Researchers and spin-out founders from the Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield are invited to attend an exclusive morning panel and fireside chat at INOX, University of Sheffield, on Wednesday, 14th October.
The Mentor Network has announced the morning line-up for its upcoming Innovation Sprint, designed specifically for academics and innovators commercialising research across Northern Triangle partner universities. Scheduled from 9:30am to 11:30am at INOX, University of Sheffield, the morning session will bring together leading venture capitalists, angel investors, and successful spin-out founders to demystify deep tech investment and fundraising strategies.
What Investors Really Look For in Deep Tech Spin-Outs
Transitioning breakthrough research from the laboratory into a scalable business requires more than world-class technology – it demands a compelling commercial narrative. The event’s central panel discussion will explore the realities of securing early-stage funding, offering practical advice on how to:
- Translate Academic Jargon into Business Impact: Refine technical achievements into clear commercial value propositions that resonate with private investors.
- Validate Market Demand Pre-Launch: Demonstrate genuine market pull and customer traction before raising equity capital.
- Navigate Early-Stage Capital: Understand the investment criteria and pitch expectations of prominent regional and national investor networks.
Featured Panelists
The morning session features an expert panel representing top angel groups and venture capital firms:
- Emily Thompson – Investment Manager at Northern Gritstone
- David Levine – CEO of Glenluna Ventures and Principal at Manchester Angels
- Giles Moore – Regional Development Manager at PXN Ventures
- Jordan Dargue – Co-founder of Lifted Ventures
- Simon Thorpe – Former Chair of Cambridge Angels
Founder Fireside Chat: The Phlux Technology Journey
Following the investor panel, attendees will hear directly from Benjamin White, CEO of Phlux Technology– a high-growth infrared sensor spin-out from the University of Sheffield.
Ben will share first-hand reflections on Phlux’s commercial journey, including their investment strategy, pivotal growth milestones, and the practical lessons learned while raising capital for Phlux.
Event Details & Registration
The morning presentation and panel discussion (9:30am – 11:30am) are open to all university researchers, founders, and innovation team members across the partner institutions.
- Date: Wednesday, 14th October 2026
- Time: 9:30am – 11:30am (Morning Panel & Fireside Chat)
- Location: INOX, University of Sheffield
- Target Audience: Researchers and commercialisation teams at the Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield
Afternoon 1-on-1 Mentoring Sessions
The open morning session will be followed by invite-only 1-on-1 Innovation Sprint mentoring sessions in the afternoon. Founders interested in participating in the afternoon mentoring cohort should contact their university Commercialisation Manager for consideration.
To secure a place for the open morning panel and fireside chat, please register via the Mentor Network Eventbrite page.
