Runway and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship staff recently hosted students and graduates. at the British Venture Capital Association (BVCA) South-West and Wales dinner and awards at the Bristol Harbour Hotel. The University start-up support function, Runway, recently took leadership in building a network of Venture Capitalists by enaging the Association.

Runway Entrepreneurs in Residence (EiR), Andy and Cecilia, were joined by students, alumni and friends of the CFIE and treated to a speech from double gold and double bronze winning Olympic Swimmer Rebecca (Becky) Adlington, learning that something as small as making your fingers outstretched instead of flat when you hit the timer mat can be the difference between gold and silver. As well as great food in an even better setting the evening was an intense networking opportunity helped make new contacts. If all that wasn’t enough, the BVCA invited the team to take home some magnificent the floral displays at the end of the evening.

Pictured left to right: Hugh Hamilton-Green and Hywel Rose of Eleat who recently launched a sports cereal, Alex Asher of Mifu who is a recent recipient of a Jim and Peggy Wilkinson Innovation Award, Natasha McKenzie of BeKindred, Cecilia Thirlway who is an EiR and lecturer, graduate entrepreneur and founder of LuQman Shivangi Singh, Founder and CEO of Zero Point Motion Dr Lia Li, Founder and CEO of Big Sister Swop Hudi Charin and alumni Olivia Brooks of Founders Factory representing the VC side of the table.

Runway looks forward to strengthening links with the Venture Capital community and providing opportunities for graduates to engage with them.