New leader announced at successful Midlands angel investment network
A Midlands-based angel investment network which has helped dozens of young businesses raise millions by matching them with the right business angel investors has announced a new leader to grow the organisation in 2025 and beyond.
Luke Pulford has been hired to lead the Minerva Business Angels investment network, part of the University of Warwick Science Park, and not only wants to help more businesses receive investment, but encourage more people to give angel investing a try.
Luke’s extensive experience across the private and public sector in founding, growing and supporting companies, business consultancy and investing– as well as previously being part of the Science Park’s business support service Business Ready – meant he was well-placed to take the reins.
He said: “When the opportunity came up with Minerva, I thought it was too exciting to miss. I’m passionate about helping young businesses grow and succeed, and this role is the perfect way for me to do that.
“A thriving angel investor network is vital for high growth companies to flourish, not only in terms of access to funding, but access to the right people.
“For some businesses, having a direct introduction to the contacts who can move their business forward is even more valuable than an injection of cash in the long term.
“Matching the right investor with the right business is therefore crucial to success, and Minerva has been doing that well for many years.
“But one of my key goals is to debunk some of the myths around angel investing, especially that you have to be a high-flying multi-millionaire to do it.
“Even modest amounts of investment can make a huge difference to a young company with a bright idea, and if they succeed, the returns can be enormous.
“It also means investors can put their money into ideas or individuals that they really connect with and make a tangible improvement to that business, rather than just putting in cash.”
Luke, who lives in Leicestershire, now aims to utilise his network across the Midlands and collaborate further with bodies such as the British Business Bank, accelerators, universities and wealth management funds to help Minerva grow, both on the business side and the investor side.
“Minerva has incredible potential, and I’m excited to take it on the next stage of its journey,” he added.
“It already has some incredibly experienced angel investors s across a range of sectors in its investor network, and they would be the perfect fit for so many growing businesses.
“It’s my job to ensure those conversations and introductions happen more and more to help investors find the right businesses to back, and to help businesses access the finance they need to turn their ideas into thriving enterprises.”
Victoria Lynch, Head of Commercial at the University of Warwick Science Park, added: “We’re delighted that Luke has been appointed as Head of Minerva Business Angels.
“His extensive background in investing in and advising small businesses, alongside his network of contacts across the Midlands and his knowledge of the Science Park through his work with Business Ready, meant he was the standout choice.
“We are confident he can help Minerva Business Angels build on the incredible success it has had over the last few years.”
