Lontra wins ‘Best Pitch’ at Conduit Partners/Carbon Trust Investment Showcase

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Congratulations go to Simon Hombersley, business development director of Lontra, who won the ‘Best Pitch’ award  at the Investment Showcase event held by Conduit Partners and the Carbon Trust on 21 November.

Lontra – a UK-based cleantech start-up developing energy-saving compressors and engines – was one of five companies in the low-carbon sector pitching to a room full of potential investors at the event, which was held at Home Housein central London. Everyone was asked to vote for their favourite pitch at the end of the evening. Simon emerged the winner, and was lauded for his lively presentation that was articulate and simplified the business and investment case. He wins a bottle of Champagne.

Conduit Partners’ chief executive Paul Gooch said: “The event showcased five high-growth potential companies in the low-carbon sector. My congratulations to all the presenters who performed extremely well in putting forward the opportunity and value proposition for each of their companies.”

The next Investment Showcase is planned for spring 2012. For more information email holly.munns@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

What will put the Venture back into Venture Capital?

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Where have all the risk takers gone? And how ‘safe’ does a deal have to be before investors will venture forward?

I’m beginning to wonder that this week, after our investment showcase on Monday, supported by the Carbon Trust, where we presented five cleantech companies that have created innovatons in energy efficiency. They have been through the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme, and are bang on trend as far as investment opportunities go.

Our timing couldn’t have been better, as we hosted our event just two days before the government launched its Green Deal, a programme to bring the UK’s buildings up to date with energy-efficiency improvements.

This is a major opportunity for businesses. Chris Huhne, secretary of state for energy and climate change, says that the Green Deal will give energy companies and investors “access to a huge and growing market, with implications for jobs and skills across the supply chain – and across the country”. He estimates that the energy-efficiency sector will support 100,000 jobs within five years across the UK – as well as helping the country to achieve its carbon emissions reduction targets.

The five entrepreneurs who presented their cleantech innovations can do exactly that. Eco Answers’ Loftzone – which was quoted in a BBC News story on the Green Deal – has a patented insulation system for loft floors; Lontra has an energy-saving compressor; Calon Controls has energy-saving lighting control solutions; ElectronicaUK has energy-efficient electronic control systems; and ModCell has pre-fab wall and roof cladding to improve insulation.

These five companies are well primed for investment, with a track record of revenues, and a robust, tested business plan that will bring healthy returns to investors.

It’s an exciting sector, ticking not just the cleantech box but also ticking a long-term return-on-investment box. We’re aware that the ROI is not a three-to-five years box, but what technology investment would achieve that?

Yet, while 30 investors came to our showcase this week and took away a positive impression and requested follow-ups on the five presentations, I’m sure that, given the excitement around the Green Deal opportunity, we should have five times as many investors turning up to our next showcase in March 2012. If they’re prepared to take what is a calculated but long-term risk.

The markets may have been affected by austerity measures across Europe – but even in this article in the Financial News on global cutbacks hitting cleantech investments, the commentator states that “energy efficiency and the water industry offer better prospects for mid-market investors” because they are “seen to offer a better risk/return profile”.

Being an entrepreneur is about facing the failures as much as celebrating the successes. That’s what risk is all about: it brings the buzz to a brilliant deal, and that buzz sustains you through the less buoyant times.

As the old adage goes: nothing ventured, nothing gained.

If you’d like to take part in the Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme, or to register your interest in our next showcase event, email holly.munns@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

Five companies in a room full of sophisticated investors driving technologies of the future

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Businesses large and small need to be sustainable if they’re to survive and thrive in the 21st century. Big-name companies are making green their colour of choice and committing to low-carbon practices because they know it’s an essential investment in their future.

Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola Enterprises has just received the Carbon Trust Standard with the highest score for carbon performance in the carbon reduction assessment’s history. And DIY retailer B&Q is putting low-carbon growth at the centre of its business strategy, with thousands of eco products now on sale in its stores. We’re also seeing biofuel for airlines and taxis, low-carbon vehicle technologies, and homes built from low-carbon materials.

This is not just a nice to have, or a trendy way to approach corporate social responsibility. It makes good business sense to have sound carbon management strategies in place. Did you know you could make savings of 25% on energy costs with effective energy management? And businesses investing in renewable energy could make average returns of 11-12%, and sometimes in excess of 20%, according to the Carbon Trust.

That’s why we’re giving a unique insight into the technology that will shape the 21st century low-carbon economy. On Monday 21 November, we are showcasing five businesses that will reveal how we will be powered in the future, and they represent some of the most exciting investment opportunities in the cleantech sector.

