Durham launches new Alumni Angel Network

Our Venture Lab, which supports student and graduate entrepreneurship, has been working with members of our alumni community to establish a new network facilitating investment in start-ups founded by fellow Durham alumni. 

Following feedback received from alumni, the solution of founding a new 'Durham University Alumni Angel Network' was proposed and roundly approved. After extensive planning and consulting, an impressive roster of 26 qualified 'angels' from around the world has been assembled.

Since the network's creation, the Venture Lab has curated a deal flow of relevant opportunities and has successfully held three inaugural events where seven businesses founded by Durham alumni have pitched to UK & US based members.

Chris Gilman, Entreprise Manager, and Durham's lead for this network commented: "The Durham Alumni Angel Network is an innovative initiative offering opportunities for alumni to back Durham founders on their entrepreneurial journey and for our student and graduate entrepreneurs to access world class support from our amazing community."

About the Alumni Angel Network

Angel support to early-stage businesses is critical for the start-up ecosystem to flourish; as well as capital they contribute invaluable experience, insight and expertise to the founders that they choose to work with. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience all round.

The Alumni Angel Network therefore casts a wide net, and its current members hail from a variety of backgrounds and levels, including entrepreneurship, finance, professional services sectors, and C-suite executives.

Pitches received from alumni-related businesses to date have stemmed from a range of industries, such as FinTech, EdTech, sports sciences and carbon negative product manufacturing, amongst others. The common denominator has been of trying to provide solutions to pressing problems and disrupt their respective markets. 

Get involved

If you’re interested in joining the network as a member, have a business that is seeking funding or just want to know more, we invite you to get in touch.

-----

Find out more

• Read more about the Venture Lab
• The Alumni Angel Network is part of the broader Durham University Alumni Enterprise Network. Create a member profile and sign-up to receive updates about the Enterprise Network