We did a "Dragon's Den" type pitch in front of an audience of about 80-100 people at the Good Deals 2010 conference on 16 November 2010. The panel was chaired by Anthony Ross (Bridges Venture Fund) and we had investors from the Natwest "not-for-profit" section, the Social Investment Business and Equity Plus on the panel. The feedback was very useful:
- work with partners - it's too big to do on your own
- make sure you have done your homework - how long will it take to breakeven point?
- couldn't you start smaller?
So we have taken these comments on board now, and with all that we learned at the conference, are exploring some new ideas/partners. We were particularly excited by the potential of "Social Impact Bonds" - as was used to fund an ex-offenders programme, using private money. Recidivism decreased, the private investors made profit and the government spent no more (there must be a catch somewhere...)!
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