At the event, which is supported by the Carbon Trust, investors will have a unique opportunity to meet and question the companies presenting at the event: ModCell, which has created pre-fabricated wall and roof materials for carbon-negative buildings; Calon Controls has developed energy-saving lighting control solutions; ElectronicaUK has developed electric motor technology to improve the range of electric cars; Lontra is marketing a patented novel processor for the water industry; and Eco Answers has developed Loftzone to help improve property insulation and reach carbon-reduction targets.

These five companies have successfully been through the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track, which is a robust, commercially focused programme for early-stage low-carbon technology ventures. These cleantech businesses have a business model that is clearly aligned to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and generating revenue. The programme ensures this model is rigorously tested, they have a value proposition that is strongly articulated, their technology is different from anything else on the market, their products have IP protection, and they have a pipeline of customers ready to buy.

These companies now need an injection of capital to fuel their next stage of growth and bring healthy returns for their investors.

If green isn’t your business colour of choice yet, it soon will be.

To attend the event on Monday 21 November at 5.30pm at Home House in central London, email hollymunns@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

Conduit Partners and Carbon Trust showcase five exciting cleantech investment opportunities

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Conduit Partners is delighted to reveal the five cleantech businesses that will be pitching to a panel of investors at the Conduit Investment Showcase on 21 November.

The event, which is supported by the Carbon Trust, features innovative low-carbon early-stage businesses that already have a market presence and a significant revenue pipeline, and are looking for investment to propel them into the next profitable stage of growth.

All five businesses have gone through the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme – helping to define their business plan and articulate their value proposition – and the entrepreneurs are primed and prepared to deliver compelling investment pitches at the event.

The five companies are:

ModCell has created a system that makes carbon-negative building a commercial reality. It manufactures pre-fabricated wall and roof cladding using the thermal insulation qualities of straw bale and hemp construction to be used in offices, schools, housing and commercial buildings. ModCell buildings can have zero heat requirements, saving money and CO2 emissions.

Calon Controls designs, develops and supplies energy saving lighting control solutions for office, retail and education environments. Calon’s products can be integrated seamlessly into a low-carbon ‘smart building’ solution.

ElectronicaUK develops energy-efficient electronic control systems that can be applied in a number of markets. Its electric motor technology doubles the driving range of electric vehicles in the city, and its energy-efficient heating control system for the global leisure market will drive early revenues into the business in 2012.

Lontra is bringing to market a patented novel compressor, initially for the water industry, where compressed air is used to treat sewage. As 10% of all industrial electricity is used by compressors, it aims to reduce energy spend by 20%.

Eco Answers has developed Loftzone, an innovative patent-pending loft flooring system to protect the insulation of household properties and deliver the energy savings that come from a properly insulated property. It will help governments and utilities achieve their carbon-reduction targets.

The Conduit Investment Showcase begins at 5.30pm on Monday 21 November at Home House in central London. The presentations take place between 6pm and 7pm, with the opportunity to network and talk with further with the companies afterwards.

To attend the event, or to find out more information about taking part in the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme, email hollymunns@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

Conduit Partners to stage its first Investment Showcase

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We at Conduit Partners are extremely proud to be holding our first Conduit Investment Showcase in conjunction with the Carbon Trust.

As a Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track (EFT) partner, we are delighted that the Carbon Trust is partnering with us and endorsing what will be a sophisticated investment event for the investment community in the exciting clean technology sector.

Together with the Carbon Trust, Conduit has worked extensively with five entrepreneurs in the cleantech sector, helping them improve their ideas and develop them into workable and exciting investment opportunities. We have given them expert commercial input on their business plan, how to articulate their value proposition, and how to develop the skills the management team will need to unlock the business potential.

They are fully prepared to present their business proposition to a select audience of investors at this exclusive Investment Showcase to explain exactly why they are worthy of investment – and to demonstrate to investors how and when they will deliver a healthy multiple return to any investor.

The event is being held at the prestigious Home House, Portman Square, London on the evening of Monday 21November 2011.  Starting at 6pm sharp, the five companies looking for investment will be presenting and will be available after the presentations to meet with interested investors.

Following each company presentation there will be an opportunity for questions from the floor. After the formal part of the evening is over, there will be drinks and canapés and plenty of time for networking.

If you are seeking quality investment opportunities in an exciting sector from some of the most leading-edge technologies today, please register your interest in the Conduit Partners investment event. If you’re a start-up business or early-stage cleantech venture looking for assistance on how you can benefit from the EFT programme that may lead to investment, then we’d love to hear from you. Email info@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

How to Impress a Cleantech Investor

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You’re a cleantech entrepreneur with the innovation, the passion and the vision. All you need now is the finance to fuel your ideas and make them a commercial reality. And all that’s standing between you and success is the pitch to investors to convince them to back you – so you have to do your homework and be pitch perfect when you come to face them.

