In the South West it’s hard for creative and purpose-led business ideas to find the finance they need. How can investment work for new founders?
Join us to hear what’s out there, what works and how the market is changing with people who get the ‘game’ of finding investment.
In this event, hear first-hand experience of founders and professionals who’ve sought, secured or passed up investment as they’ve created businesses they believe in. Talks/ discussion 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Networking from 8.00pm.
If you’re a startup or someone who wants to see new ideas in the City get the money they need, this event is an opportunity to come together and learn what’s possible.
We’re pleased to bring you this new series of collab events after a 6-month break!
The event is a collab with Upstarter who are exploring Hopeful Finance – new investment vehicles for creative business.
As always, we focus on the detail, not the hype. No powerpoint, just direct conversations, your questions and discussion.
> Who’s Speaking?
– Edward Jenkins is a music industry professional, turned music tech founder. He works for Bristol’s venue Lost Horizon, Glastonbury’s Shangri-La and has now founded Volumetric Video Ltd, a platform that gives new artists access to worldwide audiences.
– Derek Tanner has 20 years of experience helping startups grow, innovate, and find finance, working alongside investors and funders in organisations such as Oxford Innovation. In new role as Enterprise Manager for Black South Network, he’s excited about the potential for change through supporting great black and minority enterprises to start and develop.
– Gill Wildman is a creative business mentor, programme designer and facilitator. Founder of Upstarter, she’s propelled by demystifying business, developing new tools for underserved founders. Recent collaborations and projects include the REACT programme with Watershed, SW Creative Technology Network, Bristol & Bath R&D, and WECA’s Create Growth Programme and Creative Scale Up.
– Daniel Oliver has been founding or supporting social enterprises, startups and purpose-led business for 15 years. As a founder of Bristol Energy Coop he took the company through its first large financial raise using community shares. As an advisor and mentor, he’s supported businesses to navigate startup, growth and social investment and commercial finance.
> Who’s behind this?
Purpose in Practice asks questions that matter for anyone building a business they believe in. Our events create conversations with founders and about what’s important, how to act and what they need. Our mini-site features case studies.
It’s run by Assembly, a local company working with startups and teams to build great businesses. We support organisations to find new areas of growth and put good ideas into practice.
Creative industry events in and around Bristol
Social media trends for 2026: a keynote with Drew Benvie
12.30pm
-2pm
The Station, Silver Street, Bristol, BS1 2AG
BCI Keynote
Each year, leading global social media consultancy Battenhall publishes a review of the major trends shaping social media for brand marketing and communication. In this talk, Battenhall’s Founder & CEO, Drew Benvie, will present the latest Battenhall forecast for the coming months, in order to help the creative community plan their content.
Digital & Creative Business Forum
9:00
-11:00
Bristol & Bath Science Park, BS16 7FR
Forum
Career Surgery with Kate Maxwell
1pm
-3.45pm
Online
BCI Career Surgery
We’re pleased to offer the opportunity to book a free of charge 45 minute 1:2:1 session for career coaching, specifically geared towards the needs of creative, media & tech professionals. When you feel stuck in a rut, having external guidance can be the key to unlocking new perspectives and fresh momentum. Exclusive for BCI members, book your slot with Kate Maxwell on Thursday 22nd January!
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