Special edition: Events Season, investment + Regional Report
It's a mega dose of interesting stuff for the end of February.
Dearest Bugle reader,
I’ve broken my own rules this week with an extraordinary list of events that tips us well over the usual 90-second read time. But with so much happening (and a head full of flu) I didn’t want to be as selective as usual. Please let me know what you think.
INFORM: Health and Life Sciences Make a Splash
Invest Bristol + Bath (part of the West of England Combined Authority) has released a new report that puts the Health and Life Sciences sector in the spotlight. The report identifies the West of England as having the fastest annual year-on-year business growth from 2013 – 2023, at just under 6% but running behind in fifth place when it comes to business density. It feels like both a celebration and an opportunity for growth!
CELEBRATE: Angel Investors Bristol Announce First 2025 Investment
The members of Angel Investors Bristol (AIB) were impressed with the app and the traction demonstrated by De Chen Mao Davies and the team at Anya. In their first investment of Q1 2025, they support Anya to leverage leading AI technology and healthcare experts to provide 24/7 support and companionship throughout women’s health journeys including fertility, pregnancy, parenting, menopause, and menstrual health.
CONNECT: Events Spotlight - Get Out and Connect
I’ve been inundated with events lately, so I’m channeling my friend Shannon D’Arcy and sharing a quick list - where will I see you?
International Women’s Day (IWD) Innovate Together Breakfast (5/3 09:00) - celebrating the brilliant women scientists and innovators shaping the future.
Culture Club, Navigating Difference (6/3 08:00) - A new community in Bristol for 'people people' in the impact space.
Research to Reward Competition Final (6/3 17:00) - new University of Bristol pitch competition and funding scheme to advance innovative research led by female early-mid career researchers.
Bristol Women in Business Charter IWD Event - Are Our Boards as Inclusive as They Should Be? (8/3 10:30) - Exploring what it will take to see more diverse identities in the Boardroom
Essential Insights for Early-stage Female Entrepreneurs (11/3 17:00) - expert-led interactive breakout sessions designed to support early-stage female-founded start-ups.
techSPARK Combined Authority Mayoral Hustings (17/3 09:00) - this is a crucial opportunity to engage with candidates for the forthcoming election, discuss key challenges and opportunities, and shape the future of the tech industry.
Bristol Innovators Group (BIG) Meetup (19/3 18:00) - Inspiration. Conversation. Collaboration - connect with other innovators, share ideas, and collaborate.
EntreConf Dinner with Professor Margaret Heffernan (24/3 18:30) - paid dinner event where Margaret will discuss her new book Embracing Uncertainty.
UWE Distinguished Address with Nick Hounsfield (26/3 18:00) - hear about the personal journey that led Nick to create 'The Wave', a 26-million litre artificial wave pool powered by solar energy.
TechSW Investment Summit (29/3 12:00) - paid event designed to support investors and those seeking investment.
Fuckup Nights Bristol (29/4 18:00) - a global movement where people share stories of professional failure, at each event 3 or 4 speakers tell a failure story using 10 images and 7 minutes.
You Get What You Get (9/4 18:30) - our brilliant speakers, a perfect springboard for fresh inspiration, meaningful connections, and a little creative magic.
I was going to mention the new AI Marketing Network (27/4) but it’s already sold out - watch out for their next event.
JUST FOR FUN… Did you know that we have our own Bristol Independent Film Festival? It’s been running for seven years and is hosted at The Aquarium in 2025. You can buy tickets, watch the films, and celebrate the winners in 14 categories.
That’s all for this week,
Warmest,
Briony
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This newsletter is kindly seed-funded by MyWorld and Aer Studios.
MyWorld is a creative technology programme in the UK’s West of England region. MyWorld is exploring the future of creative technology innovation by pioneering new ideas, products, and processes.
Aer Studios is a creative technology studio that delivers meaningful digital experiences that have a positive impact on people and planet. We accelerate the design and delivery of digital products and roadmaps for high-impact organisations.
