GP practice and hospital waiting rooms; allowing staff to communicate directly with their patients; and providing an attractive and affordable advertising channel for both local and national healthcare organisations. +44 (0) 845 521 0144, Corsham, Wilts
Property    
Damac Properties UK LTD DAMAC Properties is the largest private developer in UAE (Many projects in DUBAI) and currently worth in excess of $7 Billion Dollars. We currently have over 80 developments in our portfolio. The parent company, Damac Holdings has been trading for over 26 years and has built up a strong reputation for quality and customer service. Our properties range in price from £60,000 up to 7 Million pounds for our Signature Series properties. +44 (0) 118 900 1605, Reading, Berks
Social networking    
Huddle.net Huddle.net (www.huddle.net) combines online collaboration, project management and document sharing using social networking principles. It offers an easy, secure and inexpensive online service for everyone from individuals through SMEs and enterprise to government. Huddle is also free for charities. With Huddle you can instantly create a network of collaborative team workspaces, each time bringing together the right team for the right project. Huddle's customers include Reuters, Boots, Unicef, John Lewis and Edelman. Management team boasts former employees of Library House, lastminute.com, Fibernet and Dunnhumby. +44 (0) 207 793 2400, London
Groofty Groofty is a new and unique website for listing events and activities on a map of the UK. Event organisers (e.g. music, food, auctions etc) and activity centres (e.g. golf clubs, bowling alleys, bingo halls etc.) can register and advertise their event by placing a marker on the map. The public can then search for these events by postcode, venue or date, and click on the marker to see details of the event. This service is unique in that it's a visual guide to what's on in a particular location. +44(0) 0208 363 2162, Enfield, Middx
Technology    
Blackstar Amplification Ltd Blackstar Amplification is a cutting edge manufacturer of electric guitar amplification and associated products based in Northampton. Their uncompromising, award-winning products are revolutionising the sounds and features available to guitarists. So whether you're playing live or recording, with Blackstar you can finally get 'the sound in your head'. +44 (0) 1536 312 620, Northampton, Northants
Transportation & Environmental    
Climatecars Climatecars is an environmentally friendly taxi service which supplies companies and individuals across London. Launched in June 2007 with 5 cars it has now grown to 14 cars, nearly 200 accounts and has completed over 10,000 journeys. The revenue mix is 80% corporate account business and 20% cash business. +44 (0) 208 206 7620, London
Venture Capital Fund    
Rainbow Seed Fund The £8.5m Rainbow Seed Fund is an evergreen venture capital dedicated to investing in technologies from its publicly funded research base but independently managed. The Fund was established in 2001 with funding from the Office of Science and Innovation to commercialise scientific research in a leading group of the UK publicly funded institutions, our partners. +44 (0) 121 710 1990, Didcot, Oxon
Wireless telecoms    
DMC Golf DMC manufacture what many of the worlds leading golf professionals say is the best Golf GPS system in the world. The only product to use aerial photographs, the CaddyAid device literally tells the golfer the distance from where they are standing to literally any blade of grass on the hole. +44 (0) 1745 535 189, St Asaph, Denbighshire
intellistream Intellistream has developed a platform for deploying interactive mobile video applications. The company is concentrating on the security sector and has completed its first significant sale to a CCTV system developer focussed on the SME and consumer markets with a customer base in over 15 countries. +44 (0) 207 710 5460, London

[Top of page]

Best

Modwenna Rees-Mogg
Editor: AngelNews
Email: modwenna@AngelNews.co.uk

AngelNews
Web: www.AngelNews.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1275 333 443

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might be interested. The more readers we have the more the service will grow. However, if you no longer wish to receive the AngelNewsletter, please press reply to this email and write, "Unsubscribe me" in the subject box.

We really appreciate your comments and opinions on AngelNews - you can email me at any time at modwenna@AngelNews.co.uk