Successful fundraising in 2026

Investors are backing fewer companies – but writing bigger cheques for the ones that truly stand out. This session breaks down exactly what investors at all levels are looking for and how their expectations have changed. We’ll also talk about how to position your company for a better chance of winning capital, whichever fundraising stage you’re at.

We’ll cover:

• What investors care about in 2026, and what they don’t
• How to tell a compelling growth story backed by real traction
• How to prepare your product, metrics and narrative to get a better deal
• How to inspire investor confidence, even before a pitch
• Common mistakes that can kill deals

This will be followed by a Q&A.

If you can’t join live, we’ll send the recording to everyone who registers so you can catch up anytime.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Speaker bios:

Michael Millar and Neil Wood have helped start-ups and scale-ups raise millions in funding. Michael is partner at the multi-award winning, product design consultancy SmplCo. He has helped more than 125 entrepreneurs - from start-ups and scale-ups, to innovation teams in global giants - conceive, design and develop digital products, raise millions in investment, win awards, and land innumerable customers. Neil leads boutique corporate finance house, Wood Associates London, and has access to an extensive network of equity investors, including High/Ultra High Net Worth Individuals/Syndicates, Venture Capital Firms, Private Equity Houses, Family Offices.