It’s never been a better time to invest in cleantech, which is why at Conduit Partners we work with fledgling businesses to help them identify opportunities, articulate their USPs, and accelerate their market entry. We do all this because we are partners in the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track (EFT) programme, and we want to help early-stage cleantech ventures become market ready and offer an exciting investment proposition.

However, just because cleantech is THE sector to be in right now, it doesn’t mean investors will just throw their money at embyronic ideas in the hope that they might grow into strong propositions. No, they’re looking for near-to-market or revenue-generating technologies. A lot of money has been ploughed into energy generation, but the focus now is on energy efficiencies – not least because they offer investors nearer-term returns.

So, if you want to impress investors, you’ll need to have:

  • A credible and realistic business plan that identifies customer needs and how your business will anticipate, track and satisfy those needs.
  • The right team in place to execute the plan. Too often, teams in the cleantech sector lack strong commercial people to make the plan happen. They often rely on the science and technology aspects, but without a credible business model and people equipped and experienced to execute that model, you won’t cut it with investors.
  • Proof that your idea has a market. You will need to have carried out validated research to prove that your plan is real and achievable.
  • Commercial traction:  Have you made headway with commercial partnerships, sales and alliances? Do you have proof that customers will buy?
  • Defendable IP that is not just a patent but freedom to operate. This market is extremely complex when it comes to IP, so you must do the groundwork first to ensure you are unique and protected in the market.
  • Understanding and enthusiasm: it’s going to be a long journey and investors want to be excited by the investment. They love the thrill of exciting investments. Just like everyone else they want to buy into the future, and the future is clean

Conduit Partners is hosting an investment forum in central London in late November where five companies that have taken part in the Carbon Trust EFT programme will pitch to a panel of sophisticated investors.

Whether you are an investor or early-stage business, if you would like to register your interest in the Conduit Partners investment event, or if you’re a start-up business or early-stage cleantech venture looking for assistance from the EFT programme that may lead to investment, then we’d love to hear from you. Email info@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

How to qualify for the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track

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If you’re a cleantech entrepreneur with a brilliant idea, or are overseeing an early-stage venture, timing has never been better for you to get your fledgling business off the ground. The Carbon Trust has funding of £3m to support British low-carbon technology entrepreneurs this year –which includes £70,000 of technical and commercial consultancy to help your business become market and/or investment ready.

Conduit is a partner in the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme. We deliver the package of commercial advice, and we’re currently recruiting new businesses to join the scheme. Here’s what you need to qualify:

Carbon impact: The Carbon Trust is seeking technologies that can deliver 100k tonnes of carbon savings every year – or the potential to deliver this. You will need to demonstrate the carbon savings that your idea, product or service can achieve.

IP strategy and protection: You need a unique idea or process in order to stand out in the market, and you need to protect it. This can be an incredibly complex and competitive arena, so you need to show how you plan to protect your know-how, whether through a patent or another mechanism to secure your company’s intellectual property.

Independent technology validation: Your technology must have matured to a level that it ‘does what it says on the tin’, or has the potential to do so.

Differentiation: How is your technology distinct and different from others? You have to offer an exciting and achievable alternative to what is already on the market, so make sure you understand and can articulate your unique selling points. With such a crowded market, don’t run the risk of being seen as a ‘me too’ company; make sure your differentiator is clearly outlined and convincingly expressed.

Scalability: This is vital. Your product or service will need scale if it is to achieve its carbon-reducing potential. If your approach or process perhaps isn’t as innovative as others on the market, then make sure you strongly demonstrate the carbon savings and scalability in your application.

Commercial focus: You will need to demonstrate how you have funded your business so far, and what investment you anticipate will be needed to make it commercially viable. Make sure that you focus your application on how you would benefit from the expertise and funds of the Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme. Highlight your need for professional commercial support, especially around the development of the business case and potential fundraising, to help you qualify.

We can review the initial draft of the application form before you submit it to the Carbon Trust, and advise on areas you will need to emphasise to be in with a chance of being accepted. The purpose of the scheme is to make a significant step change to your business, not an incremental improvement. So, think big and go for it.

For an initial chat about whether you would qualify, call Susan Dunstall on 01235 831777 or email susandunstall@conduitpartners.co.uk

Why cleantech is the only investment game in town

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It has never been a better time to be a cleantech entrepreneur. The sector is valued at £4.3 trillion globally, and there’s a lot of excitement around low-carbon opportunities that Conduit Partners is helping inventors and investors tap into.

Clean technologies are key to our economic, social and environmental future. Not only do they help tackle climate change, but companies developing green technologies create new jobs, boost exports, and help buoy the UK in the low-carbon economy, and may even be the only investment game in town right now!

From a big-picture perspective, they also help meet strenuous emissions reduction targets, as stipulated by the Kyoto Agreement, and they help meet Big Society and corporate social responsibility objectives. Cleantech touches every aspect of our lives. Indeed, the way we consume and conserve energy will dominate national and international agendas for at least the next 20 years. Quite simply, it’s changing our lives.

