The Founder
Friendly
Angel Network

The Milton Keynes
Investors Group

MKIG is a not-for-profit angel network consisting of the wealthiest, most successful people in Buckinghamshire and beyond. The network is run by experienced founders who have successfully exited their startups and have a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of building a business.

The group meets often to hear investment pitches from exciting startups, talks from notable speakers and to network. For founders, it is completely free to pitch, and there are no success fees. When we say we’re founder friendly - we mean it!

Upcoming events

21st September 2023

Open Networking Event for Startups and Investors at Moxy Hotel, Milton Keynes.

Register here

About

About
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About

Entrepreneurs Amar and Georgina took over the reins of MKIG in 2020. They are highly skilled at raising capital and running startup businesses. Their first venture, Una Tickets, was acquired by Sky (Comcast). You can learn more about their projects at www.duo.ventures. The pair are eager to continue the success of MKIG and grow it further. They are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs.

The network was established by Alexander Boswell in 2015 who was an early investor in Amar & Georgina’s first startup. Following their £550,000 seed round which they successfully closed in 72 hours, it was clear there was appetite in the area to invest in high-growth startups and so the network was born.

Alexander maintains long-standing business interests in property, agriculture and foods, in particular local frozen meals company Wiltshire Farm Foods, of which he is a director. He advises and supports numerous small enterprises in the Milton Keynes area.

MKIG specialises in pre-seed and seed capital in the region of £100,000 - £750,000 and to date has invested over £5 million in seed capital to startups up and down the country.

As well as regular pitch events for high-growth startups, MKIG also;
  • Hosts regular open networking events to give startups from across the country the opportunity to meet the angel network.
  • Offers online one-to-one startup clinics for those seeking advice or simply seeking a dose of encouragement.
  • A grant scheme, offering up to £7,000 for high-growth startups.
Amar Chauhan
Georgina Hollis
Alexander Boswell

Apply to pitch

Pitch
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Apply to pitch

Having been through the startup process, we understand the ups and downs of raising funds for your business. Whilst we cannot guarantee you'll be successful in raising funds via MKIG, we can help you to put your best foot forward and support you through the process.

MKIG specialises in pre-seed and seed capital in the region of £100,000 - £750,000 and to date has invested over £5 million in seed capital to startups up and down the country.

MKIG offers you the ability to pitch your business to a group of investors and influential professionals. We typically meet every three months and have an audience of 10 - 30 angel investors. There are usually two pitches, each 10 minutes long followed by a Q&A. In our experience, Q&As are where investors make their decisions, so be prepared to answer tough questions.

To pitch at an MKIG event, please complete this form.

What happens next?

We will assess your application and get in touch if we think you are suitable for the network. We will arrange a video call to discuss your business, hear your pitch and ask any questions we have. If everything aligns, you will be invited to pitch at the next MKIG event. We generally prioritise impact businesses, as we believe the future cannot just be about profit.

Due to the high number of enquiries we receive, we are unable to offer feedback to unsuccessful applications.

Costs

It is free to pitch at MKIG events and there are no success fees. When we say we’re founder friendly - we mean it!

There is a £150 fully refundable deposit to secure your spot. If you cancel your pitch within 14 days of the event or fail to attend, we will donate your deposit to a charity of our choice.

Investors

Investors
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Investors

If you are a high-net worth individual, keen to invest in the next generation of businesses, we invite you to apply to join the network. There are no fees to join the network and there is no obligation to invest in the companies that pitch at our events.

Please complete the short questionnaire below and we’ll be in touch soon.

Important Information

In-line with the FCA's Financial Promotions Order, those who attend our events and/or receive business plans must be able to qualify as either 'a self-certified sophisticated investor', 'a self-certified high net worth individual' or a representative of a 'high net worth company'.

The MKIG makes no claim to provide financial advice or conduct any due diligence on investees. Therefore, any investments you make are personal and entirely at your own risk.

For more information, please email: info@themkig.com.

MK Tech Fund

MK Tech Fund
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MK Tech Fund

In partnership with MK City Council, MKIG will soon be launching a grant scheme for high-growth startups.

Each startup will receive up to £7,000 to spend on a service need. For example, legal fees, patent applications, marketing or purchasing of equipment. This expenditure must directly impact your ability to scale your business and help you to achieve your short-term goals.

Criteria to Apply

  1. The company or founders need to be based within the Milton Keynes postcode area, or your customers are within the MK area.
  2. Fewer than ten employees.
  3. Have a monthly turnover of less than £10,000 at the time of receiving the grant.
  4. Trading for less than 3 years.
  5. The company is considered a high-growth startup e.g. you have ambitions to scale your company to a national or global level and reach high revenues/valuations.
  6. The company must be considered a ‘tech’ startup. This means you are either developing new technology as part of your product or service or using existing technology in new ways to fulfil a market need.
  7. Has a specific funding requirement for a service need/needs, up to £7,000.

Register your interest here and be notified when the scheme goes live.

Startup Clinic

Startup Clinic
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Startup Clinic

Navigating the world of startups can be a maze of uncertainties – from raising capital to building a dream team, and from deciphering grants to crafting your pitch. No question is too basic or too complex.

If you are seeking advice or simply seeking a dose of encouragement, book a free one-to-one session with Amar & Georgina at their monthly online drop-in clinic.

All sessions are via Google Meet unless otherwise stated.

Book a session

Blog

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