Ambition, scale, partnerships: event highlights from Capital Connect Forum

From the opening remarks to the final breakout sessions, the forum encouraged meaningful dialogue focused on shared purpose and actionable next steps. Participants explored new approaches to collaboration, access to capital for scaling ventures and new pathways to commercial success. Discussions also emphasised the need for inclusive capital – to ensure that funding is accessible to diverse founders, regions, and sectors to support broad-based innovation across the UK economy.

Innovate UK reinforced its commitment to inclusive capital by signing the Investing in Women Code, advancing efforts to embed gender diversity across funding pathways and investor networks. The announcement was supported by insights from Debbie Wosskow OBE, who highlighted the continued work of the Invest in Women Taskforce in driving systemic change and expanding access to investment for women-led businesses across the UK.

The event also served as a milestone in Innovate UK’s ongoing Investor Partnerships and Invest in Innovation programmes which have been building momentum over the past three years to strengthen connections and support economic growth.

As discussions progressed, a clear vision emerged to rethink risk and embrace ambition. Key figureheads agreed that collaborative approaches between public and private finance will unlock growth, enhance economic resilience and empower the next generation of high-growth UK businesses.

Tom Adeyoola, Executive Chair of Innovate UK, underscored the urgency and scale required to make this vision a reality. He emphasised priority of pace and ambition in supporting innovative companies, stating:

I think a key piece that’s often missing is that [support] needs to be provided at a pace. The critical criteria are ensuring that we can increase and improve the conversion of companies at each stage in each round, but also that they’re accelerated through the process. Our goal is to accelerate innovation through breakthrough ideas through to industry giants.

Building on this call for urgency, the forum shifted into a deeper exploration of partnership as a catalyst for change. In a fireside chat featuring Minister for Investment Jason Stockwood, British Business Bank CEO, Louis Taylor, and Tom Adeyoola, the conversation addressed how combined efforts between government and financial institutions can mitigate risk, mobilise capital and support the growth of high-potential businesses.

The discussion reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships and aligned funding streams from start-up to scale-up as essential tools to deliver long-term impact. It also highlighted the need to translate Industrial Strategy goals into coordinated actions that are followed through and implemented across both public and private sectors.

To explore more insights and standout moments from the event, the Capital Connect Forum highlight reel offers a concise view into the energy, ideas and partnerships shaping the next chapter of UK innovation, and the role Innovate UK plays in supporting that direction.

If you’d like to learn more about the Invest in Innovation programme, contact: investment@iukbc.org.uk