Annual Events Guide 2015/16

INDEX

01 ABOUT US

02 IV TUESDAY

07 IV EVENTS CALENDAR

08 IV EXECUTIVE FORUM

12 ENGAGE INVEST EXPLOIT

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INFORMATICS VENTURESInformatics Ventures supports globally ambitious technology companies head-quartered in Scotland.

Through practitioner led entrepreneurship education and community networking, we prepare and equip Scotland’s technology entrepreneurs

B E T T E R C O N N E C T E DTUESDAY

iV Tuesday is a regular networking series featuring inspirational talks from local heroes and global success stories to raise the ambition of our nation’s entrepreneurs and unleash the potential we know they possess.

iV Tuesday brings some of the best speakers to Scotland so you can be sure of an interesting and engaging topic each time. However, the real value of iV Tuesday is the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, mentors and investors and experience the unexpected outcomes that can result from these connections.

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B E T T E R C O N N E C T E DEXECUTIVE FORUM

The Executive Forums provide executive level education to Scotland’s CEO’s with each focusing on a specific pain point topic for scaling businesses. These focused sessions see an experienced practitioner share their advice and experiences in dealing with and overcoming the issues facing scaling tech companies today. The forums are purposely kept small to foster interaction, maximise opportunity to discuss your own experiences and learn from others in the room.

LAUNCH OF NEW SEASONCome along to the first iV Tuesday of the 2015/16 season and hear from the Chairman of our Advisory Board and one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs, Chris van der Kuyl, on why scaling is so much more than the latest buzzword for Scotland.

Where: Informatics Forum, EdinburghWhen: 22nd September 2015, 18:00 - 20:30Who: Open to all

TUE 22 SEPTChris van der Kuyl, Chairman

Founder, Owner and Chairman of both the Tayforth group and 4J Studios. 4J is one of the UK’s most successful videogame developers and is responsible for the multi-million selling and multi-award winning Minecraft Console editions. Minecraft is a global phenomenon and is currently on track to become the most successful videogame of all time.

02

INVESTOR 100Taking our popular format from Pitch & Grill, we’re turning it on its head and giving 80+ young Scottish companies the chance to grill the investors instead.

Ask the questions you’ve always to ask, clear up some investor myths and get the advice you need to lead your company to a successful investment round.

Where: Informatics Forum, EdinburghWhen: 27th October 2015, 18:00 - 21:30Who: Open to entrepreneurs/CEO’s

TUE 27 OCTInvestors attending

Amadeus Capital ArchangelsDeepbridge CapitalEquityGapGabriel InvestmentsPentech Ventures Private investorScottish Equity PartnersScottish Investment Syndicate Room

03

THE USUAL SUSPECTSMany have watched the progress of Skyscanner over the years, from its formation in 2001, through international expansion and investment, to the global company it is today with over 35 million visitors a month.

Making his second appearance at iV Tuesday, Gareth will discuss the challenges and highs over the years to make the company what is today, Scotland’s first unicorn.

Where: Informatics Forum, EdinburghWhen: 23rd February 2016, 18:00 - 20:30Who: Open to all

TUE 23 FEBGareth Williams, Skyscanner

Self-confessed IT geek, Gareth Williams, has grown Skyscanner into Scotland’s first billion dollar tech company. Skyscanner now offers flights, hotel and car hire comparison with over 35 million unique users each month. It is available in over 30 languages, has 600 members of staff in nine global offices and an app that has been downloaded over 35 million times across the world.

04

THE USUAL SUSPECTSIn 1979, a 13-year-old computer whizzkid Alex van Someren, with his younger brother Nicko, devised a computer game for Acorn. The company gave them holiday jobs! In the years since, Alex has established a reputation as both a serial entrepreneur (two of the business he helped establish had exits through IPO’s) and as an early-stage tech investor.

Back by popular demand, Informatics Ventures and EIE stalwart Alex will be visiting the chapters in his busy life we didn’t have time to enjoy first time round!

Where: Informatics Forum, EdinburghWhen: 22nd March 2016, 18:00 - 20:30Who: Open to all

TUE 22 MAR

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Alex van Someren, Amadeus Capital Partners

Alex has worked in tech since the 1980s, co-founding ANT Ltd in 1990 to produce networking products, including Web Browser software licensed to the Oracle Corporation, and nCipher in 1996 which became a world leader in IT security. As CEO at nCipher he raised a total of £14m in venture capital funding before an IPO on the London Stock Exchange in 2000 at a valuation of £350m.

PITCH & GRILLJoin us for our ever-popular last hurrah of the iV Tuesday season – 15 companies pitching to a large audience, and getting grilled, before wandering to the rooftop of the Informatics Forum for a BBQ and refreshments. What’s not to like?

Where: Informatics Forum, EdinburghWhen: 24th May 2016, 18:00 - 21:30Who: Open to all

TUE 24 MAY

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Want to pitch?

Practice makes perfect so why not join in the fun and be one of our pitching companies at Pitch & Grill. It’s a great way to practice your pitch and get immediate feedback from your peers and members of the support community but it’s also a great way to spread the word about your business. If you would like to be considered to pitch contact Dr Steve Ewing on 07886 354 049.

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CHANNELS TO MARKETGetting the right Channels to Market strategy for your business is crucial to it’s success. You need to be clear about which channels to use to best reach your end customer.

In this Executive Forum we will examine the various channel options, and look at how each may work for your business.

