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Preston Innovates events series coming to Preston in August and September

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A series of in-person events, aimed at cultivating a vibrant and innovative local ecosystem are taking place in Preston.

The events mark the beginning of an exciting new calendar of Preston innovation and investment events focused on the themes of tech, digital, cyber, disruptive processes, advanced manufacturing, nuclear and bio/green tech.

Within the umbrella series, is the ‘fhunded Preston Season’, the inaugural series from Lancashire County Council initiative, fhunded.

Fhunded is designed to connect tech founders with venture capital funding bodies, fostering collaboration and driving investment in Lancashire’s tech and digital sectors.

Rory Southworth, Investment Ecosystem Manager at fhunded, said: “fhunded coming to Preston is bringing many Northern focused Investors into the city, with their eyes of Preston businesses.”

Rob Binns, CEO of Cotton Court and Preston Partnership board member, added: “It is encouraging to see opportunities to develop in and for Preston. With the National Cyber Force opening its HQ on our doorstep within the next year, it is the perfect time to host these conversations and events and push this agenda forward.”

Dates for your diary

Aug 27: Fireside chat with Seneca Partners (fhunded Preston Season event) 

For founders seeking early-stage investment, don’t miss this fireside chat with Matt Currie from Seneca Partners. This session will provide valuable tips on how to successfully pitch to investors, what to look out for in the process, and informal networking with other local founders.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 9: What is equity investment? (fhunded Preston Season event)

Attend this short, lunch time talk, hosted by Society 1, for explainers on what exactly Equity Investment is, the processes for gaining investment and jargon busting.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 11: Artificial Inspiration: AI and the Creative Process 

Part of Society1’s ‘Live Work Create’ series, this panel discussion will explore how creatives can strike the optimal balance between human creativity and AI-generated content.

Moderated by Mich Bondesio and featuring Mark Dunbavan, Matty Hall and Christina Davies, the discussion will look at ideas for how creatives can use AI to enhance and elevate their own creative abilities and outputs.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 11: Lancashire Women in Digital (LWID) 

Join this evening event at Chorley Studios, featuring a mix of networking, engaging talks, micro-training sessions, and group activities—including goal setting for the remainder of 2024.

Their buddy system is perfect for newcomers, offering the chance to connect with a fellow attendee.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 17: Founder X Funder (fhunded Preston Season event) 

Hosted at Preston’s new OneCoWork, this event features Kiran Mehta from Mercia Ventures, who will share key insights on raising investment. Following the session, there will be an informal networking opportunity to connect Lancashire founders and funders.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 25: Lancashire Cyber Good Practice Network (GPN)

Organised in collaboration with UCLan and Your Affordable Board (YAB), join cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and organisations from across the county to share knowledge and ideas at the Cyber GPN meet up morning.

A breakfast networking session will be followed by a dynamic morning of intros, collaborative mastermind sessions and discussion around specific challenges.

Get your ticket here.

Sept 27: Preston Innovates drop-in sessions

Book a one-on-one, 30-minute slot with Shirah Bamber of Preston Innovates, to discuss anything tech, digital or cyber related. Sessions will be held at Cotton Court Business Centre.

Book your slot here.

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