These are hefty reasons why cleantech is the sector to be investing in right now, and why it needs support. We need to make sure that the market opportunities for cleantech innovations are identified, nurtured and commercialised. We can’t afford to let brilliant ideas in the cleantech sector go to waste or go abroad.

That is why, with all these economic drivers, Conduit Partners is stepping on the cleantech accelerator. We want to help fuel that growth even further by giving cleantech innovations the horsepower they need to prime them for commercial success.

We partner with the Carbon Trust in its Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme. There’s up to £70,000 of our services offered to early-stage cleantech ventures to help accelerate the market entry of those who qualify for the programme. We have already guided dozens of companies through the stages from business planning through to securing investment, and we’re proactively looking to find and support innovative ideas and businesses to take part in the programme.

This is also a sterling opportunity for the investment community, too. Returns may be longer on your investment – perhaps something of a change there too – but the multiples are potentially much higher. Don’t just take our word for it, however. Come and see for yourselves the businesses that can bring you that return.

Conduit is hosting an investment event in November where we will showcase for the first time five companies that have benefited from the Entrepreneurs Fast Track interventions and are now seeking equity capital for growth.

Come along to probe and question these five cleantech entrepreneurs and discover why you should invest in them.

For more information about the event, and to register your interest, email info@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

Cleantech entrepreneurs prepare to pitch to sophisticated investors

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Conduit Partners is giving the chance for start-up and early-stage cleantech businesses to pitch to equity investors in a sophisticated investment forum.

If you’ve been following Dragons Den, you may believe that pitching to a room full of investors involves quaking in your boots in front of a panel of multi-millionaires who dismantle your dream and send you packing. We can’t promise the investors at our investment forum won’t give the entrepreneurs a tough time, because investors need to do their due diligence and understand how they can add value to the business and when they’ll receive a return on their investment. But what we can assure you is that they’re looking for quality investment opportunities.

What makes this investment forum different is the level of commercial preparation compared with many of the entrepreneurs in the Den. I was amazed by the range of innovations presented for investment this series. There were great ideas with no commercial plan whatsoever; wacky ideas that people may buy as a one-off but created no consumer need at all; and products that needed more work and fine-tuning than the dragons were prepared to deliver.

But what truly astounded me was the astonishing lack of preparation from many of the company owners in Dragons’ Den. They didn’t know figures, projections or costs, and they couldn’t even articulate their value proposition. Not a great way of convincing the dragons to invest.

In contrast, the five companies pitching at the Conduit Partners investment forum  in central London this autumn have been primed and prepared for investment by taking part in the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track (EFT) programme.

Working with Conduit Partners, which is an EFT partner, the entrepreneurs have benefited from professional advice on how to prepare for market, develop an investable business plan and commercialise their products or services. They’ve had expert input on their market positioning, their value proposition, their sales pipeline and their team structure – and, most importantly, how to communicate to investors what a valuable investment opportunity they are offering.

We’ll be revealing more information about the Conduit Partners investment forum, and who’s taking part, over the coming weeks.

Whether you are an investor or early-stage business if you would like to register your interest in the Conduit Partners investment event, or if you’re a start-up business or early-stage cleantech venture looking for assistance from the EFT programme that may lead to investment, then we’d love to hear from you. Email info@conduitpartners.co.uk or call 01235 831777.

Technology startups: what you need to know before approaching investors

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There’s a buzz about Britain and the future of its technology, especially with the news that Google is to provide office space and assistance to new technology companies in London’s so-called ‘Silicon Roundabout’. The ambitions for this area are grand, with David Cameron declaring that he wants to make it easier for new firms to flourish.

It seems there’s never been a better time to launch a technology start up. However, in reality there is a whole lot more to it than dreaming up a cracking new idea, finding investors to back it, taking it to market, selling it on and making millions.

Technology investments normally take longer to show a return on investment, as new technologies are often disruptive and take more time to become adopted.

Due diligence in this sector has become more rigorous over the last five years. The process of ensuring your business meets all the criteria and convincing investors that it can indeed show a return is harder than ever.

Conduit Partners have been advisers to some of the UK’s largest IP generators and investment funds. We specialise in working in the technology sector and are skilled in making sure early-stage businesses can unlock the value in their business or raise the investment to get them there.

Positioning technology, which is often complex in nature, is not straightforward. Knowing where the technology sits in the value chain and having the value proposition worked out is essential to simplifying the pitch and creating a compelling argument for investors.

Our unique and proven approach ensures that new technology entrepreneurs set realistic and defendable expectations before approaching our extensive database of investors.

To tap into our expertise and help ready your technology start-up for investment, call 01235 831777. We are recruiting right now for entrepreneurs to join the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track programme.