Where: Deloitte, Saltire Court, EdinburghWhen: 17th September 2015, 13:00 - 17:30Who: CEO’s | Company Executives

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Benny Placido, Blue Mungus

Benny is the Business Development Director at Blue Mungus, a company that designs, builds and releases mobile apps, digital marketing and websites, and brings over 35 years of experience in high technology to this role with up to the minute skills in digital inbound marketing, selling and management. He has worked with Digital Equipment Corporation, Hewlett Packard and 3Com, as well as internet start-ups and SME’s.

HOW DO I MAKE MONEY? -BUSINESS MODELS

One of the first questions any potential investor will ask you is ‘What is your Business Model?’ If the founders of Google, PayPal, or Starbucks had stuck to their original business plans, we’d likely never have heard of them. Instead, they made radical changes to their initial models, became household names, and delivered huge returns for investors. Getting your business model right is crucial, and will form the basis of discussion in this Executive Forum.

Where: University of Edinburgh Business SchoolWhen: 13th November 2015, 13:00 - 17:30Who: CEO’s | Company Executives

FRI 13 NOV

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John Mullins

John Mullins is the author of The New Business Road Test and Getting to Plan B. His newest book, The Customer-Funded Business: Start, Finance, or Grow Your Company with Your Customers’ Cash, was named one of ‘five not-to-be-missed books’ by Fortune magazine in 2014. He brings over 20 years of executive experience in high-growth retailing firms, including two ventures he founded and one he took public.

WHAT CEO’S REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEW WORLD SALES

Are buyers sold to anymore? Savvy buyers decide when to buy, so your sales people need to understand how to make sure they are the ones there when these buyers are ready. The use of technology and understanding data trends is now part of the sales process, and in this Executive Forum we will look at what you need to know to maximise your company’s sales.

Where: Deloitte, Saltire Court, EdinburghWhen: 25th November 2015, 13:00 - 17:30Who: CEO’s | Company Executives

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George Hall, Vistage

George Hall chairs Vistage, the world’s leading Executive Peer-Group Organisation for Managing Directors, Chief Executives and other business leaders with over 18,000 members worldwide. George has been working with SMEs advising, coaching and mentoring CEO’s and MD’s for the last ten years, and brings over 30 years of experience in business and management from working in the UK, US and Asia, and in start-ups, SME’s and Blue-Chip Companies.

FUNDING STRATEGIES FOR GROWTH

Growing your business is going to cost money. How much, when you’ll need it, and where it’s going to come from, as well as the time needed, all need to be considered. Your business needs to be fully prepared at the start of the fund raising process to ensure you’re targeting the right investors, and getting the optimal value.

Where: Deloitte, Saltire Court, EdinburghWhen: 9th December 2015, 13:00 - 17:30Who: CEO’s | Company Executives

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John Hall, Duet Partners Ltd

John Hall is co-founder of Duet Partners Ltd, a company delivering investment and advisory support to SME technology businesses. John has almost 30 years of executive management, sales & marketing and corporate development experience in the semiconductor and broadcast media sectors. Prior to Duet Part-ners, John was CEO of leading Digital Radio company RadioScape plc for 7 years, culminating in the trade sale of the business in mid 2009.

Where: Canada House, Trafalgar Square, LondonWhen: 18th November 2015, 12:00 - 19:30Who: Invitation OnlyEN

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T EIELONDONIn 2012, EIE London was launched to showcase promising Scottish companies hand picked from EIE Edinburgh to a select group of London-based investors. This year, EIE London is set to grow and evolve once more.

In association with EIT Digital, UCL Advances and UCLB, EIE London in 2015 will showcase 12 outstanding ICT companies with high growth potential not only from Scotland, but the rest of the UK and Europe. Each company will be seeking Series A round (≥£1.5 million) funding to scale and grow their businesses, and offers venture capitalists and corporate venturers a highly focused and quality assured event.

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EIE LONDON: 18TH NOVEMBER 2015

A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR AMBITIOUS COMPANIES LOOKING TO SCALE

• 12 ICT companies selected from across Europe seeking ‘A’ Rounds of ≥£1.5m

• Pitching to an audience of over 100 VC’s and corporate venturers

Kerry Sharp, SIBLesley Eccles, FanDuel

Sherry Coutu, CBE

Our flagship annual technology investor showcase, Engage Invest Exploit (EIE), connects up to 60 Scottish technology based life sciences, ICT and energy companies with over 200 international investors and has become the largest event of its kind in the UK.

A highly competitive process, this is THE must attend event for Scottish technology companies seeking funding and a platform to engage with potential investors, mentors, partners and customers.

Where: Assembly Rooms, George Street, EdinburghWhen: 12th May 2016, 08:00 - 22:00Who: Invitation Only

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EIE SCOTLAND: 12TH MAY 2016

THE BEST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR SCOTLAND’S TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

• Up to 60 companies from the ICT, Life Sciences & Energy sectors

• Pitching to an audience of over 200 investors for Seed to Series A funding

NetworkingLive Pitching& Investor Q&A

International Guest Speakers

The network of EIE alumnus is also a valuable resource you can tap into as soon as you become part of the EIE programme. During the tough times an entrepreneur faces the support from your PEER network is priceless.

We like to keep in touch with our Alumni and celebrate their successes and milestones. An annual dinner keeps the alumnus formally connected.

Where: TBCWhen: 2nd June 2016, 18:00 - 22:00Who: EIE Alumni

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Informatics Ventures

Wilkie Building22-23 Teviot RowEdinburghEH8 9AG

info@informatics-ventures.com+44 (0) 131 650 4404@infventures

www.informatics-ventures.com