Yorkshire Association of Business Angels celebrates £10 million of investment deals

20/05/2010

More than £10 million has been invested in Yorkshire & Humberside based businesses during the last four years by the region’s business angel network, Yorkshire Association of Business Angels (YABA).
 
This milestone figure represents investment in 41 companies over some 68 funding rounds, with deals ranging from £10,000 to just under £1 million.
10 of these companies are based in West Yorkshire, 18 in South Yorkshire, 10 in North Yorkshire and 3 in Humberside.
 
“These figures prove that in spite of difficult economic times, business angel investment remains buoyant.  The figures are also tangible evidence of the crucial role our angel members play in the region’s business landscape,” says YABA Manager, Barbara Greaves.  “Of course in addition to financial investment our members also offer a wealth of business experience and skills.  Companies working with business angels benefit enormously from this and many angels enjoy having an involvement in their investee companies.”
 
In addition to its regular investment forums – at which businesses from a range of sectors present their business opportunities – YABA has undertaken a programme of sector specific forums.  It held one of these on 11 May, at Pinsent Masons in Leeds, in partnership with CO2 Sense. The forum saw nine green technology companies present to an audience of more than 100 angel investor and associate members as well as intermediaries from the professional community.
 
YABA is a not-for-profit network funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, which brings together private investors, known as business angels, and companies seeking investment.  In addition, YABA has a database of business angels who are looking for mentoring or non-executive director opportunities where they can provide strategic advice & support.  The Association has recently extended its reach, appointing three Ambassadors to promote its services in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and North & East Yorkshire and North & NE Lincolnshire.
 
The next investment forum is to be held on 15 June at the Holiday Inn, Dodworth near Barnsley.  A further sector specific forum which focuses on healthcare technologies will be held on 13 July at Broughton Hall near Skipton.  Companies interested in finding out more about these events, or any of the services which YABA offers should contact Barbara Greaves on 01423 810149, email Barbara@yaba.org.uk or see www.yaba.org.uk
 
Further information from:
Charlotte Atkinson, Communications & Events Manager, YABA, 01423 810149, admin@yaba.org.uk