M-SParc and GlobalWelsh join forces to empower north Wales innovation

M-SParc and GlobalWelsh commence long-term partnership; announce major seed-funding investor event alongside Development Bank of Wales, Business News Wales, London Welsh and more.

M-SParc by Bangor University is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with GlobalWelsh, the global diaspora organisation focused on connecting Wales to the Welsh diaspora around the world, to support the growth of cutting-edge north Wales start-ups, with a major global seed funding event scheduled to celebrate this new relationship.

Menai Science Park has developed a fantastic reputation since opening in 2018 for championing innovation in north Wales, providing headquarters for some of the most cutting-edge businesses in the country to flourish with first-class support, creating new jobs and growth in the sector.

Officially launched in 2017, GlobalWelsh is re-defining what it means to be Welsh and enabling people and businesses alike to embrace their ‘Welshness’, connect and collaborate on a global scale.

By building a global community for Welsh people and friends of Wales, and through its range of programmes, events and initiatives the organisation has created a growing network of meaningful connections, introducing like-minded people to help investment and business opportunities prosper, giving even the smallest business ideas potential to become life-changing.

“We’ve always been extremely proud of the support we’ve been able to offer our fantastic tenants here at M-SParc, but this partnership with GlobalWelsh will see us take that to another level as it links our tenants with a world-class network of business leaders and investors who can provide guidance and support of the highest calibre."

On its networking platform Connect, GlobalWelsh has over 3,000 members based in more than 60 countries, and to support the evolving needs of its business community has recently launched ’GlobalWelsh for Business’, a new membership programme for businesses in Wales and diaspora-led businesses around the world, designed to facilitate international networking, talent acquisition and collaboration between businesses and business leaders worldwide, and this new partnership with M-SParc will see their tenants have access to that programme.

Announcing the partnership today, M-SParc and GlobalWelsh are also excited to confirm their first major event together: Den y Dreigiau at Menai Science Park on November 11th – a Hybrid Angel and Seed-funding Pitching Event.

Alongside other major partners such as London Welsh, the Development Bank of Wales and Business News Wales, M-SParc and GlobalWelsh will host an event where pitches will be heard from seven M-SParc tenant companies looking to raise between £300,000 and £1.5m to take their businesses to the next level.

“Bangor University was actually one of GlobalWelsh's first founding patrons, so it's fantastic to be partnering with one of its most exciting ventures. We share a common goal and vision for a more connected and prosperous Wales, that starts at the grassroots by inspiring young people to become entrepreneurs and ends with globally successful businesses growing and staying in Wales.”

Discussing the partnership and the Den y Dreigiau event, Menai Science Park Managing Director Pryderi ap Rhisiart said:

“We’ve always been extremely proud of the support we’ve been able to offer our fantastic tenants here at M-SParc, but this partnership with GlobalWelsh will see us take that to another level as it links our tenants with a world-class network of business leaders and investors who can provide guidance and support of the highest calibre.

“We were delighted to welcome Richard Scott, Director of GlobalWelsh Invest, to M-SParc recently and see how energised he and the tenants he met were after a full day of meetings, and we’re very excited to see our partnership with GlobalWelsh  develop and deliver vast benefits for all.

“Den y Dreigiau is a monumental occasion for business in north Wales, and it is only fitting we should launch our partnership with such an event. Seven of our tenants and one external company will be pitching to an audience of investors from across the world for vast amounts of money that is seldom seen in this part of the world. Our partnership with GlobalWelsh is vital to that.”

Richard Scott, Director of GlobalWelsh Invest added:

“On my recent visit to M-SParc, I was impressed by the incredible community spirit and business ecosystem the team have built. It’s home to great businesses and innovators but also opens its arms to the broader community with a strong focus on developing skills, supporting local talent to build and grow successful businesses.

“Bangor University was actually one of GlobalWelsh's first founding patrons, so it's fantastic to be partnering with one of its most exciting ventures. We share a common goal and vision for a more connected and prosperous Wales, that starts at the grassroots by inspiring young people to become entrepreneurs and ends with globally successful businesses growing and staying in Wales.”

Den y Dreigiau is a first-of-its-kind hybrid event for north Wales, hosted by M-SParc, GlobalWelsh and partners, bringing a range of cutting-edge start-ups and small businesses together to showcase their exciting investment opportunities!

Want to get to know or support the next great Welsh business? Join us on 11th November from 5:30pm (GMT) in-person at M-SParc or virtually from wherever you are and find out more via the link: https://den-y-dreigiau.eventbrite.co.uk

Cover photo by Neil Mark Thomas.