Cornwall Angel Network launches, with a new home at Falmouth University

Cornish businesses looking to grow have a new source of potential investment with the launch of the Cornwall Angel Network.

The joint initiative from the British Business Bank and Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is being taken to the next stage as it launches with Falmouth University’s venture studio and business incubator, Launchpad Futures, as its new home. The Cornwall Angel Network aims to create a more diverse investment community by connecting local angel investors to start-up and early-stage businesses in Cornwall.

The event was part of Business Finance Week, hosted by the British Business Bank, which is the UK's economic development bank.

An angel investor is someone who invests their own money, typically from £5,000 to £500,000, in a small business in exchange for a minority stake, or equity. They tend to be entrepreneurs or people with extensive experience in the business world, so as well as money can bring a wealth of knowledge to a young business.

Angel investors are the largest source of investment in start-ups and early-stage businesses looking to grow in the UK. The aim of the Cornwall Angel Network is to stimulate and support higher levels of equity investment in the county to help business grow, innovate and create jobs.

British Business Bank Chair Stephen Welton CBE was the keynote speaker at the launch of the new network. He said, "The Cornwall Angel Network represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cornwall by connecting innovative businesses with experienced investors. Angel investors don’t just provide capital; they bring invaluable expertise, mentoring and industry connections, which are crucial for helping young businesses scale and thrive. And we're delighted that Falmouth University, which has spawned a number of successful start-ups, will become the home of the network.

"We also hope to see more women angel investors getting involved as part of the drive to address the lack of investment in female entrepreneurs. We know that angel groups with more than 15% women investors made 57% of their investments in teams with women founders last year, so it's vital that we continue to increase the number of female angel investors in Cornwall and the UK."

Professor Emma Hunt, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Falmouth University, said: “As a creative, entrepreneurial university and anchor institution for Cornwall, with 10 years’ experience of incubating businesses, Falmouth University is the natural home for the new Cornwall Angel Network. 

“We’re delighted to support this exciting initiative that will be an asset for Cornwall, helping to drive the growth of small and medium sized businesses in the county through better access to angel investment. A collaborative approach means that with strong stakeholder engagement, we can reach more companies that will benefit not only from new investment opportunities, but networking and support.

“We envisage the Cornwall Angel Network being an inclusive place, where local businesses are supported to thrive. We’re particularly keen to foster more women founders and investors, who are currently underrepresented in Cornwall.”

The launch of the network has been welcomed by Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

Chair Laura Whyte, who is Managing Director of Whyfield Ltd, said: "The launch of the Cornwall Angel Network is a fantastic development for our business community. By connecting start-ups and early-stage businesses with knowledgeable investors, we're creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in Cornwall. This network has the potential to not only bring much-needed funding to local businesses but also expertise and mentorship that can make a real difference. We're excited to see how it will help shape the future of entrepreneurship in our region."