The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is sponsoring and co-hosting this free event, which offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to share ideas for co-operation and collaboration, particularly in the fields of science and emerging technologies. 

The event is sponsored by ICure, Electric Revolution Skills Hub, Medilink, VWV, Natwest, Penningtons Manches Cooper and University of Birmingham. 

Venturefest WM 2024 will include panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition of innovative products of interest to businesses from any sector.  

Running alongside Venturefest WM for another year will be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up, a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition for business owners.  The event provides a unique opportunity for businesses to raise their profile both in the West Midlands and in front of a national audience of investors.   

Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up - run by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, BizzInn at the University of Birmingham and Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick Science Park - has put over 200 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors over recent years and helped bring more than £65 million of investments to the region's small businesses. 

Nathan Guest, partner and head of the technology at VWV, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring Venturefest for the third consecutive year, and to be working with our other event partners to showcase emerging science and technology businesses in the West Midlands.  

“Venturefest is a great opportunity for us to reinforce our commitment to the fast-growing West Midlands science and technology sectors and the ecosystem that supports them.   

“The event will provide anexcellent platform for entrepreneurs, universities, investors and innovators to meet, engage and to collaborate through sharing ideas and experience.  It will also provide young companies with anexciting opportunity to raise their profileand connect with allied organisations facing similar business challenges.  

“We were delighted to sponsor Venturefest 2022 and 2023 and we are thrilled to be able to play a key role in the 2024 event.”

Venturefest WM will take place on Thursday March 21st at the Eastside Rooms, Woodcock Street, Birmingham B7 4BL, from 8:30am to 5pm. Places can be booked here.  

For more information about Venturefest WM 2024, visit https://www.venturefestwm.co.uk/