The Midas Touch
Spoinsored by Midas Touch is hosted by
Mahesh Mistry of Viking Direct.
The Midas Touch, noun : the ability to make and maintain vast amounts of money.
‘Pitch and pay’ takes on a whole new meaning at
Was the experience how you thought it would be?
Business Startup events.
What can I say? It was a busy, noisy and unforgiving environment
in which to pitch a complex business concept, in very little time,
Would your business benefit from a substantial financial input?
to people who potentially had the power to facilitate or condemn
What if that investment also came with a guarantee of ongoing
the venture! I was expecting nerve-wracking, and I got what I
support from a successful and dynamic entrepreneur?
signed up for!
If you’ve got a flawless business plan and only need the money
to make it happen, then pitching to a panel of millionaire
Would you recommend other fledgling entrepreneurs take
entrepreneurs at the Midas Touch might be the best way to
part?
spend your afternoon. On both days of the exhibition, visitors are
Absolutely, there’s no denying that an experience like the Midas
welcome to take part as pitchers and viewers in this edge-of-the-
Touch can seem daunting, particularly to someone just starting
seat live show. It’s so much better than on the television. Come
out in business, but it is a very telling thing to stand and present
and watch as aspiring entrepreneurs barter ideas for equity in
(and if necessary defend!) a concept you really believe in. The
this emotionally-charged and often jaw-dropping event. Many
worst that can happen is the panel disagree with you, and
have come with a plan and left with a business: could you be one
when it comes down to it there’s a lot to be gained in exploring
of the lucky ones?
the areas in which your business needs to improve in order to
Since its creation, The Midas Touch has grown to
become successful.
become a staple of the show, with an estimated £1,200,000
already invested by our panel. Past panellists have included
Peter Jones, Rachel Elnaugh, Brad Rosser, Jonathan Jay, Steve
Bolton, Gill Fielding, and many more. Thursday
10.30-11.30 Midas Touch Session
But what makes it so popular? We asked last year’s winner, 12.30-2.00 5 preselected finalists
Amanda Jones of Red Button Design, to shed some light. pitching for the price of £10K
“The WinWeb Business 09
What does winning the Midas Touch mean for Red Button competition”
Design? 3.00-3.45 Midas Touch Session
Red Button Design is one of a cluster of exciting, emerging 3.45-4.15 Presentation of Prize
businesses looking to drive real social change in a manner that
is ethical, sustainable and profitable for all involved. To have that
Friday
recognised and to be held up as a good example of for-profit
11.30-12.30 Midas Touch Session
social enterprise is a fantastic boost.
1.30-2.30 Midas Touch Session
Should we now go on to close one of the funding deals
3.30-4.30 Midas Touch Session +
offered as a result of the Midas Touch it will also have greatly
Presentation of the innovator
accelerated our progress to market, but its demonstrable effect
of the show
depends somewhat on what happens in post-pitch discussions,
so watch this space!
Visit Viking Direct on stand 584 to buy products from all these suppliers!
22

BUSINESS STARTUP In association with Visit us on Stand 310 and supported by Visit us on stand 304




BUSINESS STARTUP In association with Visit us on Stand 310 and supported by Visit us on stand 304



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